Home > Fact > Ouch Q&A #19: Aspies
Ouch Q&A #19: Aspies
11th September 2007
Q: 'Aspies for Freedom'? What exactly do they want freedom from?
A: This British , set up by 19 year old Gareth Nelson and his wife Amy, now has over 20,000 members. Their , considered radical in some quarters, is based around the notion that they don't want Asperger's to be considered a disability any more. They want to be known as a minority, and they want attempts to find a 'cure' - all of which have so far failed - to be stopped.
Q: So why would they want to do that?
A: Because 'Aspies for Freedom' believe that Asperger's is a condition that can manifest itself in a multitude of positive ways. People on the higher functioning autism spectrum (this generally those who are able to communicate verbally, act independently and usually have a IQ over 80) are often in possession of extraordinary talents in the fields of mathematics, memory, music or arts. speculated to have had the condition over the centuries include scientists and , Irish author , , the third President of the United States, and Pop Art pioneer . 'Speculation' is the key word here, however, because there was no real knowledge of the condition in Jefferson or Joyce's time.
Q: But what about the down sides?
A: Well, yes, it should be remembered that Asperger's is a form of autism, a severe disorder of brain function marked by problems socializing with others, together with ritualistic or compulsive behavior and often unusual responses (unusual at least, to those who don't understand the condition) to the environment around them.
A: Because 'Aspies for Freedom' believe that Asperger's is a condition that can manifest itself in a multitude of positive ways. People on the higher functioning autism spectrum (this generally those who are able to communicate verbally, act independently and usually have a IQ over 80) are often in possession of extraordinary talents in the fields of mathematics, memory, music or arts. speculated to have had the condition over the centuries include scientists and , Irish author , , the third President of the United States, and Pop Art pioneer . 'Speculation' is the key word here, however, because there was no real knowledge of the condition in Jefferson or Joyce's time.
Q: But what about the down sides?
A: Well, yes, it should be remembered that Asperger's is a form of autism, a severe disorder of brain function marked by problems socializing with others, together with ritualistic or compulsive behavior and often unusual responses (unusual at least, to those who don't understand the condition) to the environment around them.
Q: So have they had any success in their quest to, ahem, 'prevent' a cure?
A: Well, 'Aspies for Freedom' is up against some very established international campaigns, including (formerly the National Alliance for Autism Research) and the rather more directly named . But as Gareth Nelson argues: "We feel autism is part of the individual, not a disease that someone has. If more focus was placed on giving children tools to cope with the NT [neurotypical or non-autistic] world rather than trying to change them, that would benefit autistics a lot."
A: Well, 'Aspies for Freedom' is up against some very established international campaigns, including (formerly the National Alliance for Autism Research) and the rather more directly named . But as Gareth Nelson argues: "We feel autism is part of the individual, not a disease that someone has. If more focus was placed on giving children tools to cope with the NT [neurotypical or non-autistic] world rather than trying to change them, that would benefit autistics a lot."
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you state and I quote "A: Well, yes, it should be remembered that Asperger's is a form of autism, a severe disorder of brain function marked by problems socializing with others, together with ritualistic or compulsive behavior and often unusual responses (unusual at least, to those who don't understand the condition) to the environment around them. "
As a mother of two delighful autistic boys I take gross exception to your description of Aspergers as a severe disorder of brain function. Are you a medical doctor, are you an expert in autism, what are your credentials for stating this? Even if you are a doctor I have encountered one who told me my children couldn't be autistic because they could speak!!! and another that told me they weren't autistic because they were competitive! When will people learn. Autistic people are as different from each other as neuro typical people. Sure they have some similarities but then so do all human beings. Autism is a developmental disorder. The bbc health website describes autism much more sympathetically. I strongly suggest that you alter this description and consider how people will react when reading it. I would greatly appreciate a response as to what you plan to do to rectify this.
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I live in Ukraine and have Asperger syndrome.I like www.aspiesforfreedom.com.In Ukraine there are no websites for autistic people.
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