Confused...

I agree with the Anonymity part of the rules.

And being a cautious (paranoid) person.  I believe that NAS are covering themselves.  If someone reveals embarrassing information about themselves and this has unexpected consequences.  Then the NAS are in the clear because it's against their rules.

I agree with NAS and feel the rules are reasonable. This forum needs to be a safe space and keeping anonymity is vital part of protecting people sharing information that increases their vulnerability. Without anonymity, I wouldn’t share the experiences I do.

The part of the rules that reads "this includes but is not limited to..." 

The avatar you use falls under the "not limited to" part of that rule.

I agree that we should have the freedom to express ourselves how we want to...but I do also see why, on a forum that is public, NAS would rather we are as unidentifiable as possible.

Given the nature of some of the posts written on here, or the responses given to posts on here, there is a possibility that if someone were recognised, their thoughts on a subject or personal circumstances unknown to a workplace or other people, could have an effect on their job security or the way they are percieved by others and so affect friendships or family relationships.

I quite like having a level of anonimity, though also for those who know me, my username actually makes me quite recognisable. But I also do not share online anything I would not say out loud in public anyway.

The support and info I can access on this forum outweighs any mild annoyance to the fact I have to stay anonymous to comply with the rules.

Simply put, Education.

I would much rather see resources, especially limited ones, directed towards educating people about the many "needs" of the neurodiverse and how best to accommodate without pandering to those "needs".

As for who to educate, everyone. GPs, members of the public (public awareness etc), family, employers, other health professionals, ourselves etc

I would certainly prefer this than impeding a person's choice on freedom of expression

The NAS forum has limited resource. How would you like it’s energies best spent

Imagine someone saying this  '... and I didn't know how naive I was until I posted a picture of myself thinking that it wouldn't do any harm.'

Yes it might be a case where it was a personal decision.  But remember, intelligence does not prevent some naivity (it doesn't in my case certainly, I can be very naive despite having a high IQ (that mysterious quantity measured by an IQ test).

And unfortunately, there could be 'predators' on this site, and most probably are judging by some posts in the past.  One moment's recklessness, a lifetime of remorse.  There can be repercussions for not following what someone sees as a silly rule.  And the duty is of the NAS to set rules as they see fit to help prevent something unpleasant happening.

My avatar is so much like me that I could have been the model for Hiram Hackenbacker (aka Brains, or was Hiram Hackenbacker also an alias?).  Or I may be more like Gordon - and someone once told me I was the spitting image of the footballer Alan Ball.  And it is intriguing for everyone to have an alias, including their avatar, even if, like me, they feel that being autistic is nothing to be ashamed of.

Thank you for your kindnesses :)

If the mods are more interested in adhering to a set of rules without allowing freedom of expression than they are in the protection of our community or the individuals therein, then there is something very seriously wrong.  So wrong that it would lead me to question the safety of this community forum for its members.

Perhaps, and I shall be sending an email to this effect, the NAS would be better having a forum comprised of the community, by the community and for the community that said forum is there to serve?

And that is completely your choice and I would fight as vociferously for you to have that choice respected

I'm getting a sense of déjà vu.  Because there were big arguments about this in the past.  And the moderators actions against the rule breakers.

I understand your opinion about it being your choice about what information you disclose.

But in the end.  Rules are rules.  Whether you agree with them or not.

I personally don't care if people know who I really am.  But I use a pseudonym to avoid being chucked off this website.

So nothing to declare but your face and genius! 

MrT502, you will also learn that these things are important for mods to point out, as well as any research requests and bad language. What tends not to be responded to is emotional angst, personal crisis or suicidal members.

:) 

Hi Robert123.

I'm not suggesting that everyone should have to have a picture of themselves.  I am merely rallying around my own informed free choice.

Further, by the mods stating that, despite my informed free choice they still know what is best for ME - how is that any different from any of the stigma that many of us have received in our adult day-to-day lives?

To give an example, I was having a discussion with someone that I have known for years and who has always respected by abilities (as in, there is not an IT project of any kind that he has not solicited my assistance in the past 10 years!) yet, when I mentioned that I had been told that I'm "on the spectrum", he immediately started to distant himself because of the general conception that ASD = learning difficulties etc.  This is despite my having an IQ of 166!

Frankly, I expected better of the NAS and their appointed moderators 

I agree with Robert... preservation of self and the safety that annonimity is allowed is key. If my identity was known I wouldn’t be here.

I appreciate your point of view and this has been discussed before.

But.. one characteristic of autism is people being innocent, naive and vulnerable.

And theses rules are for the users protection.  Anyone can view these forums.  And there are some nasty ' sharks' on the internet.