The Autism Separatism Discussion Thread

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My view on people with Asperger's and Autism are not superior to neurotypical people. We are just different. It may not be as appealing as the "New Species" idea, but in my opinion, it is just as, if not more important.

Firstly, your view of evolution as a directional phenomenon with intentional steps is misguided. Evolution is driven by what is best for survival at a given time and it is simply the best of random mutations that survive. While it is true that some things seem to advance over time, features often develop in roundabout ways,regress to previous states, useless ones (like vestigial organs) or just disappear. It does not work out that just because something is better to have in general, it is evolved. That is one of the reasons why our natural history is littered with extinctions. Even today, you can find examples species with traits that are not beneficial to them in the long run but exist nonetheless because of some other driving factor. One set of examples would be in the plumage and displays of many male birds, which are costly for energy and resources or make them easier targets for predators. These features are necessary to them though because the females are attracted to them and the only way to ensure survival to the next generation is to obtain a mate. So these features are selected for, despite all the issues they cause. Evolution is a far more randomized process than you give it credit for in this description for your argument.

The nature of evolution means that a new, better form of human isn't going to automatically develop over time. Some would argue that our current state of living, at least in developed countries would cause the opposite effect, an evolutionary stagnation due to factors such as the increased ease of survival and the loss of genetic diversity through the mixing of genes from genetically distinct groups.

There is no denying that people on the spectrum are different from the neurotypical population. It is natural to want to think that this means we are genetically superior...it is human nature to think we are the best and everything different from us is less but that does not necessarily make it true.

It is ta fact that there are some areas where we might have advantages over the average person, often most visible in the mild cases, where people can still be functional members of society, contributing a wide range of new ideas using our unique forms of intellect that can move society forward.

But we must not forget the other side of that coin. There are things about us that can work to our advantage or disadvantage depending on the situation and still others that cause outright problems for us that neurotypical people can easily overcome. An example of the prior is the level of focus we have when concentrating. Our level of focus may allow us to concentrate on specific tasks better than the average person but we may become so engrossed in our task at hand that we may miss some outside factor that could be important to what we are doing, like being so focused on our work that when the person we're working for starts discussing important details, we tune them as we work on what is in front of us and miss what they say.

Then there are things that are outright disadvantageous. I can think of no better example of this than the meltdown. If you are on the spectrum and have never had one, consider yourself lucky. What causes it, what happens during it and the preventative behavior we will take up to keep them from happening are all examples of what makes this so bad. If we become too stressed, it can trigger these meltdowns. These stresses can be caused by sensory overload (another disadvantage we have over NTs), social stresses and other factors. Once engaged in a meltdown, we can lose the ability to act in a calm, thoughtful manner, we react with uncontrollable, sometimes self harming behaviors. Anyone who's been on here long enough has at least seen some of the treads about them. Then, to avoid this issue, we come up with avoidance behaviors that cut us off from things that the neurotypical population takes for granted.

But, the fact that we are different is good. We represent an important part of the much needed variety among people that is needed to move forward, both as a society and as a species. Variety is necessary for the flexibility that leads to change. In this, I agree that we should embrace who we are.

^^^ excellent post

For a community - if that is the right choice of word, who prides itself on difference, we have a long way to go in accepting 'difference' in the truest meaning of the word.

The OP's arrogance is not too far away from the mindset that was so prevalent here some years back. Many who have been unkindly towards him, would perhaps be wise to reflect on how their own views have taken time to mature and evolve.

OK, a quick word about Autism being the next stage of evolution...

You must remember that science is never settled. It never truly proves anything, it merely mounts evidence of various types in support of hypotheses until we consider them theories, and further still until we consider them laws. Any single piece of data to the contrary is enough to completely shatter the theory and require a new paradigm or model from which to operate.

The problem is that there is the assumption that Mild(or high-functioning) Autism is wholly Genetic. I'd like to see some citations for that. It appears that there is a genetic component, but this does not completely preclude any environmental factors. Even if it was genetic, that does not mean all changes to your DNA are good changes. Some are silent changes, some will kill you. Some may impart some benefit(Sickle Cell Anemia is cited for this, though it's a sucky trade-off. Sure, your chance of developing Malaria is smaller, but your not going to live nearly as long as someone without), but there tends to be give and take.

I personally reject the idea that we are superior in any way, shape or form. I believe that we are all created equal (as human beings - I know some people have a plethora of gifts that far surpass others, but that doesn't make them a better human being). I think that pursuing this line of thought, of an Autistic Master Race, can only make things worse for us and others. We all need to work together, which means we need to take the high road. We need to be ambassadors to NT, to let them know we are different, that we "come in peace", and to curry understanding for our DISORDER(it is a disorder, I'm sorry).

What if, what if, I'm like this because I'm a special kind of being set apart from the rest, like a stranger in a strange land?

I think this person is saying that a grudge against how he was treated by "NT's" is, at least partially, behind the OP's desire for "autism separation."