Wired.com: Some of your critics suggest that as a “high-functioning” person with Asperger’s syndrome, you present an overly rosy picture of life on the spectrum. You work in D.C., do a lot of public speaking and networking, and are obviously capable of things that someone who lives in a wheelchair or can’t speak cannot do.
Ne’eman: I know quite a few people in D.C. who use wheelchairs, and I know people who use AAC devices and work in public policy. Some of my mentors fall into those categories. So while I’d agree that there are many things I do that some other autistic people can’t, I wouldn’t say that it’s the fact that I’m not a wheelchair user or an AAC user that makes that the case.
I recognize that I’m fortunate in many respects and am able to do things that some other autistic people can’t do. But I would also point out that these things didn’t — and don’t now — come easily to me. I’ve been fortunate to be able to count on the inclusive culture of the broader disability-rights movement to help support me.
There’s a strange idea out there that neurodiversity advocates think that autistic life is all flowers and rainbows, but I don’t know anyone who thinks that way. Most of us have had deeply personal experiences of social isolation, bullying and abuse, lack of support, discrimination, and plenty of other problems. But it’s much more productive for us to focus on how we can improve people’s lives than to keep presenting people as pitiable burdens.
No more pity. It doesn’t help anybody.
Extremely well said.
Nicely stated!
thanks for the heads up. I am on my way to Wired to read the rest.