Aspies For Freedom

B"H

     Hello.  Thank you for reading my post.  I will be placing my writings on religious philosophy and deep questions in this section, at the request of the Administrators.  After this post, I might be taking a break from posting to deal with many issues.  I hope that you will read my other threads, and feel free to comment on them.  
     Today, I'd like to discuss the difference between the disdain for "LFA" (pardon the term) found within Neuro-typical and certain "Aspie" circles.  A certain term was used, one that I will not repeat, relating to people who have a habit of handling defecation.  It was a disparaging remark, one used as a smear against the "LFA" community, that shall not be used here.  And, from now on I will not be referring to our friends as either "LFA" or (G-d forbid) as "poop smearers."  They will be referred to as G-d's Children in this Post.
      G-d's Children were created for a holy Purpose.  It is not a superior one to that of Neurotypicals or "Aspies," but a different one.  In Israel, Rabbis consult Autistic children over certain questions in part, I believe, because of their honesty.  Autistic people have a difficult time lying.  Sometimes the truth is blunt, and a little hurtful.  However, it is still the truth as autistic people see it.  That is a precious Gift, that of telling the truth.  It is one that should be encouraged.  It is more important than "looking the teacher in the eye."  We can emphasize telling the truth in a kind way, as part of a child's character development---but sometimes the full truth is necessary.  
      What is the purpose of people on the far end of the autistic spectrum?  Here is one perspective.  In Chassidic philosophy, it is considered incumbent upon humanity to bring the Light in to the world.  The world is not divided in to a spiritual and a material world.  There is no separation.  Even smearing poop is actually an attempt to fulfill a real function.  Remember that there is a lot of cr** in the world.  This cr** is impurity, defined as hate, jealousy, and greed.  
       It is incumbent upon humanity to transform such a world in to a more G-dly State.  We are literally playing with poop, hoping to transform it in to something better, just as Nature herself does.  Those who smear poop have a deep understanding of what their function is.  Now, it is the job of parents and teachers to guide that function away from a misguided *PHYSICAL* smearing of poop in to a remembrance of the real function of transforming the world (Tikkun Olam) by spiritual fertilization, the transformation of cr** in to something better.  Smearing poop is a literal interpretation of a soul memory.  Instead of merely repressing a habit, help your child to remember her or his real function.  You will go a lot further in stopping the physical habits that you might want to stop, if they are hurtful or unsanitary, by seeing the hidden wisdom in them and then by redirection than by simply seeing the obvious in a situation.  There is a lot of cr** in the world, and we must transform it!  
       Parents, remember that your autistic child is God's Child.  Neurotypicals are too full of themselves to have the honesty that your child has.  We "Aspies" are even worse.  Examining my own life, I can see that I have been full of myself, or better yet, full of "it."  The "it" that I am referring to is actually a word that rhymes, if you catch me.  It would have been good if I had smeared it around.  I would have hurt less people that way!  (Sorry to use this kind of language in a Torah post. I won't do it again.)
       Neurotypicals and "Aspies" were created for a holy Purpose too, of course.  It is simply that to reach it there is a great deal of pride that must be overcome.  In the case of the latter, we must humble ourselves and be willing to accept, and rejoice in, the "Autistic" label.  In your case, parents of Autistic children, you must see the blessing and find how to bring the special Gift of your child out.  
        Your child is a blessing, if you can learn to guide your blessing in the right way.  You will have to rely on your Intuition for that.  I cannot tell you parents what to do.  I cannot tell my "LFA" readers how to find your Gifts.  I am simply telling you that I believe that the Gifts are there.  According to the Torah, Moses was no orator.  He stuttered.  And yet, he was the greatest communicator of all time.  Pharaoh wrote him off.  His own opponents called him a "tyrant" (G-d forbid).  Yet, it is his memory that has inspired not only the three Abrahamic religions, but also the respect of Eastern religions, Native American "Wavoka" and others.  In Africa, his memory is still praised in oral traditions.  Do you catch me?
       It is not necessary that your child be a so-called savant.  Such an expectation is not only unrealistic.  It actually misses the point.  A Gift does not have to be something so overt as playing chess against a grand master, or the usual thing you see in movies.  It is something to be uncovered.  You will find it by being open to it.  
        NO HUMAN BEING IS CREATED WITHOUT A PURPOSE.  I am not interested in getting in to a debate over which model of evolution one believes, or Darwin versus Intelligent Design, Creationism, or anything of that nature.  I might discuss my views on that some other time.  Rather, it is my belief that no human being is born without a Purpose in this world, here and now.  Your child is no exception.  
        Let me say that I learned more from being a Paraprofessional in a SDC classroom, taught by a compassionate teacher, than I ever would have in a more structured, but less compassionate environment.  I could see the special Gifts of our students.  And, I know that those of you who are "LFA" (God's Children) are reading this for a Purpose.  Many of you, like Sue Rubin, have higher IQ's than you have been given credit.  Still others may have other skills.  Friends, IQ is a racist invention that really means nothing.  Ms. Rubin's jumped from 24 to over 130 in a short time.  IQ is really a maleable thing.  It was invented by proto-Nazis, and I believe that we are better off abandoning it completely for more complex models of intelligence.  
        I want to further expound on my point by giving an account from a Rabbi giving a talk on the nature of Divine Commandments.  Let me sum up his speech.  He pointed out that, in some sense, Torah Commandments are divided up in to "spheres," in a similar matter to how I've divided my posts between separate spheres.  Commandments against things like pork are in the "we don't understand why" sphere.  However, Commandments dealing with murder are understood, on one level, as being common sense.  
        And yet, on a deeper level, we cannot make such easy divisions.  If we take the Commandment against murder, and make it merely a human Commandment, then we are left with the attempt by governments to make all manner of "rational" exceptions.  Who defines what a human life is?  Thus, we see the Th*rd Re*ch and its exceptions bases on disability, race, etc.  It was all "rational" in their minds, a "logical conclusion" if you will.  Thus, murder itself must be seen as a Divine Prohibition, that we do not kill because it is wrong, not because it is irrational, or else we will begin to rationalize and find exceptions.  Human history testifies to this.  In America, we have also had eugenics laws, violations of human rights for "rational purposes!"  
       Of course, it can be pointed out that medieval society made similar exceptions to the law of murder, but if we examine it we find that it was not based on the notion that some people were non-human.  Medieval society had its own evils, but not that one.    If we go down the road of saying that a certain child has certain genes causing autism, and that these genes allow parents to terminate children, we have gone to a barbarism worse than that of the Thirteenth Century.  It may be OK from a scientific perspective to find root causes of autism.  However, it is a slippery slope when we begin to rationalize selective abortions based on those findings.  
        In summation, we have a choice between two world views.  The medieval one is gone in the western world.  It might still exist in the Middle East, but not here.  Therefore, we have two stark choices.  One respects science (right now I am listening to Michio Kaku' "Explorations"), but does not worship it.  The other allows scientists and multi-nationals to play around with life itself, even to the point of tampering with the human genome.  Certain traits are considered impediments to the trans-humanist notion of progress.  If you are a Neurotypical or "Aspie" who has bought in to transhumanism, you have bought in to a lie.  If you are a parent who has bought in to the same lie, then you have done your child a disservice.  And, if you are a "LFA" person, you must prove bigots wrong by finding your Gift.  Start with bringing the Light in to the world, by taking your habits and finding the real spiritual basis behind them.  You will be led from there.  I wish you luck.
       "LFA" adults and children, you are God's Children.  I am proud to be on the same spectrum as you are.  Find your Gift, whatever that is.  You need not be a so-called "savant" in order to do that.  Just start with bringing the Light in to the world.  It is not your job to complete the task, nor is it your option to desist from it.  That last sentence is basic Chassidic philosophy.  Now don't just study, go and do.

