To the “Anti-Ableist” movement,
also to the Social Model, Medical Model
and Affirmation Groups:
This Website’s Mission Statement
I am grateful to Donna Williams for her valuable advice to me,
in February 2014,
making me aware of the diversity of points of view in the
autism community at this time .
I would like to state where this website sits within the community.
You will see everywhere on this Site my assertion that we are all autistic to some degree. I hope that if this point of view is widely adopted, distinctions between “us” and “them” will lose their emotional force, and our differing viewpoints become less divergent.
If you too accept that we are all autistic to some degree, then no longer will it be necessary to regard a more-autistic orientation as either • a distinct difference, • a medical disorder, • a personal tragedy or • a badge of honour, nor to blame the individual or the social environment, because the issue of “blame” and “taking sides” becomes a sterile and
irrelevant one.
However, I do not intend this Site to be a “one size fits all – everyone is right”. I would argue that all humans benefit from self-improvement of any kind, which if there is any real “purpose” in life, that would be it.
There is no shame in saying “I am not perfect”. And you have a legitimate source of pride if you make effort in any endeavour, to then observe the consequent improvements in yourself.
Specifically on this site “Improvement” is described in terms of being able to more effectively interact with the world, or “Real World” for personal and societal betterment. The Training offered here aims to teach Children do so in more effective ways than current offerings, and sits within the general aim of Education, which few would argue is not a worthwhile endeavour.
If all recognised that pride in oneself comes from within, then combating others who for some reason withhold respect becomes largely unnecessary. (Though I acknowledge that “marketing one’s own value”, is often necessary to stake your position vis-à-vis others). If all people begin from a position of saying “I am a worthwhile person ( for these reasons * ) but I embrace self-improvement without shame or defensiveness” I believe greater human progress and harmony would result.
*(for these reasons): “ I make all efforts to enjoy and look after myself (naturally) but I do so within the context of treating others as I would like to be treated; I am honest with myself and my abilities compared with others and I make positive contributions to those around me. And where I fall short of these ideals I acknowledge them as mistakes and aim to do better ” (or words to that effect)
I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR POINT OF VIEW,
THE WAY WE DO IT ON THIS SITE IS FOR YOU TO
GO TO THE “VISITORS COMMENTS” SECTION (CLICK THIS LINE)
ADD A COMMENT AND JOIN IN!
(NO NEED FOR ‘LOGINS’ BEFORE YOU CAN COMMENT !!!)