Aspies For Freedom

This was fowarded to me. Sorry if anyone has already posted it since I don't have time to check right now. I don't know if it's for real.

"Hi there-

My name is Dana Berchman and I am currently casting for an episode of MTV's True Life series, focusing on people living with autism.  Specifically, we are looking for people between the ages of 16 and 28 who are verbal and able to participate in on-camera interviews and who have a big event or milestone coming up in the next few months.  We would love to document them as they experience this event - for example: going to college, getting their first job, moving out on their own, getting their driver's license, etc.  I would appreciate any help or advice you might have to offer.  If there is any way you could post this on your site or in a newsletter, I would really appreciate it - or if you know anyone that fits the criteria we are looking for.  Thank you for your time and help.

Sincerely-
Dana Berchman
MTV - News and Documentaries
dana.berchman@mtvstaff.com
212.654.5334 "

Hmm...  not quite sure about this. Even if it is scienceer,  how many parents of an autistic teenager or young adult(because undoubtedly the autistic would not be capable of deciding for themselves) would allow their child to do this, and share their own opinions.  My thoughts is it would probobly be scripted replies.  It would be an interesting idea, and would be an amazing opportunity. I would have to see some more info before I can compleatly pass judgement (that is more than I already have.)

I'm so fed up with this stupid autism cliche! These NTs talk about "living with autism" as though it's like "living with acne" or "living with schizophrenia". I think it's just a real stupid way of thinking about it.

Myownmind wrote

I hope you were being ironic here, Myownmind.

I'd do it... though it isn't quite 'living with it', I'm quite comfortable with it. I don't see it as a 'disease' or a 'disability', or even a 'problem'. It's just different.

I'm starting college next month and I'm looking for a job, and my band are starting to get more successful in the local rock scene, so I have a lot of milestones coming up.

Pardon!  :shock:

She's got to be joking! The representative who sent the letter. After years of involving programming that does not only just make fun of Autistic people, but also is generally mysogynistic. They expect people who've struggled all their life, to suddenly now trust them?

Too little far too late. I think maybe we should e-mail her back saying, "So what is this show going to really be about..you selecting certian clips that show people being sterotypically Autistic, and talking about how we suffer? You the people who play woman-hating music videos, and encourage a culture of people who make fun of Autistics? Are you really that dense?"