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On the spokesperson thing, I have the downside of being way to young, personally I think the spokesperson thing should be left to an Aspie who has succeeded in NT world.
The thing is I have time on my side, it isnt something I need to do immediately, and asides I have better plans than being a spokesperson.
As for her video it was a backward step, if that went out on national television all of us would have problems for months if we tried to explain autism. Do I need to revive Dr_Quark to prove it to you and show what NT's would think about it! Most of us do not roll around and stim all day, thank you very much, some of us actually try to achieve something believe it or not.
Yes she is brave for what she did, but it doesnt change what she did being rank stupidity at best. I have been on national television myself a time ago for my own merits, and yes I do know it can be an experience.
That video not only made it to national TV, but she was also interviewed by CNN. --What problem is there? She is quite profoundly affected by Autism, yet she is one of the most articulate individuals I have seen. --I like reading her posts quite a bit.
So considering the fact that she is profoundly affected by autism, and we are less affected by it does that make her any less able of a spokesperson or are you playing the proverbial elitism card in favoring those who are less affected, and more 'normal' in behaviour as well as appearance?
It depends what you mean by national TV, and who and how many people saw it. Put it like this, when you try to explain autism to someone, if they have that in their head then people are just going to assume you are bullshitting if you appear to be vaguely normal. Considering she wants to beat Autism Speaks in a PR war she has just handed them their first victory. What matters is how NT's see it, not how we see it, and from an NT perspective, what do you think they will think of her, and by extension us. There is a very simple way to test it, believe it or not, all I have to do is post it on a foruma and see the reaction...
This one also appeared on National TV.
Aside from the fact that he is a Nobel Laureate in Economics, and I'm more or less a generic loser, his interactions with other people, as well as the insights into his personality are quite similar to myself, as well as what other people say of me.
This one appeared on National TV in Ireland :
Personally, I need nobody as a spokesperson for myself, and find it quite bewildering why somebody would look for a spokesperson.
How exactly is it that she handed Autism Speaks their first victory??? In spite of the fact that she niether looks or acts 'normal' , she has been more than able to make her opinion known and accessible via that video. She has certainly made me quite aware of the fact that even though she is quite outwardly 'differant' she is fully cognizant of her surroundings, and is able to communicate effectively, and make her opinions known. -- How does that play into the hands of organisations like Autism Speaks, as well as CAN???