08-12-2005, 09:53 PM
08-25-2005, 03:51 PM
I think we should save our more specific themes for when we are more well known. This year we should focus on saturating the media to get the word out. Then, when we have their attention, we can start educating them. "Celebrate Neurodiversity" is perfect because:
1) It's positive. People are fickle. They will begin to get sick of the autism tragedy crowd and... Voila! We will be there to offer them an alternate message.
2)It's not negative(Duh!). As much as I agree with the other sentiments, I hardly think we will gain new adherents by saying, "Look you dolt, can't you see you're pissing us off!"
3)Sticker shock. Some people have to be realising this is more than they signed on for and that a whole industry has sprung up to drain them dry. Wouldn't it be cheaper to accept your child and give them a few supports, than intensive therapy that bankrupts the family.
4)Inclusion. In the U.S., the federal gov't has mandated that the best place for most children is in a regular classroom, but "autism awareness" groups have inadvertently ostracized ASD children by pathologizing(is that a word?) their genetic personality traits. If you want to exclude them now, all you have to do is say is that you can't give them what they need..."it's so tragic but these kids only have a chance to live a normal life if they receive [insert whatever overpriced unscientific practice here]. There have to be a few parents by now that are over this and would welcome an alternate view.
5)Right to life. Whatever your own view about this issue it just doesn't make sense for these people not to support us.
6)Other disability groups could appreciate this theme and might help us get the word out.
7)Celebrity autistics! People love those Einstein,etc stories. Which brings us to...
8)Adult autistics! It's what those cute but tragic autistic children grow into and it's not that bad and *gasp* you might even be one!
:happyjump: Celebrate market positioning...oops, I mean...Neurodiversity!
1) It's positive. People are fickle. They will begin to get sick of the autism tragedy crowd and... Voila! We will be there to offer them an alternate message.
2)It's not negative(Duh!). As much as I agree with the other sentiments, I hardly think we will gain new adherents by saying, "Look you dolt, can't you see you're pissing us off!"
3)Sticker shock. Some people have to be realising this is more than they signed on for and that a whole industry has sprung up to drain them dry. Wouldn't it be cheaper to accept your child and give them a few supports, than intensive therapy that bankrupts the family.
4)Inclusion. In the U.S., the federal gov't has mandated that the best place for most children is in a regular classroom, but "autism awareness" groups have inadvertently ostracized ASD children by pathologizing(is that a word?) their genetic personality traits. If you want to exclude them now, all you have to do is say is that you can't give them what they need..."it's so tragic but these kids only have a chance to live a normal life if they receive [insert whatever overpriced unscientific practice here]. There have to be a few parents by now that are over this and would welcome an alternate view.
5)Right to life. Whatever your own view about this issue it just doesn't make sense for these people not to support us.
6)Other disability groups could appreciate this theme and might help us get the word out.
7)Celebrity autistics! People love those Einstein,etc stories. Which brings us to...
8)Adult autistics! It's what those cute but tragic autistic children grow into and it's not that bad and *gasp* you might even be one!
:happyjump: Celebrate market positioning...oops, I mean...Neurodiversity!
08-25-2005, 06:09 PM
I think most people weren't familiar with the term Asperger's until recently and many still do not know what Aspie is. This could be a great opportunity to educate them. In fact, it might be better that they have not heard it before. The first time they here it, it will be with word celebrate in front of it, there won't be a puzzle piece anywhere in sight, nor the words epidemic, tragedy, etc.
09-02-2005, 02:23 PM
I like what Lili says about humor, I think that's so true in dealing with NTs. I like the slogan about prejudice because looking at it from the NT's perspective, they see autistics as poor, misguided people who don't know they're sick. Anti-Prejudice is politically correct and they can empathise with the idea of us feeling prejudiced against.
10-30-2005, 11:49 PM
I think 'neurodiversity' as a word doesn't focus on autsm. Its a good word but it kind of dilutes the focus on autism and NT's might think it means something like 'evryone is unique', which is true but isnt exactly the message.
When people say 'theres no such thing as normal' I do agree because its all (the norms are) a social construction. But I always want to scribble a note at the end saying something that highlights the fact that there is a 'normal', if only in theory and those slogans havent experienced being autistic. Then theyd see "theres no such thing as normal, and then theres really no such thing as normal" Ive stood at the sidelines watching the normals my whole life. babbling again sorry :oops:
When people say 'theres no such thing as normal' I do agree because its all (the norms are) a social construction. But I always want to scribble a note at the end saying something that highlights the fact that there is a 'normal', if only in theory and those slogans havent experienced being autistic. Then theyd see "theres no such thing as normal, and then theres really no such thing as normal" Ive stood at the sidelines watching the normals my whole life. babbling again sorry :oops:
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