• 7 Posts
  • 50 Comments
Joined 1 year ago
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Cake day: June 13th, 2023

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  • thanks for the links. To clarify, I oppose “functioning labels” like “severe” or “mild” autism. However, I think it is important to say that some autistics feel more disabled by their autism than others. Support need vary, and there should be a way to express that. If you have another term that is better, I’m all open to hear that! Finding good terms isn’t always easy. Doesn’t mean any one is better than the other. I agree with you insofar that any kind of “ranking” - as you say, is very misleading. I am usually called “mildly autistic” when I disclose my autism. Which is not how I experience it. I’d personally be more comfortable with being called a high masking autistic, as it doesn’t invalidate my experience as much. Again, I am open for better words here. What I read about people who identify as level 2 or 3 autistics is that it is important to them to make some distinction, as their experience is quite different from people with lower support needs.

    You not wanting to listen to them, or not considering them “enough” to satisfy whatever need it is you have (which I genuinely don’t understand), is a you problem.

    You misunderstand me here. I precisely want to listen to them. What I am looking for is perspectives from people who dealt with more impairing issues (eg problems getting dressed, basic hygiene, trouble to communicate basic needs etc). I haven’t seen the perspectives from these particular people.


  • their positive experiences with gay conversion therapy.

    I am not looking for perspectives in favor of it, what I am looking for are any perspectives from people with high support needs, as the debate around it is usually led by either neurotypicals or (comparatively) independent autistics, who in many cases have no first hand experience with ABA. Autistics with high support needs are the ones most affected by ABA, and ironically they have virtually no voice in this debate, which bothered me.

    The use of “levels” is also profoundly problematic. Google it.

    Which expression do you prefer, then? genuine question. I found the ‘levels’ to be a better term as it distinguishes by support needs rather than ‘intelligence’, as the word ‘Asperger’ suggests. Googling didn’t help with that question. Again, let me know what your preferred expression is.

    ABA absolutely does not help anyone to learn important skills, but forces people to hide who they are to avoid shame and punishment. It’s abusive, causes trauma, and is not okay.

    I read plenty about these things, and that’s why I am also concerned. So what I’m looking for is experiences with the people most affected by it.

    (edit)

    but some of us have been affected by our past experiences and don’t really care to be reminded of them.

    Fair point. I added a Content Warning to the post.