does anyone on this forum have aspergers syndrome?

angelica

Restless Soul wrote:

Oh I must apologise because I didn't fully explain myself which was stupid of me. When I said "people" I was actually referring (in my mind) to the people in the disability "sector" that I'd spoken with, such as youth workers, social workers, disability advocates, therapists etc. I was thinking of them as more "ahead" in comparison to the organisations that sponger linked to such as the AAMR. (I'm glad to see that they are changing their policy on the word too though which is promising). I should have explained that properly instead of flippantly. I did not mean to come off as condescending to you or anyone.

Okay, I appreciate your clarification.

I don't personally think we can compare two different countries that have their own unique circumstances and history as nations. To me it's like comparing apples and oranges. Differences are just that--they are different. When we get into the value judgment of "better" or "worse" we're talking about what is based on our own personal values. If you resonate with your national values, how can you expect another country with it's own values to live to your standard? Or how can you fairly see them as falling short when your standard is not their standard? It's opinion-- although we are entitled, our opinions and judgments show who WE are, not who others are. There is a vast range in attitudes from worker to worker within any one country, as well. For example, my sister has a social work certificate in Canada and although the requirements of her job position would be quite ideal and PC, she's an openly biased woman, against mental illness, among other things. And yet, beside her, she might work with someone who is dedicated to acting upon the ideal by being fair and unbiased. All within the same country.

sponger

harmless_little_f*** wrote:

Can we also agree that most of the world has come up with better descriptors for certain disabilities than the commonly-accepted-in-the-USA 'retard'? Or can we at least agree that such a better word might be found if we looked for it?

It would be great if we could start using a term like "special needs" and have that term be universally understood to mean exactly what the term "mentally retarded" means.

But, I think even terms like "developmentally challenged" and "special needs" are still too open to interpretation to be practical. For purposes of, say, descriptiveness, how is it possible to sum up in one or two words a person who is basically unable to take care of himself regardless of the effort put in?

This need for a definitive term doesn't come from a desire to categorize and segregate. It comes from the need to give these people the extra courtesy that they require. It makes it known right away that this person really, really needs our help -that he doesn't just need some extra assistance, but a lot. The term "mentally retarded" does nothing except create the awareness of a special sort of people who have needs that are much greater than what we would typically imagine. And when most americans hear that word, they naturally feel compelled to provide solutions to those needs.

PaperPlates

harmless_little_f*** wrote:

That is NOT all that sponger was doing. Have you even read the whole thread?

I'm finishing in here. I've said my piece.

I think you and I were trying to make the same point. I know thats not what sponger was doing. Not any more than the guy using the N word. Thanks.

justam

In any case, however you all were using the word or explaining the word, the word is not an appropriate label for someone with Aspergers. It was a label that someone used on him that was meant to be hurtful only.

Aspergers is distinguished from other forms of Autism in that the people are very intelligent (not SLOW) and they are high-functioning. They learn how to compensate for the difficulties they have reading social cues.

This thread seems to have seriously de-railed.

IndianSummer

even bit torrents founder Bram Cohen has it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bram_Cohen

The Paperbag Scene

sadscaryguy wrote:

hey guys i was just wondering if anyone on my friends list is familar with the condition called aspergers? well i was born with it and i have it but unfortunately im not as smart as einstein or bill gates. Ive had it since my whole life but was diagnosed at 14 and im 22 now do any of you know anything about aspergers? or have relatives or friends that have it at times i have to say it sucks having it because i get called names like retard for it etc and get put down by others or get called freak

My mother always thought I had aspergers syndrome but
I had numorous assessments done and it was ruled out.
I've read books and articles about it and I even accepted it for a short period of time so I understand how you feel.

My brother used to call me a freak and tease me because
I've always been somewhat 'different' to a lot of people in my manner
and my overall additude but I just accept myself and I find it does help if anything.

What makes me angry is how judgemental people are.
Craig Nicholl from the Vines has aspergersand when it
was announced people were joking and making a crack at him about him and there seems to be a stigma attached to it now. ("Oh i went to the show last just to see Criag Nicholl flip!")

Well, that's just my opinion.

Keep you're head up. You're better then them. I'm supporting you.

xx mel