Aspies leaving WP due to percieved "tone"

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Are you aware of individuals on the spectrum that have a) decided not to join WP, or b) left WP, due to a percieved "tone"?
Poll ended at 07 Feb 2013, 5:16 pm
Yes, I don't know why (individuals) left/did'nt join 5%  5%  [ 6 ]
No, I'm not aware of anyone who left/did'nt join 54%  54%  [ 61 ]
Yes, they indicated they did'nt like "negativity" 21%  21%  [ 23 ]
Yes, they indicated that the site was too positive towards ASDs 1%  1%  [ 1 ]
Yes, they thought the site is too pro-cure 2%  2%  [ 2 ]
Yes, they thought the site did'nt take their interests into account 2%  2%  [ 2 ]
Yes, they felt awkward posting when they have had better life experences 2%  2%  [ 2 ]
Other/please explain in a post 13%  13%  [ 15 ]
Total votes : 112

Sora
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30 Jan 2013, 11:45 am

I don't know about "tone" but I do remember reading a couple of comments in these past years since my registration on WP about some autistic people experiencing moments of feeling left out/not being included as much for having somewhat different needs.

As for me, I can relate to the overall feeling of being excluded whether on purpose or by accident in a forum where autistic people believe to be or pretend to be welcoming and open towards differences.

I struggle A LOT in German-speaking forums for autistic people. Some of the autistic people there are really ignorant about that autism is a spectrum even in adults and that this spectrum encompasses impairments that make everyday life hard. It doesn't just happen to me but it's obvious in the way topics such as trouble with shopping, driving, speaking, listening/answering, self-stimulation becoming self-injury, having co-morbids that aren't all that usual are discussed.

Actually, I am sure that ignoring whole parts of the spectrum or how similar autistic symptoms happens to all of us but I feel that it makes a difference whether you're interested in what someone else has to say about their side of things if they take time to explain or whether you go about ignoring them, ridiculing them, outright claiming that they're misdiagnosed and shouldn't pretend to be autistic or that they're lying about what their autism or the autism of someone they know is like. What I like about WP is that there are always at least a couple (or more!) people found that are curious and open towards other people.

So, while I cannot speak for how people who left WP or consider leaving it are feeling, I can relate to the overall experience of being singled out in a place in which people claim that they're totally okay with "autism" when in truth, they can't accept perfectly normal autistic people who are different from them.


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InThisTogether
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30 Jan 2013, 12:35 pm

I know someone who left because she felt berated when her view was different from many of the more "vocal" regulars.


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Surfman
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30 Jan 2013, 12:51 pm

WP needs spiritual healing
disease begins in the spirit
our genetic autisms due
to the spirit of our ancestors

Basically my fathers poor spiritual nature screwed up our family
thanks Dad you boyish self-centred idiot
not you Alex



tjr1243
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30 Jan 2013, 3:16 pm

I don't know anyone who wanted to leave WP due to perceived "tone". It is interesting the comments about "negativity" - I come here because I'm sick of books and sites that are overly glowing and positive about the future of people struggling with Asperger Syndrome. This is not to say that Aspies can't have a successful future - some indeed do. However, there are swarms of book authors out there who are already married, have kids and a successful career and write about their syndrome, claiming to speak on behalf of all other Aspies out there.

I like WP because it welcomes frankness and honesty about the real struggles some of us face. There are so many books out there that highlight the barriers of Aspergers or High-Functioning Autism, but the undertone is "keep a positive mindset and everything will be ok!" Some of us don't have anyone who can advocate on our behalf - we often meet people halfway and are puzzled at the rejections we continually face in the world. OK, i'm not speaking for anyone else. Maybe life goes smoothly for many folks. But there are so many posts here that I can relate to.....really relate to. I come here because it makes me feel less alone.