Last edited Tue Jan 14, 2014, 07:26 PM - Edit history (1)
http://www.goteamkate.com/1/post/2013/08/why-neurodiversity-is-a-dirty-word-to-this-autism-mom.html
Why Neurodiversity is a Dirty Word to This Autism Mom
08/06/2013
I know that my feelings about Kate's autism will NEVER be as important as Kate's feelings about herself, but for now, while Kate cannot communicate how she feels, I am trying to tell her story as authentically as I can. I fully understand that my perspective comes with all sorts of prior knowledge, experience and expectation that skews the reality of what Kate is going through, but for now, it is what we have. It is our experience to tell and I take issue with those who would determine that I should NOT tell Kate's story because I don't truly understand her condition and that only an adult with autism is capable of understanding her autism and her potential. Attitudes like this are what give the neurodiversity crowd a bad name.
I DO believe that we MUST listen to adults on the spectrum in order to truly understand all the facets of autism. HOWEVER, a parent, whether they are on the spectrum or not, has an unrivalled connection with their child. They have EVERY RIGHT to discuss their child's autism at length. They have EVERY RIGHT to discuss their feelings regrading their child's autism at length. They have EVERY RIGHT to scream and cry. They have EVERY RIGHT to cheer and celebrate.
I am getting increasingly frustrated with reading posts about how neurotpical parents have no real insight into autism. Our children are an extension of ourselves. We FEEL every second of struggle and pain that our children go through. We FEEL every triumph, too.
Isn't it enough that the insurance companies, 'medical professionals' and schools do not allow parents a voice in their child's treatment? Do you really want to silence us too? Neurodiversity is becoming an increasingly problematic philosophy to me and that is not the road I wished to travel when I began this journey.
http://www.goteamkate.com/1/post/2013/07/dont-read-the-comments.html
Don't Read the Comments
07/21/2013
If you read blogs, and clearly you do, or at least you read this one (thanks for that), you may scroll down beyond the post and read the comments left by other readers. My little blog is small and relatively unknown which means the comments are kind and sweet and mostly from my mom. When your blog grows, so then, do the number of comments. And then, for every ten lovely and uplifting comments, you receive one that can feel like something has clutched your insides and squeezed.
Sometimes these comments are left by 'internet trolls' whose purpose in life is to stir up controversy and sit back and watch the mayhem. These are pretty easy to spot and less hard on the head. Others are left by individuals who truly believe their hateful ideas. It's comments like this one directed at autism advocate "Tanner's Dad" that get you:
@TannersDad if your child is autistic, that's because of YOUR faulty DNA, dad. Look in the mirror if you need someone ELSE to blame. #Loser.
I recently witnessed this twitter attack against @TannersDad from someone whom I won't name because I get the distinct feeling he would enjoy more attention. The above comment is one of the many hurtful things hurled at this autism dad. I think the argument began over Tanner's Dad's beliefs about vaccines or something like that but I don't really care what sparked the attack. I care that this kind of attitude exists in a world where I am raising Kate. I know that this man was hiding behind the internet when he attacked this father. For some reason, these things stand out and cloud the many good comments we receive every day.
The thing that I remind myself when I read awful comments like this is that there are a vast number of you that would line up behind me and Tanner's Dad to put this man in his place. That seems to help.
http://www.ageofautism.com/2014/01/welcome-tim-welsh-tanners-dad-to-age-of-autism.html
Welcome Tim Welsh "Tanner's Dad" To Age of Autism
Managing Editor's Note: We are pleased to announce that Tim Welsh, whom you know as Tanner's Dad is now a contributing editor. Please follow him on Twitter @TannersDad.
Welcome..... KS
By Tim Welsh
We are advocating during a time of great stress and strain on our families. Some advocates are stepping away to refuel, retool and reset their priorities. I have chosen to dig deeper, push harder and go back to my roots of blogging the issues that face families, fathers and folks who are dealing with individuals with the greatest deficits due to Autism. It is not an easy road but I believe Age of Autism is the vehicle that is blazing a trail that history will show is the right one to follow.
Writing an introduction to the community is difficult. I have been an advocate for the community for over a decade now. I know that I have been blessed to be surrounded by amazing teams and witnessed a few miracles. I hate to sound boastful at the rehashing of the accomplishments. Suffice it to say, if you want to revisit history Google: TannersDad Autism Tim Welsh. I have over 1000 bylines and more than 120,000 tweets to my credit. I believe in general twitter can be a waste of time but for our families it has produced many grants, a few vehicles, money, and a movie. Even a rock anthem "Vaccine Epidemic" thanks to The Refusers written about Tanner and I.
I approached Mark, Kim and Dan with a request to join the team. I have taken two years off from blogging. During the last two years I was active on twitter and helping promote and coordinate showings of the documentary
"The United States of Autism". This film features many of the Age of Autism family. I believe our message and story will reach the masses in this travel log visiting many individuals with different points of view of Autism. Even though I requested that I join this spring they graciously welcomed me with open arms and asked me to join in a New Years announcement.
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Tim Welsh, is one of the most active and influential Parent Advocates for Autism. Avid Speaker, blogger, and Tweeter (@TannersDad). Tim works to build unity within the Autism community, Gain Insurance coverage reform, End Restraint & Seclusion, Advocate for services, prevent wandering and much more. Tim & his wife Cheri have one son Tanner (16).
Favorite tweet…
“I have a son he has autism, but, I also have dream. I dare dream of a world where profound regressive autism is not only treatable, but is also preventable”
Posted by Age of Autism at January 06, 2014 at 5:46 AM 
= new reply since forum marked as read
You'll learn.
