Danielismyname wrote:
Well, a good chunk of those with autism are still in the rarely talking, sitting in the corner and rocking box; are they to become the oft-forgotten people who're swept under the rug as they don't have as loud a voice?
It's as if people want to call themselves autistic, but they want to detach themselves from the "autism" they don't like and redefine the terminology (see: misunderstood geniuses; which is completely false).
Please read this all. I don't think ANYONE wants to be considered autistic simply for the name, etc... HECK, they probably would rather not be considered autistic. They do it only:
1. Because they are.
2. Because they identify with others that are.
3. Because they want the average person to understand that it can include people that are at least as good as they are. BTW! There is ALWAYS someone better in some way, so please don't take that as insulting or arrogant.
That last one, #3, is especially important and MANY here have spoken about it. Too many think autistic almost means worthless, and that the "afflicted" are miserable their whole lives.
THOSE people have a voice! There may be different motives, but the message is the SAME. Many here are simply trying to say that many AREN'T miserable just because of autism, and some seem downright "normal"! By "normal", I mean that they have a sense of humor, good faculties, can talk, look similar, etc... I STILL find it amazing that my social problems, sensory problems, and quirks make me autistic. If I did not see so many here that look similar, I would not have believed it.
BTW as for how he reacted about wapner, I can relate! There have been times I REALLY wanted to see a certain show(like star trek, EFC, etc...) and, if I couldn't talk well or do much and was generally BORED, I would likely have acted JUST like raymond! I bet MOST could relate if they thought about it.
