Community sustainability most of all.
I like the idea of regional based threads, stickied threads based on countries, or regions within countries that have a larger WP membership.
Only concern is if the regions become too small, or cliques forming.
It would be nice if PPR had a broader global influence, the politics part in particular, only some posters bring in philosophical discussions and religious discussion is even quieter again. It was moving in positive directions at one point until understandably divisive American politics took it over.
I don't post there, but I used to enjoy reading PPR when there was more variety and it attracted a broader base.
More focus on mental health and ASD, there seems to be so much stigma there still.
Mens health and wellbeing, really it needs it's own subforum but in the absence of one, perhaps the health and fitness forum could work.
More integration generally, moving away from segregated notions, but in particular between parents and adults with ASD.
I read on wikipedia that WP is mentioned as a resource for students taking autism related studies in the USA, it would be great if they could also share their academic knowledge as well as using WP to gain knowledge.
In general... themes of inclusion tolerance and a recognition of the autistic nature of the membership.
Addressing the internalised bias about disability, I think that one is part of a cycle some people experience and to me it seems to fuel more harmful than helpful ways of being. As in I see (insert pronouns here) bias from categories within WP towards other categories of people on the spectrum. This is why I have reservations about regional threads. In group, out group mentality. Othering etc.
When new members join it would be good to have a stickied thread in the getting to know eachother forum, explaining that this place operates differently to a typical support site due to the fact that everyone else is on the spectrum or has a vested interest in ASD... As in everyone else is struggling too, so new members expectations from the outset would be more realistic putting less pressure on the same people time and time again.
This could help with retaining membership as it encourages more respectful, tolerant and inclusive mindsets, for everyone, not just the person in crisis.
It would be nice if people experiencing significant relationship difficulties could post in a better environment than love and dating, it's better no doubt than it was, but doesnt tend to attract sensible heads as a result of its reputation.
In fairness though, I remember that Tallyman wouldn't touch it with fire tongs or something like that. Much has changed there. Perhaps 'in depth adult' could adopt these threads, though with less foot fall this might not work for the person seeking advice.
Another sentiment that needs emphasis is the voluntary nature of this site, changes in the culture are not admin led, nor can the outcomes of hard work in this regard be attributed to anyone other than the membership base and voluntary mods.
A sentiment I think we badly need more of, is tolerance for the mods being autistic too. It feels at times that they are expected to appear/conduct themselves in an NT presentation. If they make mistakes, the reaction is merciless at times which makes it not ok for a autist to admit making a mistake. Every time this happens we create a culture of it being ok to have unreasonable expectations of people on the spectrum. Or simply just more intolerance.
Its the same mindset that's applied to autistic celebrities, I mean if we cant interpret 'our own' correctly with tolerance and respect for how different we all are, how on earth could we ever expect to foster this in others in the real world.
Top down to lead with as the benchmark, bottom up and then perhaps we can start addressing inside out.
14 Sep 2019, 7:13 pm
