I would ike to make a suggestion to the site administror via the moderators that users can add verified badges to their profile (also visible on their icon/pictures) which shows how they identify. Diagnosed users may have the choice to upload documentation to verify this. I think this would be a positive step if people want to display this althought there shouldnt be any obligation.
Its a multifacted thing. In my mind I would like to solve two problems at once but thats been viewed genrally as soemthing that might make the site less inclusive. That means accepting too that there will be large numbers of NT users accessing the site, they are welcome too.
I do know what you mean, it's easy to 'research' how to act autistic, but the difficulty in trying to protect it is the base problem people have with being autistic? I admire you trying to figure out how to address that, it's very difficult ground to tread.
Kind of yes. There are many angles. The nature of the website makes it a target.I know the rules warn against giving away information or meeting with people IRL. I wanted to know others feelings, I think I got them!!
I am trying to think of that movie with Edward Norton where he goes to all of the recovery groups for conditions he does not have, only to discover someone else is doing the same thing. It disgusts him that someone would do this.
Ok, thank you for explanation and i apologise for misunderstanding. I had no idea, that there are such people out there. Even in this forum I feel quite often overwhelmed and take breaks. In my case being not diagnosed is not my choice. It's how my life was complicated. If I have the chance to get tested I will go for it. I received a lot of support in this forum and I got also occasionally feedback from someone that I helped them. This forum is very important for me. I understand, that you would like to keep this space safe only for autistic people or those who relate to autism in some ways. But I also saw post from moderators, that they put new profiles under review, so looks like they are aware of the site being abused in some ways. I'm curious, if moderators have any opinion about tge idea with badges.
I think I understand pietro_21 that you value this place so much that you want to keep it sacred almost. Me too. I admire that.
I'm surprised people would come on here if they didn't have some connection to ND and need help and support.
At the core of my being there is something that drives fairness and equality and if this site became biased in some way, that would make me sad.
I'm also happy to see you back!
Oh Roy you are back. I’m really pleased to see this. You were one of the first people to reassure me and be kind on this website when I first joined
The danger is that it could create a two-tier membership
I agree. With neurodiverse people there is more that we have in common than divides us so we should work with that which we share.
I have noticed similarities with several different accounts by posters
I noticed that too.
I think the forum works well for the majority of people. There are some things that I would never post here, simply because the whole world can see everything and I am the sort of person who likes to keep some aspects of my life private, even from my good friend. Apart from that, I would be concerned that the system would be hacked and our identities disclosed from our email addresses.
I remember that two forums has been previously suggested, but I think it was more to do with accommodating specific interests. The conversation didn’t lead anywhere.
My personal opinion is there would be a danger of creating a ‘them and us’ situation. People choose to be diagnosed or undiagnosed / self diagnosed for many different reasons. Nobody should be made to feel less, The daily struggles are the same whether diagnosed or self-diagnosed, we are all equal.
Thank you. I don’t see it as taking a side . It makes no sense why someone (an adult) would not want to find this out for certain but join lots of forums. I personally view it as quite a serious topic This one of the reasons why I’m asking this question.
I have heard about people joining topical forums unrelated to their lives to rubberneck. I had to ask ai about as I am concerned about some of the mocking posts I’ve seen on the forum from people who are not diagnosed. I’m sure this is not the case with you or the others in your situation who’ve post in this thread.
The idea that there are potentially malicious lurkers yes. Or multiple dummy accounts from the same ip address. I have noticed similarities with several different accounts by posters.At least if this was run a secure discord then a moderator they would be able to see and block those immediately. They may be planning an update as there was a message earlier today. And must have an overview of how many people use the forum and where they are.
I don't know there are reasons for and against, there would be far fewer people but also far fewer lurkers and trolls in my opinion. As its an organisation based on facts and medical advice - the advice is still available elsewhere on the site. For me its a hugely sensitive subject to place on an open public forum, that only really struck me today.
Maybe two forums ;
I understand what you mean and it concerns me. Perhaps I am hyper vigilant at the moment, but I am wondering if some of the occasional posts over the last few months are genuine. I don’t mean people who believe they are autistic and haven’t been assessed, rather the posts that contain media sensationalist traits. I don’t think there is a satisfactory solution for all parties.
There is a forum in Ireland run by one of the big autism charities and it requires people to submit proof of diagnosis or proof they have been referred for assessment. I haven’t used it, but the posts are only available to view if you are allowed admittance and are a user. It doesn’t look like it would have the number of people we have here, and that rather restricts the wide variety of topics of interest.
I am just in favour of more security, I'm not sure all parts or discussions on the forum should be open to everybody. There are likely to be multiple accounts linked to the same ips. It may become contentious if people are discussing how they got their assessment or what they discussed before their diagnosis. I say this because it may become harder to get an assessment in the first place in future.
Your data is protected by law as per the website GDPR terms you agreed to.
I've seen this happen on here in the past in conversations where self-recognised members feel that they shouldn't be here.
And it also happened to me.
I wouldn’t be in favour of that because it could be divisive. It would be like having qualified and unqualified autistic people, which doesn’t make sense as people are either autistic or they aren’t, diagnosis or not.
There are long waiting lists for assessment in some areas and not everyone can afford to pay for a private diagnosis, so people waiting assessment might feel judged. Who is going to vet people and check the paperwork that ‘proves’ a person has been assessed and diagnosed according to NICE guidelines, and what about data protection and rights to anonymity which (correct me if I’m wrong) may be enshrined in law?
I would rather be talking about evidence based science.
Is that what you perceive an 'official' diagnosis to be?
Or did you mean something else by this?
I don't want or need another group with hierarchy. I just need a place where I can find someoneto engage with (i did already), and be myself.
