What is the purpose of this forum?

Hi B and everyone,

B thank you for starting this thread and I appreciate all the comments the community have added. 

I appreciate this has been included in other comments but I just want to remind everyone of the purpose of the online community as stated here: https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/community 

I would like to remind everyone of some important rules regarding your first point as it is very important on here that we all respect each other and if you ever feel this is not the case please do highlight this to us. 

• Rule 5: Do not discriminate. Do not post or link to anything offensive regarding protected characteristics under UK equality law (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation). 
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Best wishes, 

Alice Mod 

1. "The National Autistic Society Online Community is a safe space where autistic people and their families can connect, share experiences, and support each other. By joining, you agree to follow these rules and terms of use."

It's a support forum paid for by a charity and supported by volunteers trying their best. It's not Reddit. The forum is here for a purpose, not just to use as you want.

Anxiety is such a high co-occurring, the internet is frightening, this place should feel safe as stated. But there has been a rise of tabloid -style subjects designed to cause anxiety and division -they aren't informative trying to help and they aren't personal experience. They aren't sharing an interest, and they aren't for connecting. You can't ignore the subject lines, they jump out at you, they should be more tactful and they should be in the misc and chat section, not under autistic adult as it buries the posts of people looking for help. And subjects that could mean people see this place as dangerous, like discussing banning items of women's clothing shouldn't be here at all. 

The reason I joined the community forum due having problems with postal pen friends. 

Since joining the forum I'd gained female 2 pen friends (we chat on Facebook); also like to connect with other female friends on a regular basis.

Expecto_Patronum said:

I think the primary purpose is (or at least should be) for people to find a place of belonging

It is for me. I'm very happy and grateful that this forum exists. 

Expecto_Patronum said:

But if it's just a discussion can we not scroll past and say that ones not for me.

Yes, the characteristic of any forum is that it consists of many various topics and it's likely that most of its users won't be fully satisfied. I scroll whenever I can see topics related to politics, news, etc. But as the "big world " these topics come from, is too much for me, I just ignore and scroll down.

I absolutely agree, we have to be mindful of others and avoid spreading stereotypes about people of various origins, cultures etc. We all are humans and Autism affects humans of all origins. I just googled - countries with highest autism rate. The result showed USA, Qatar and South Korea. It's important to note, that these are diagnosed cases. 

I think the primary purpose is (or at least should be) for people to find a place of belonging. Whether that be to get advice about their autism and situations that affect it or to be able to socially interact in a safer environment. (When I say safer I mean easier for a lot of us who struggle with it in person).

I don't see an issue with threads that go off the subject of autism. It can allow some good discussions and allow that social interaction many of us miss in real life.

I do think people need to be mindful of topics that can upset others and I think there is a limit to freedom of speech, as in we shouldn't be discussing anything that is offensive or discriminatory against others. There was a thread a while ago that made me very uncomfortable with it's comment as its motivation seemed quite hateful. In a community of people that can be rejected and discriminated against, I don't think we should allow that in this forum.

However, I also think we need to remember that some people on here may have very little interaction with others. They may really want to discuss a particular topic and have no other means to do so. Is it not a good thing that they can come on here to discuss it.

I think it is important that people title the thread clearly so others don't get an unpleasant surprise when they open the thread but I do struggle to understand why people open some threads that they do if they don't like what the titled topic was. Can we not just scroll past? As long as what is being discussed isn't hateful, I do think we should be challenging and reporting anything like that. But if it's just a discussion can we not scroll past and say that ones not for me.

As far as I'm aware the NAS hasn't written anything about the purpose of the forum and I don't think they like to be too prescriptive about what is discussed as long as the rules are followed. I think that is right. I don't think adults should be told what they can and can't talk about as long as it isn't hateful.

Yes I read it and thought ‘yes, overwhelmingly autistic describes me to a tee!’ 

profdanger said:

but I’m deciding to interpret that I am personally “overwhelmingly Autistic” lol

Be aware that being overwhelmingly autistic can lead to overwhelm.

️

Martin said:

The people who post here are overwhelmingly autistic.

