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We are all human beings

Atypical

This post points out an obvious fact: each and everyone one of us are human beings with needs and rights that need to be met. But, whilst we all know this, this fact can be lost when we interact with the world. The diagnosis can sometimes lead others to treat us as the diagnosis, forgetting that we have emotions or needs (labelling). Some of us may feel that we have been treated as less than human. Whilst a diagnosis of Autism will explain many of the challenges we face, it does not mean we don’t experience emotions or do not have empathy.

Paula McGowan, when discussing the death of her Son Oliver on Poltics Live earlier this week, rightly raised that it’s about treating people as Human Beings when thinking about reasonable adjustments (in a medical context). I could not agree with her more, respect is the cornerstone of dignity. Dignity is a fundamental Human Right.

  • Atypical said:
    Some of us may feel that we have been treated as less than human. Whilst a diagnosis of Autism will explain many of the challenges we face, it does not mean we don’t experience emotions or do not have empathy.

    Absolutely.  Another side to this is that as we Aspies seem, to all intents and purposes, like everyone else out there - we function in the world, often without any support - we can easily be misjudged.  NTs will often use their own template in judging how we should behave and respond, though our behaviours and responses may be entirely different (though entirely consistent with our condition).  Even people who assert that they 'understand' us will often be surprised when our behaviour doesn't meet with their expectations.  I'm often getting told, for instance, that I shouldn't be so sensitive to certain things.  Even that I shouldn't keep using my autism as an excuse for this or that.  'Everyone finds work/shopping/socialising stressful and exhausting', etc; 'Everyone gets anxious.'

    Generalise it.  'Normalise' it.  Deny us respect and dignity.

  • in reply to Robert124

    Thanks for sharing this Robert. It's really interesting that by putting messages on Twitter Beth's dad got other people to support him. His description of what has happened to Beth and her family is incredibly powerful. We urgently need better safeguards to prevent things like this from happening. I am also very concerned about the many autistic people who have ended up in prison. 

  • in reply to Sunflower

    These are truly terrible (not a strong enough word I know ) I must admit I had no idea about these I don't watch TV read papers or listen to radio. 

    Unfortunately it is all to common for doctors to proceed however they want and when something goes wrong deem it an " acceptable side effect" " risk of the procedure " not that they tell you beforehand but it gets them off the hook when you complain 

  • in reply to Sunflower

    I've also been following Beth's story and how it costs £1300 pw to keep her incarcerated.

    Some organisations are making  a lot of money from her misfortune.

    More on Beth

    https://itmustbemum.wordpress.com/2018/10/14/bethanys-dad-gives-the-rest-of-the-story/

  • The death of Oliver McGowan was truly terrible because it was so easily preventable.

    And yes, I agree with you, certain diagnostic labels often prevent people from being seen as human beings who deserve equal rights.

    The death of Connor Sparrowhawk ('Laughing Boy') was equally troubling. His mum Sara Ryan had to fight really hard to get justice. I've been following Beth's story too - her dad has been challenging the quality of her care, and he's been attacked by some people for doing so.

    It's appalling that in the 21st century autistic people are being denied human rights, dignity and respect because a label they've been given means they're profoundly misunderstood.