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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.

  • 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. 

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  • 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. 

Children
  • in reply to M

    M,

    From what I’ve seen this forum is safer than others, it will be rare for you to come across anyone being offensive against us. With The National Autistic Society being a professional charity with the intention to increase autism awareness I would say people here are here to learn about autism from those of us who’ve experienced living autistic and parents who’ve brought up an autistic child.

    Those here who are not autistic I see asking questions about what can they do to help their children, or if they have a child not yet diagnosed asking which direction to go in next. Others are asking how do we cope with issues like over or under sensitivity for guidance, it’s mostly parents and carers seeking advice from people with experience or having little conversations about what’s there favourite music.

    Out of my entire membership on this forum I’ve only encountered one individual questioning validity by claiming those of us autistic are all narcissistic. Besides that one I’ve seen nothing insulting or offensive.