All the best.  I do not know when I will post next, so be well.

I hate to burst your esoteric bubble, but poop is just poop.... and as to why some smear it, I tend to think it probably has far more to do with sensory sensations of smell, touch etc. ... and in at least one instance I know of a little bit of payback.  Nothing will upset the general population faster than having to clean up someone else's excrement. So let's not go overboard in trying to assess great meaning where there may in fact be none.  I'm just glad to be way past it.

As to the other, I actually agree everyone and everything serves a purpose within the greater scheme of things. The chaos theory of interconnectedness of sorts. LFA Autism is no different than other person  and probably serves similar purpose to any other severe disability for that matter.  Hrick's theory is that the severely disabled help people reconnect with their soul source - love.  Basically if you help someone who is disabled it is without expectation of return from that person.... because after all what can they do for you.  It becomes an altruistic act.  Altruism is love and love is the key to our souls/ or reminder of our soul source.  Now I have absolutely no idea whether this is a true perception or not.

What I do know is Hrick thinks its true and his belief in it helps him to better accept his life's state as LFA.

I know some people try to portray those who think this was as seeing themselves as being better than others in some way. I get kind of mad at. Hrick would be the first to tell you his role, as he sees it, is not better than anyone elses. Each person/individual has his own  unique and equally valuable greater purpose. He just figures that may be his.

MomofHrick

P.S.   I am aware of the rabbinacal use of autists for consult in Israel. My concern is that many of those consultatons occur using Facilitated Communication. While I have nothing against FC, I am also aware of the risks associated with its use.  Even Hrick, who started out using FC before developing his independent typing skill will tell you that FC is easily influenced, even nonintentionally.  As to each communication one would have to ask is the truth conveyed then really that of the Autist or that of the subconscious mind of the Rabbi?  While it may lead to insight either way, it does present a practical problem of source.

MomofHrick

[quote=MomofHrick]
I hate to burst your esoteric bubble, but poop is just poop.... and as to why some smear it, I tend to think it probably has far more to do with sensory sensations of smell, touch etc. ... and in at least one instance I know of a little bit of payback.  Nothing will upset the general population faster than having to clean up someone else's excrement. So let's not go overboard in trying to assess great meaning where there may in fact be none.  I'm just glad to be way past it.

