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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.

Parents
  • 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.

Reply
  • 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.

Children
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