I know the context of your statement is that most of us are Autistic, but I’m deciding to interpret that as I am personally “overwhelmingly Autistic” lol

I came on here first to find out if difficulties I had affected other autistic people. It helped me to feel less alone with difficulties.

Now I enjoy reading nature and gardening posts. Those kind of posts help with relaxation.

The people who post here are overwhelmingly autistic. While many threads are autism-related at some level, everyone here is also affected by society, personal experiences, topics such as politics and items on the news. I think that any topic is, and should be, fair game.

This is sad and it makes it more sad that its on this forum. I feel I need an online safe space away from the 'norm'. I would hope a forum run by the NAS would provide that safe place for myself and other autistic people. 

B said:

I believe that it is 'safer' here now.

It's OK, I didn't interpret your comment as where it is at the present. I'm just sorry it was unsafe for any period. 

Alexa said:

Oh, what a shame!

I am going back quite a way.

I believe that it is 'safer' here now.

B said:

There have been some horrible threads on this subject here in the past + it's those I'm thinking of.

Oh, what a shame!

I think I am generally surrounded by moderate people who I feel safe with but I know not everyone will share my views. I would rather everyone felt safe here, we are all facing life with some difficulties already. Maybe I’m just naive. 

Orangegnome said:

I would say LGBTQ is quite pertinent to the autistic community, we are more likely to identify as part of the LGBTQ community. But I can also respect the views of others who don’t wish to discuss it. 

There have been some horrible threads on this subject here in the past + it's those I'm thinking of.

You can start a positive thread and it spiral downwards.

However, the group of people who are presently active here aren't likely to cause this to happen (I think).

I would say LGBTQ is quite pertinent to the autistic community, we are more likely to identify as part of the LGBTQ community. But I can also respect the views of others who don’t wish to discuss it. 

ArchaeC said:

I’m not sure how a rule could work to stop certain topics.

I don't think that's needed.

It's just good to discuss how everyone active here feels I think.

We have some very contrasting views but the forum is what we make it.

From the NAS website:

Why you should join our Online Community

A space for you

Whether you’re an autistic person or a family member, our Online Community is a welcoming place where you can ask questions and share personal stories, challenges and successes with others who truly understand and are here for you.

We have dedicated spaces to discuss issues of interest to autistic adults and parents and carers. We have spaces with a focus on women and girls, health and lifestyle and mental health and wellbeing.

24/7 support and connection

Our Online Community is available around the clock so you can seek peer support whenever you need it. Engage with others and discuss topics that matter to you, from hobbies and interests to important life events. Ask questions and improve your understanding of autism through the sharing of experiences. Share your knowledge and help others going through similar situations.

Build connections and find understanding

Connect with people who share similar experiences and interests. Whether you’re discussing hobbies, navigating life events, or simply looking to bond with others, our Online Community is a great place to build connections and have fun.

Safe and supportive environment

We prioritise your safety. Our Online Community is moderated daily to ensure it remains a secure, respectful space for everyone. Our balanced approach allows for genuine discussions to take place while maintaining a positive environment where no one goes unsupported.

———————————————-—————————————————————————————————————————————

I think the community has settled into a rhythm embracing wide and varied topics, but some themes recur frequently.

Hobbies, relationships, mental health, autism, employment, benefits, sharing of experiences, current affairs, politics, food, TV, gaming, books, weather, shopping, religion, etc.

Some people seem to post here once or twice just for support or advice. Others value ongoing support.

I’m not particularly interested in talking about food, films or books. I don’t watch many films and apart from light novels to help me get to sleep at night, my choice of reading is quite niche. 

I enjoy engaging with others to talk about current affairs, politics, canine behaviour, history, archaeology and religion. 

‘Free speech’ is a difficult one because people have different moral and personal boundaries. Some people consider only themselves, while others are concerned for the wider harm. Personally, I avoid some threads and try to consider wider feelings and potential harm. I’m not sure how a rule could work to stop certain topics. The rules could do with an update to address AI posts. At the moment it’s an interim rule that keeps dropping out of visibility.

I'm having that walking on eggshells feeling again!