ATM:  Of course.  You must understand that I was not speaking literally.  Yes, the behavior must be changed.  Nothing in my post should be taken as endorsing a Laissez-faire approach to child rearing.  We've had a bit too much of that in the last forty years!

Helping children find their best selves does not mean total freedom.  If anything, it means instilling self-discipline.  However, such instilling of discipline must be done with love and the right spirit, or it backfires as horribly as does permissive child rearing.

All the best, Mama of Hrick, and thank you for participating in this thread.

B"H

Thank you for the question, tenaciouscj.  "G-D" reverences the Name of God by not overly mentioning it (Third Commandment).  It is a tradition and not an absolute maxim.  The real rule is to not mention the Hebrew Name of God.  

As for the Th*rd R*ich, that is a different matter.  There is no reverencing of anything---rather, it is to avoid a mention of evil outrightly, as to blot that name out.  Same rule for both, but diametrically opposing purposes.  

Thank you for participating.

"G-d" doesn't bother me -- doesn't break the flow of the text in my perception of it.
Then again, I read so much religious stuff from pretty much anyplace I can get it that it's not surprising.

However, the inconsistency of it's usage DID catch my attention.

Fascinating interpretation of fecal utilization, however

Thank you each for your kind words.

To the theorist who first posted:  You worry about nothing of import in thinking as you do.  Severe disabled maintain connection via their physical brokenness. They need not find that which was never lost to them.  When young I had no body sense. All was mind.  To "be" takes on its real significance in that form.  Mind is soul, as heart is source. It creates, but is ruled by its creation in the physical . Hope this helps you.

To Ellen:  I am touched by your words.  Mom does me no disservice though. Her words take her from the equation.  It is a nonprovable position accepted in personal manner out of faith, not mine, but yours.  Truth rings true.  Simen will find my words ludicrous, my position a rationalization self serving.  I understand.  This is a rational position to take. Only your faith separates you. Only your faith lets truth reverberate in you.  It is an added ingredient as yeast to bread.

EvilZakkie is most kind of all, as is Lucie, in finding value in my mind as soul. It is a great compliment I truly appreciate.  It is a gift this place, to be viewed in the one dimensional of the words as mind.  Unfortunately it is not the real life physical world I struggle daily in.  That is the dimension most see, not written word, but physical reflection.  It is the irony of the yeast - that which creates the bread also leaves is subject to mold.  My brokenness is gift and curse.

Hrick

[quote=Michael Hricko]
Thank you each for your kind words.

To the theorist who first posted:  You worry about nothing of import in thinking as you do.  Severe disabled maintain connection via their physical brokenness. They need not find that which was never lost to them.  When young I had no body sense. All was mind.  To "be" takes on its real significance in that form.  Mind is soul, as heart is source. It creates, but is ruled by its creation in the physical . Hope this helps you.

ATM:  Mr. Hricko, it is an honor to speak with a fine young man such as yourself.  I can see your intelligence and insights coming through very clearly.  I am truly honored by the fact that you post on my thread.  Thank you.

I am not sure what you mean when you suggest that I worry about nothing.  My point is that all people are created for a holy Purpose.  In the case of people on the Spectrum, wherever we may be, we have truth-telling as a big part of what we are meant to do.  It is vital to accept that Mission, and to fulfill it.  I believe that the Truth is the most precious commodity.  Without it, life has very little luster or meaning.

When people miss their Mission, they miss what they came in to the world to do.  That is a great tragedy.  You can see it all around you.  It is not a matter of spiritualizing disabilities, as I do not believe in that.  Spiritualizing is a form of denial.  Rather, I do not believe that telling the Truth is a disability, even if there are very real disabilities that cannot be denied or wished away.  But, one has to cleanse one's Gift or it becomes clogged up, and instead of Truth one is telling nonsense.  It is vital that as you grow up you do not go in that direction.

So many have done so.  I get the strong sense from your words that you have a firm commitment to go the right way.  Please maintain that commitment.  Thank you again.  I am very glad that you and your mother are here with us, and that I am privileged to be here also.

All the best, and good luck to you.

Momof,

Why doesn't Hrick post directly?  I haven't been here very long, but I haven't seen one from him yet.  

Tell him I said, "hi"

I'll watch for him

The comment in the preceding post came from Evilzakkie not Momofhrick - sorry!!

Magic moderator powers, hoy!

I'm happy to end the discussion if you are - I just didn't want you to get away with calling my opinion "unfair" without backing it up.

Fair enough - I'll leave it at that, then...

B"H

Since I believe that LFA are going to have an important mission in the world at some point soon, it is therefore incumbent upon me to help those I may teach to understand that they do not have to become NT in order to find the right direction.  I am not as interested in "fighting the cure" as many of you are, since for me that is the wrong question.  (For me, personally, that is, not for you)  Rather, the question for me is how to convince many "LFA" that I come across that they are complete human beings who do not need to change themselves to fit in.  How do I bring about the best in the world as it is, with all of its discrimination?

And, we also need to convince others around them that these people have a worthwhile contribution.  The Rabbis in Israel seem to think so.  I don't fight thousands of years of success.  I am honored to play the part I am playing now.

All the best.