I am new to this list, and I too am interested to see autism mentioned, as I
am autistic, and have been involved in the "disability movement" for a long
time.
I have noticed a relatively empowered autistic community on the internet,
but this does not seem to have trickled down to the people on the spectrum
whom I meet locally. I would say that most services are provided according
to the medical model anyway. I post frequently on a NG which includes
autistic posters and parents. I have been trying to promote the social model
of disability as it pertains to autism. It is not easy.
It would seem that it is the goal of rehabilitative services to make
autistic people funtion (or appear to funtion) indistinguishably from the NT
(neuro typical population)
This is in absolute terms the same as Borg assimililation (apologies to non
trekkies), or a denial of cultural difference
I also think that the language of the social model needs redefining as for
instance I do not see autism as an impairment, it is a condition of
neurological difference. Even words like impairment, bear a relativistic
value judgement.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [log in to unmask]
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Rhoda
> Castle
> Sent: 04 July 2000 01:09
> To: Jim Wood
> Cc: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Understadning disability politics - new directions explored
>
>
> Dear Jim
> I was really pleased to hear that someone on this list has an interest in
> autism. I belong to a list for university students with autism and their
> parents, and although there are obvious overlaps there doesn't seem to be
> much actual contact between these groups and the disability movement more
> generally. With reference to your point about people with autism being
> disenfranchised, I think there is a growing assertiveness now with phrases
> like 'autistic culture' and 'this is autistic space' mentioned. Also, the
> limitations of 'NTs' (neuro-typicals) is a frequent topic of conversation.
> However, this may well not have 'trickled down' to the people who are more
> likely to be recipients - and providers - of social care
> services. Also, it
> seems that many professionals emphasise the 'intrapersonal factors' you
> mention - which in my opinion cannot be treated as no more than 'social
> constructions' - to the extent that the behaviour of others is not
> problematised as much as it needs to be. Also, autism seems to
> attract more
> than its fair share of miracal 'cures' and treatments, which seem to be
> imposed on people irrespective of their wishes. I think a line needs to be
> drawn between 'making adjustments' or making social environments more
> inclusive, based on what is understood about this dimension of human
> variation, and attempts to 'normalise' autistic people.
>
> There does seem to be some self-organisation, paricularly in the US, and
> this might be relevant to your project. I think Andrew's question about
> points of convergence/contention between disabled people and
> parent-activists is very relevant in autism services, although I don't
> think it entirely mirrors issues for disability generally. I'd be
> interested in hearing about your research.
>
> Rhoda Castle
>
> At 10:35 03/07/00 +0100, you wrote:
>
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