Re: Many autistic people do have savant-like skills Subtopic: diversity, ' we are human beings not human-doings'

[Guest guest]

Hello:One of my values is to support diversity and respect those who are different. BUT I find that this is easier said than done. Like many of my ideals it requires an effort. Possibly some proponents of diversity don't realize respecting diversity takes an effort. (or when they meet someone who is beyond their realm of experience they reject them.)I have been 'stung' by people who have initially assured me that they welcome diversity and that 'we are human beings not human-doings' This sounded nice, as they told me that they wanted their organization to welcome people without expecting everyone to do something for the organization, (as a contrast to much of society which has the 'you scratch my back I'll scratch your back philosophy).They said I would be welcome to attend their church without having to 'do anything'. To

me not having to 'do anything' indicated that I would not 'have to' be really social etc. Unfortunalety this is not what they had in mind, and the situation did not end well.renaissanzeladyFrom: environmental1st2003 <no_reply >Subject: Re: Many autistic people do have savant-like skillsTo: FAMSecretSociety Received: Saturday, April 18, 2009, 10:52 AM

"To me, it is more strange to value people for ability. I don't think

the argument about the value of preserving autism should be about

special abilities. I think it should be about the existence of a human

and autism is one of the ways of being human. I think the argument is

about the value of diversity."

You have a valid point. But in light of the fact that society is enthusiastically egging on the development of a genetic test for autism so that we can be aborted out of the population, it's fairly obvious that no one thinks like you about diversity as it applies to perceived "retards" like us. Society has pre-determined that we are rejects, and that "diversity" as it applies to all of them, does not apply to the likes of us.

The only bargaining chip we have is our extraordinary abilities, which would stand to benefit society if autistics would only get off their lazy butts and make use of them.

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[Guest guest]

renaissanzelady wrote: " ... <snip> ... I have been 'stung' by people who have

initially assured me that they welcome diversity ... <snip> ... "

I recently came across such an individual who bills himself as the " Asperger

Advocate to the World.. "

To the NT world, he presents himself as a phenomenal advocate for Aspie rights.

He presents himself as THE superlative example of what an Aspie is. He presents

himself as being the " bridge " between the NT and Aspie worlds. Yep, he's

supposedly the go-to guru for NTs wishing to connect with Aspies because he's

supposedly the one talking for all of us.

Behind the scenes, his real colours shine through and what he really is, is a

two-faced opportunistic individual who leverages AS to his advantage.

No one really knows for sure if he has been diagnosed by an accredited and

licensed medical professional.

We do know for certain that he slams his soon-to-be ex-wife for acting in a way

that is consistent with the diagnosis she has from an accredited and licensed

medical professional.

He claims to " embrace diversity " but heaven help the person who dares to be more

diverse due to a diagnosis from an accredited and licensed medical professional

than he's willing to accept. If you happen to a little more than what he's

willing to accept as being part of AS, he will discriminate against you, vilify

you, slander you and more.

Gotta love those sorts of hypocrits ... NOT!

Raven