I'm in Chicago Tribune article about Neurodiversity vs. Cure

Post Reply New Topic

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opin ... 6107.story

"The fledgling neurodiversity movement argues that autism is not a disorder—it's a unique way of thinking and viewing the world, and one that should be embraced, not "cured." To them, recovery sounds as if someone wants to mess with their brain wiring, rather than the side effects.

"Even by improving our ability to cope in the world, we will always identify as autistic," said Alexander Plank, founder of WrongPlanet.net, a Web site for the autistic community, in whom Asperger's has been diagnosed. "Autism is not something that comes in and takes away a person but is an inherent wiring of the brain that is part of an individual's genetics."

Plank has a point, but he also is a functioning member of society. A film and video major at George Mason University in Virginia, Plank speaks on neurodiversity at conferences. He has a girlfriend and friends. His interests include computers, writing and acting."

There's some stuff about parents finding a cure as well...

I understand the desire for people to seek a "cure" for their children. I sympathise with them.

On the other hand, I am who I am, and don't exactly know how I'd feel if someone offered to cure me. I wouldn't be myself anymore.

As a denizen of Chicago ("Chicagoan" in local vocabulary), I have to say f**k YEAH SEAKING

The end of the article...

I must say that the article is surprisingly well-written in that it presents both sides of the argument in question... most articles are heavily biased towards one camp or the other...

when are people gonna stop saying that Autism is a "disease"?
coz u cannot "cure" something that IS NOT an epidemic!

and also... if they try to force me to I will shove their so-called NeuroTypical cure where the sun don't shine!! !

Please do, I'd love to see how they feel with a syringe through their t******s

Acceptance and respect are far better "cures," in my opinion.

don't worry!
you just KNOW I WILL!

Alex - another brilliant interview, well said and well done. This is the kind of press that's needed.

I like that it does distinguish between the abilities of those higher functioning and Aspergers people and the ones who do have genuine problems that could perhaps be alleviated... it shows both sides of the story and doesn't invalidate either or put the treatment vs neurodiversity arguments as mutually exclusive, as so many tend to.

YAY

You know, they could have also spoken with Amanda Baggs, who is quite clearly not the sort of "higher-functioning" person the writer so blithely dismisses - but who also does not seem interested in a "cure" for her condition. The article was indeed slanted, just not as badly as we're used to. (Check how many curebie parents they either interviewed or discussed - balanced against the viewpoint of Alex, as the sole representative of the Neurodiversity groups. And the phrasing the reporter used to dismiss his statement.)

Just FYI, the author farmed responses to her blogs for the responses and quotes. I would assume Amanda Baggs never posted there, or she might have been quoted. Overall, the quotes are pretty in proportion to the responses on the blogs, as in what sides are represented. I would say the author did a good job of reading and distilling all the debate that happened there.

Actually, FYI she also used one of my comments to the blogs, when I was trying to support neurodiversity, although it isn't obvious from the quote she picked. And the number of chat rooms or forums I read up on is exaggerated ... I hope I didn't say that, but who knows, lol, in the heat of a debate. You've got to give her credit for trying. She would have asked me more questions outside of the stuff I put in the blogs but I kind of balked at that - I just don't feel it's my place to represent the spectrum adult community, for various reasons. I would never have posted on those blogs at all if Alex hadn't led us there. Perhaps more members here need to post positively worded debate points in places like that, so that representation increases.

This article is now available in the newspaper's blog section, where you can post comments if you wish:

http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com ... .html#more

Good job, Alex.

I mean, so what if you're the only name mentioned among all the anti-cure people? The point is you still got out there and did this thing.

I thought the article was very well written. Sure there is a little bit of a slant in it, but you will find that everything that is written will be at least a little bit slanted.

At least the author listened to the other side of the debate.

I actually agree with the last part coz when I read the report they did dismiss it very cunningly but that was the second time I read it:



and also... what's with the "but" in the beginning of that paragraph? I conclude that it has made no reference to Alex's statement:



so I don't really see how they can just write that when clearly they didn't listen to what he had to say? does... anyone agree?