Aspies For Freedom

Times are grim.

I say that because there is a Member's credit card project proposed for curing autism. It already has $15 MILLION.

What we need to do is get organized, start rallies, spark a movement and get a leader. Not a doctor, therapist or parent of an autistic child, but an actual aspie or autie.

I'm not proposing myself as leader here, but I want to help any way that I can.

We won't go down without a fight.

Well - I'd say we need to approach people (aspies or auties) who are already in the public eye to talk about Neurodiversity with the press (if they aren't doing that already) and raise our profile.  That could help autistic people who face problems in school or work, or in accessing services when they need it.  It could help against discrimination and promote greater inclusiveness within society.

As for the 'cure' idea - the only way that could be accomplished would be through a virus that replaces what scientists identfy as genes for autism, with genes that are more commonly found in the population.  

Factors in our favour against such a move are:-

There's massive public condemnation of designer babies, and the backlash against genetic manipulation of our food is advanced.  By framing the curbie agenda as a designer human issue, we could spark concerns about how far this could go - (Rich black people getting new white genes?  Is there a gay gene?  How about genes for intelligence like the star treck genetically engineered people?  What about new genes for reflexs?  Better memory?)   So - there is the potential for widespread public and political support.  

Evolutionists could be potential allies - because of the 'playing God with the genome' idea.  The question is - by dramatically reducing autism genes in the gene pool do we harm our long term survival chances of the species?  So we could encourage some debate in those scientific circles which would mean peer reviewed genetic research of autism cures would be challenged by the scientific community.

We could well see support from religious organisations based upon theological considerations - and it would be a good idea to sound some of these organisation out.  People might not be so keen to hold Hollywood parties to raise money for an autism cure if the pope said it was unethical and against scripture, for instance.  Could religious groups be allies?

Many people say that money raised for 'curing autism' is really going to be used to develop a pre-natal test that would mean parents had the choice of aborting a viable featus.  I've read one scientific paper that looked forward to the development of a test.  Do the anti-abortion people know about this?  Could they be allies?

I think we need to set up a core group of people who specialise in different area's to draft letters, and we also need people who will volunteer to research people to contact either by snail mail or email.  By approaching the matter this way we can  provide any talking heads that directly represent us to the press, with a platform of support from wider society.

I think things need to be done in a combination of ways- on an individual level, and on a more organized level.
At this stage it's most important just to be heard.  People actually begining to come over to our side need not happen instantly, and it certainly won't if we don't get our voice out there.
Some big things, I think:

1.  Writing letters!  People seriously underestimate this.  Write to celebrities, politicians, leaders, anyone.  Try to get anyone, someone, to speak out about this.

2.  Flyers/poster/pamphlets.  These can go up in schools, public bathrooms, stores, doctor's offices, ect.  Anywhere you have the authority or permission to put them.

For both of the above, I strongly suggest there be examples that could be slightly modified for specific uses, like a form letter.  AFF could have a page on the site where they keep these to be printed out.

3.  Getting your comunity onboard and involved.  This can be irl on a local level, it can be just your extended family, your religious comunity, some political group you're active in, or it can be your online community.  This is why I started my deviantart club for autistics, and it's paying off, particularly with DA loving day coming up on August 9th- we're going to do everything we can for pubicity that day, since the whole point of that day is to spread love and acceptance.

4.  Be LOUD LOUD LOUD.  Do whatever you need to for the publicity.  Just get the word out.

5.  Organize protests against prenatal testing and cures.  Or just organize a celebration of autism.  Either one works.  The more people you can get, the better.  Family, friends, it doesn't matter, if they have a body and you can get them there, make them come.  Make sure the local press and TV are aware of your activities- something like this is probably a novel concept to them and they'll want to cover it, and that's EXACTLY what you want!

6.  Write articles for your local paper or, at least, letters to the editor.  Make it clear how important this is, that people need to pay attention.  If you can, write more than once.  You might be able to get the paper to agree to run a mini-series of articles on Autistic Rights.

7.  Whatever you do, never, EVER make ad hominem attacks on your enemies or on NTs.  It will just make you seem childish to people and they will not pay attention.

8.  Focus on the big issues, don't get hung up on minor things.

We need to be more vocal. We should be writing to people- politicians, singers/actors that support these charities- telling them that they are mistaken.

We could send a Round Robin to the curebie sites themselves. It wouldn't be some violent poison pen, just an email telling them they have opposition.

Show curebie family members this site, or simply tell tem how you feel.

Don't be afraid to tell people you are autistic.

If your school or workplace is supporting a curebie charity, refuse to donate and tell them your exact reasons why. If the headteacher/manager decides to hold a fun run or sale, boycott it and tell anyone who asks why.

Pickett businesses or concerts that support curebie charities. If, by a stroke of luck, some journalist tries to talk to you about it, don't hold back. Getting in the news is beneficial.

If high-profile politcians plan to cure autism, we could try a protest march. We could use this site to sort out dates/times and the like.

perhaps we should talk to high profile names who where involved in the gay rights movement...

i think Sir Ian Mckellen would be a good person to ask...he is quite the campaigner,from what i have heard...

a draft of an e-mail to Sir McKellen;

suggestions?

Looks good.  You didn't really explain to him what it's all about, but hopefully he'll be intrigued, look it up, learn, and answer you thoughtfully.  Fingers crossed.

well,i sent it a few hours ago...might take awhile to get a response,but hopefully not too long.

It is not pleasant to have Asperger, because under the circumstances, we are seldom wanted on jobs, and because of the relationship failures involved, and being bullied.  If such a thing were possible I would consider it, as long as it is voluntary.  I identify with Rogue in X3.  What wouldn't you do for love?

New user, folks.

It has been suggested that we get involved with religious groups and I can understand that some Aspies are obsessed with the symbolism and rituals of a particular sect.

However, at heart, Aspies can only be rational, free-thinkers by default unless prevented by bullying or social restrictions into thinking otherwise.

Evolutionary ideas and scientific method accord with our view of the universe.

We need to stand up for ourselves and together as Aspies, as freethinkers, different and effing proud of it!