Patriautism - Voices of Neurodiversity

Welcome to "Patriautism - Voices of Neurodiversity", where those with neurocognitive differences can express opinions, share perspectives, and speak for themselves on issues of public policy, politics, education, family, collaborative research, or experiences with miscreant medical or vocational rehab services.

Patriautism to the Neurodiversity Movement is no vice.

Have news, opinions, requests, teaching ideas, or an inspirational story? We'd love to hear from fellow Compatriauts.

Friday, July 4, 2008

Time to shop this thing around.

I think it is high time I shop this thing around and try to garner interest in this thing. I want this to be a public feed for what's on the minds of those of us who believe the Autism Spectrum and the Learning Disabilities Spectrum are disabilities to be overcome through training and therapy, not diseases to be cured and eliminated from society. Anybody feel the same way? Join this blog and help it become a public face for our views. Patriotism is for the masses. Patriautism is for us. As cited here, the term is deeply offensive to me. What I resent, however, is that the word has been hijacked from what should have been its proper use - blind love for the neurodiversity community, where any reference to autism has no negative connotation or stigma attached. While intended as a voice for the neurodiverse community, this blog is also dedicated to reclaiming the right to our own definitions because it is by these with which we define and present ourselves to the world.

Three terms that should be added to hate speech legislation are "retard", "SPED", and "spaz". But that's just my opinion. If anyone reads this, let me know what you think.

And Happy Independence Day!

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COMMUNITY RULES

This community is meant to allow members to network and provide advice for one another in life's many walks. As can sometimes happen, things can get out of hand without a few ground rules. The following guidelines will help keep this an environment users can feel comfortable with, and maintain our respectability as advocates for our neurodiverse selves.

1. Privacy is Paramount.
It goes without saying that issues of a sensitive and personal nature can and will be addressed from time to time. I have no problem with this, so long as personally identifiable names (other than yourself) are changed or posted with permission. Any information that can be used to identify a specific person needs to be carefully thought through before being posted. Unless it is your own, do not re-post any material from the ANI mailing list or any other private mailing list service.

2. Respect Each Other.
All discussions will be conducted with respect. No defamation of character, libel, racism, sexism, bigotry or discrimination of any kind will be tolerated. We WANT others to view and treat us as human beings with all the same inalienable rights they have. Let's make sure we treat each other as equals.

3. Respect Each Others' Opinions.
Whether you're on the autism spectrum or a "neurotypical", misunderstandings can arise easily. If you are not sure what someone is trying to say, don't assume the worst. Politely ask them to clarify. Even if you feel a comment was unjustified, do NOT repay evil for evil. Any provocateur who does what is known as "trolling" will be banned by an administrator.

4. Maintain Confidentiality.
What gets posted in this community, stays in this community. In other words, if a compatriaut has restricted a post or stated that what is being discussed here is confidential, don't copy and paste their stuff to your own blog or anywhere else. Even if not personally identifiable, anything personally sensitive is known to the poster and disseminating without permission is potentially harmful. Everyone must have the confidence to speak up for themselves, so truth can be heard, and freedom can ring. Treat others only as you wish to be treated.

5. No Spam!
Those who spam this community with offensive or off-topic material will be banned by an administrator. We have enough drug pushers in our lives, we don't need "cures" marketed on our threads. Service issues may be discussed, but only those offering legitimate services to our community will be tolerated.

6. Deleting Comments
Administrators will refrain from deleting people's comments from their posts unless they clearly violate these guidelines, as it disrupts the flow of discussion and can get annoying. This space is for those who have complaints and difficult issues they are dealing with, but don't consider good news postings to be off-topic. We all need inspiration in our lives. If a comment is inappropriate, give them a warning. If violations persist, use the "three strikes and you're out" rule. Don't be afraid to ban them from the community if their violations remain gross and persistent. Be serious in protecting our Patriautic space.

7. Any Questions, Comments, Complaints, or Issues with Other Members? Contact an administrator.
If the issue pertains to offensive comments, try to contact the administrator of the blog posting in which the offensive posts appeared. Administrators are here to help you deal with these issues, and to keep this site alive even in my absence. :-)