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Is this really a safe space for autistic adults?

M

Recently I have noticed more comments by partners and parents of autistic people, and quite often they are derogatory towards autistic people. 

Do other people feel that this is a safe space? 

In particular, I'm upset by the thread questioning the validity of celebrities being diagnosed as autistic. Many of us have had a lifetime of struggling and discovering we are autistic is empowering as we finally make sense when so much often hasn't made sense pre-diagnosis. I don't feel that we should have to be faced with people questioning that in one of the few spaces designed for us to discuss our innermost thoughts and feelings. Sometimes I actually wonder if we are even being trolled and people aren't what they make themselves out to be. 

I just wanted to get that off my chest because I'm upset and anxious after using the forum tonight, which isn't a sign of safety. 

Parents

  • Personally I don't feel threatened but I do understand what you mean.  I think the vast majority on here are supportive, some are not completely aware of how the condition manifests itself and a very small minority are just here to play devils advocate and create debate.
    I also think that the NAS 'rules' of protecting identities should give some comfort that people will not be recognised in the street but as you say this is a safe space for us to talk freely so I hope you do keep using the forum.

Reply

  • Personally I don't feel threatened but I do understand what you mean.  I think the vast majority on here are supportive, some are not completely aware of how the condition manifests itself and a very small minority are just here to play devils advocate and create debate.
    I also think that the NAS 'rules' of protecting identities should give some comfort that people will not be recognised in the street but as you say this is a safe space for us to talk freely so I hope you do keep using the forum.

Children
  • in reply to BJS

    I don't mean physically unsafe or threatened in that way. I mean safe in the sense of feeling safe mentally from people who don't understand autism or question our validity as autistic people. That isn't great for mental wellbeing when there is already a lot of inner conflict about being autistic.