Especially those vile statements Jerry Lewis made.

In response to your comment, yes, most of these people interviewed have been institutionalized.

Yes, I like to be with all people, including “severely affected” people. I do not think the issue is who speaks on whose behalf in entirety. Of course we parents MUST work hard to advocate on behalf of our kids. But do we do this in absence of the entire disabled and autistic communities who offer a perspective by which we can learn and follow in order to create and achieve better options, services, education, accommodations, access for our children?

If you look on the CBC website, there are a few autistic individuals who are not “media regulars.”

I am finding it increasingly difficult to understand your point of view. I only see the ability for parents AND autistic folks to achieve more by becoming allies, not suggesting that there is a group of autistic individuals who are “against” you or your child.

I did not see the show you are speaking about, but I received–and signed– a petition to allow Carly to speak on television about her experiences. I do not have Autism, but I have a brother on the spectrum (actually, he has Aspergers). I am currently doing as much research as possible into the view from the Autistic world–I believe acknowledging the differences in society is the only way to ensure fair judicial review. Just like it is proper to investigate different cultures, religions and historical perspectives, so to should we acknowledge the perspective from the Spectrum. Thank you for blogging about this. As a student studying Autism at a grad school level (not until the fall , however) I am thrilled to see a genuine attempt to uncover the mysteries…in a non clinical way. After all, rehabilitation is not a punitive measure, it’s the only way to ensure a fully functional society that utilizes ALL of its assets.
Be Well,
Alley

For that matter is Estee Klar aware of the existence of those severely affected by autistic disorder? If so who do you thin should speak on THEIR behalf? Surely not the highly articulate media regulars and political activists some of whom do not have autistic disorder diagnoses?

I didn’t have an hour to burn tonight. I may peek at the transcripts tomorrow or the next day though. I am glad you took a little time to write about this.