This is unbelievable (Autism Walk at my school)

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Thanks lau I appreciate that.

[quote="lau"]I have to own up. My idea was certainly not original, although the wording for my "placard" was:


Wait. Was that actually you? If so, good for you. Yeah!

I would probably have gone around tearing all of the posters down, and when I got in trouble for it tell them why I did it. It would get the message across better that way.

note: I am not recommending you do this, simply saying what I would have done (I was quite the trouble-maker)

I will, however, recommend that you are very loud about why you are not participating in the event, even though it's probably going to bring a lot of uncomfortable attention on you.

A bit more research and, according to Asperger Square 8, the "Joe" in the video I posted was http://theasman.blogspot.com.

Ya know, I really wish there were a way to wave a wand or push a button and take away for a few days everything in the world that was invented, discovered, thought, philosophized, and contributed by AS/ASD individuals, many of whom have been quite famous. Maybe then most people would understand the importance of neurodiversity and accepting people for who they are instead of what they're "supposed" to be by some arbitrary cultural and societal standard. I said this in another thread, but I'm gonna repeat it here because it's important. This increasing push and demand for what I call "neurological conformity" is truly becoming frightening and something needs to be said and done. And soon.

I accept my teenage Aspie son just as he is; in fact, I truly enjoy him the way he is. I love the way his mind works, the unusual, original and creative way he thinks, the endless curiosity and interest in everything, the "thinking outside the box", etc. Sure, the social and communication aspects are a bit more difficult, but he just socializes differently, that's all. Instead of being concerned with how to superficially schmooze, he's actually concerned with real issues and real problems. He loves people, and it's their f*****g problem by now if they don't like him the way he is.

Rip down them posters.. If theres many that agree you could sit blocking the route and carry the placards.. they all will have to stop and ask to move and reason with you before doing anything....

Or even get a group of people to the front with placards with the anti messages and walk all the way letting your placards be the most visible ones everyone sees first.

I dont know if my ideas would get you into trouble.

You should excuse yourself from that walk, and tell them that you do not wish to be cured.

Dear WP members,

If any of you are on vacation in Greece or live in Athens, then be informed that Autism Speaks (a representative of Autism Speaks) will be presenting at the American Community Schools (ACS) in Athens on May 9 & 10, 2008.

As a Greek aspie (I live in Amsterdam but was born in Athens, GR) was invited to meet the Autism Speaks representative (they think I would offer to collaborate with them and maybe have a chapter in Holland for them...) but I as many of you oppose the Autism Speaks attitude concerning autism and curing autism.

The idea that Lau had of the 'poster' I am Autistic I speak for myself and Autism Speaks doesn't is very appealing. I am thinking to print it on a black t-shit and wear it the day of the conference and just act as if nothing is wrong!

It would be amazing to film their reaction when I show up there while the Autism Speaks representative is presenting with that t-shirt on.

I also did dare speak out at the 8th Autism Conference in Rotherdam on 19 March 2008 (went there to meet Tony Attwood who was also presenting), at the end of the conference when they allowed for questions, I stood up and asked how many autistics were in the room (some 300+ people there) and asked them to raise their hand, and I raised mine too.

Of course the amount of hands was a handfull compared with all the professionals there, so I said 'How come and there are so few of autistics here? Could it be that these conferences are so expensive that we can't be here while you profit from autism?
How come and no scientists ever asks what autistics think about autism, and why no one wants our help when it comes to researching it?

The top-dog of the scientists who was presenting the others said "Please sit down, we don't do this here!" And I said "maybe that is why you still haven't found a cure!"

I will be there next year, too. This time more prepared with the proper attire, maybe a poster and more guts to stand up and defend my opinion. I would love for other aspies in Europe to come support me and promote our opinion.

It is time we speak out because if we don't Autism Speaks will!

Star

I'm back in school after the weekend and there seem to be more posters up than on Friday! There's even an anoucement on the sign outside the school about the walk! I'm going to see if I can't take some pictures of both tomorrow and put them up here for you guys to see for yourselves.

The thing is, most people are ignorant of the real issues. I expect your school really think they're doing something for a good cause, and it's probable that nobody who organised the walk really knows what autism is about. Sure, protest by all means, but if you can find a way of educating your staff and tell them what autism/AS is really about, how it can't be 'cured' and how Autism Speaks spew five tons of s**t from their mouths. The people who organised the run think they're doing the right thing, and unless somebody tells them otherwise, they'll continue to believe they're genuinely doing something for a good cause.

My area has an autism walk this Sunday. Here is what their website says the money goes to:
* Educational Scholarships for people with ASD to further their educational or vocational goals.
* Scholarships for family members to attend conferences to help better the life of a loved one with ASD.
* Scholarships for professionals in the field of autism to further their education through college courses or conferences to help them better serve people with ASD.
* Emergency assistance grants to individuals with ASD or families to help pay bills, purchase specialized equipment, or for necessary medical treatment.
* Donations made to help fund much needed research into the causes and treatments of ASD.
* Donations made to fund respite and recreational programs for people of all ages with ASD.
* Providing speakers of topics of interest to the autism community.
* Sponsoring workshops and conferences so fees to attendees are reduced or eliminated.
* Providing open support groups for parents, families, and care givers. This is done in conjunction with Mental Health of Ulster County.
* Providing information about ASD to parents, families, service providers, and the greater community.

That's all good, except for maybe the research part. Although it's unclear whether "treatment" is euphimism for "cure" or if it's for assistance for severely autistic people