Given the recently announced government’s National strategy on autism, I wondered if @MNHQ will be doing anything to tackle the ignorance, prejudice and ableism directed at autistic people here, particularly at autistic adults without learning difficulties (eg those who are/would have been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome)?
One of the key areas they want to tackle is autism awareness and understanding (see below). Given the prevalence of ill-informed and ableist views expressed about autistic people, particularly the odious “support threads” for those married to “someone with Asperger’s” - the thread title being horrific enough in its own aside from the ableist narrative - I wondered if MN were perhaps going to consider how they allow autistic people to be discussed on here?
Almost every single day on MN someone equates abusive behaviour with autism or uses extremely unhelpful phrases such as “mild autism” (which doesn’t exists). This is extremely damaging as it perpetuates inaccurate stereotypes.
MN has an opportunity to contribute in a really helpful way - to both autistic posters and parents of autistic children - in helping society understand us more and make life a little bit easier for the next generation.
Would love to hear MN’s thoughts.
From report:
Improving understanding and acceptance of autism within society
We will significantly improve the public’s understanding and acceptance of autism, and show that autistic people feel more included and accepted in their communities. We also want the public to understand how autism can affect people differently, including the difference in how autistic women and girls present, and to help change people’s behaviour towards autistic people and their families. We want many more businesses, public sector services and different parts of the transport system to become more autism-inclusive, so that autistic people can access these spaces and services, just like everyone else.