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.
