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:
>Dear Andrew,
>I am sorry I cannot provide what you wish for but I would
>like to be kept in touch with any info you get. My
>involvement is with a project for types of care within EU
>for people with autism. I have a real concern about the
>issue sfor people with autism about how they are or are not
>involved (disenfranchised) from effective particiaption in
>their services. Clearly there are intra-personal factors
>which could be perceived to have a bearing on this but I do
>not believe there is no way to make significant change to
>this over time. People will need support and acces to a
>larger voice - hence my interest in the results of your
>query.
>The only information I have gleaned about disability in
>europe is from Munday and Ely 'Social Care in Europe'which
>provides an overview of the formal structures.
>Jim Wood
>
>On Sun, 25 Jun 2000 12:26:06 +0200
>Andrew Azzopardi <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
>> Dear list members,
>>
>> Thanks for bothering to read this mail. I am currently reading a
Masters at the University of Sheffield. I would like to ask list members
whether they can guide me to;
>> 1. a site or a book that gives a detailed outline of the development of
disability politics in Europe;
>> 2. how could one define 'disability movement';
>> 3. what are the points of contention and those of convergence between
disabled people activists and parents (of disabled people) activists.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Andrew Azzopardi
>
>----------------------
>Jim Wood
>University of Exeter
>
>
>
R. Castle
<[log in to unmask]>
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