Why do people on forums assume that I don’t have a sound mind when I do?

What should I do if someone thinks I don’t have a sound mind to make decisions just because I have medical guardianship due to my autism and mild intellectual disability by the way I communicate on some forums. It’s not true. Why would they assume the worst by the way I sound? What should I do about this? I actually do have a sound mind

Parents
  • Perhaps there is a misunderstanding about what guardianship means.

    Guardianship means a court has given powers to someone to act on someone else's behalf because they are not able to manage their affairs. It is the definition. It is a legal position. It is not done lightly for adults.

    If you disclose this fact, people are obliged to consult the guardian. It means the person is vulnerable. It may not feel like it, but the person may be open to manipulation, coercion or being exploited, financially, emotionally, sexually or otherwise.

    It is not how the person sounds or acts, although some aspects of communication may raise suspicions, but others are required to check.

    People might be overly cautious and give the impression of ignoring your views, because they don't want to inadvertently take advantage.

    It is likely perceived as disempowering, but that is the intention of having guardianship.

  • Just to add, this does not stop you communicating with people online. But if you disclose the fact, they are going to be guarded if they are responsible. If you say something contentious, rather than arguing they may be more tolerant or less inclined to engage.

    If you communicate reasonably, people will likely respond in kind. 

    Topics outside of the norm may be viewed with suspicion if unorthodox views are presented without justification that others agree with or can follow. But this would be the same regardless of guardianship status.

Reply
  • Just to add, this does not stop you communicating with people online. But if you disclose the fact, they are going to be guarded if they are responsible. If you say something contentious, rather than arguing they may be more tolerant or less inclined to engage.

    If you communicate reasonably, people will likely respond in kind. 

    Topics outside of the norm may be viewed with suspicion if unorthodox views are presented without justification that others agree with or can follow. But this would be the same regardless of guardianship status.

Children
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