For all autistics out there

Panda · Post by **Panda** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 12:29 am

This thread is very interesting. I like it!

I don't know anyone that is autistic (except apparently the 99% of you on this board that are...) so I have no personal experience with the topic. I do, however, want to study mental and social disabilities in college so this thread has been very beneficial to me.

Hmmm, I believe people should be treat equally. Now, the word "equal" means different things for different people. To most it just means "to be treat the same" but to what extent do you acknowledge equality if this is the meaning?

I see in schools, and places of learning, seperate classes for all different types of students. Advanced Placement, Autism Support Classes, ADD Support Classes, Dyslexia Support Classes, etc. According to the original definition, this is equality.

I guess what I'd like to know from the (supposedyl) autistic and socially challenged group of this thread is what you think equality is? Should it be based on a moral or literal standard? Why?

(But aside from that... and going back to tha other topics. I think alot of you are liars. I won't say any names but you guys need to get your act together and grow up a little. Seriously.)

Post by **Tiff** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 11:39 am

ADMIN MODE:

Panda, you are being disrespectful and rude by calling people liars. You have every right to believe what you want, but you are not allowed to resort to name-calling on these boards.

And for the record, putting a smiley face at the end of something rude does NOT make it cute and funny. In fact, it only makes you seem childish and sarcastic, which pisses admins/mods off even more.

It's one thing to say "I find it hard to believe", but it's quite another to out and out call people liars. Please use some respect here.

Migiwa · Post by **Migiwa** » Sat Jul 08, 2006 4:54 pm

Having had a little autistic cousin, I must admit my marveling at the fact that so many autistics, even 'high-functioning' ones, are using computers. To socialize, nonetheless.

You know, if I *reeeaally* wanted to, I could probably get a diagnosis of Ausperger's syndrome too. But what the hell good would it do me? Give me an excuse? A "reason"? Not for me, thanks. I'd rather just work through my issues. And frankly, I don't think *anyone* who can use a computer coherantly, socialize, and generally function on the level that all of you are displaying should really be called "autism". If your anxieties and difficulties are a common condition across the board, it honestly should be given it's own classification. Not "high-functioning autism, also known as Asperger's."

And on a side note - everything seems like it's some sort of syndrome these days. No matter how minor the symptoms, you'll be diagnosed. You're sad after a loved one dies - that's depression. Forget mourning. You're irresponsible, hyper, and without self-control? Then you're depressed about what happened? That's bipolar. Nevermind therapy or getting it together - we've got to medicate you until you sit quietly. (See "ADHD".) Nervous speaking in public, or being in large crowds? That's SAD, gotta medicate you again.

All of this over-diagnosis is making the REAL conditions so trivial for people who can't function properly in their lives. People whose quality of life is honestly clearly effected. And on top of that, it's teaching a whole generation that we aren't responsible for our own feelings or actions - that its' just *chemicals*, and you have to take a pill for every little thing. Don't even bother trying to fight it or change it, it's your chemicals. Oh, and then you can have therapy if you want, but it's just a disease, biological, so whatever. Take this, take that - if it doesn't work, take more, or take these.

All of the death-threat-blogging teens and twenty-somethings make it damn frustrating for those with actual, clinical illnesses, with messed up histories and clear indications of other biological things going on. If I have to hear ONE more teenager claim that they've got _clinical_ depression or anxiety or bipolar (or some other hip new condition, you notice that they come around just as new drugs are being developed), I'm going to tear my hair out.

yoshmaster5 · Post by **yoshmaster5** » Sat Jul 08, 2006 5:44 pm

When I first got on here, I was suprised people using the forums were autistic. I didn't know there were... how should I say this... well, that autism, I guess, varies in strength. My dad hadn't told me that, so I was suprised. Pleasantly, at least. ^^;

I have depression. My dad's a psychiatrist, and he recognized it. From what I can tell, he doeosn't medicate people unless they're in need of it. All I do is take 100 mg of Zoloft, and I'm pretty good. If I don't, I tend to cry easier, and seem less energetic. Some, I think, don't matter. But anyway... back on topic adam. *hits self*

Musashi · Post by **Musashi** » Sat Jul 08, 2006 6:22 pm

The Wikipedia article on Asperger's says >>>People with AS may be very skilled at using computers and keyboards. This allows for possible special dispensation in schoolwork to type rather than write homework and examinations. The presentation of their work is then comparable to that of other children.

Citation: Attwood (1997), p. 106.

And here's an (old, but still worth a look, ne?) article...

http://www.his.com/~pshapiro/autism.and.computers.html

>>>The children that visit the developmentalists range in age from birth to 7 years old. Dr. Vaught explains that many of these children have physical coordination problems, but may have much higher cognitive capabilities. These children often show enthusiasm for computers for the simple reason that interacting with computers does not call for the complex social skills the rest of us take for granted.

Post by **Tiff** » Sat Jul 08, 2006 7:35 pm

Migiwa wrote: And on a side note - everything seems like it's some sort of syndrome these days. No matter how minor the symptoms, you'll be diagnosed. You're sad after a loved one dies - that's depression. Forget mourning. You're irresponsible, hyper, and without self-control? Then you're depressed about what happened? That's bipolar. Nevermind therapy or getting it together - we've got to medicate you until you sit quietly. (See "ADHD".) Nervous speaking in public, or being in large crowds? That's SAD, gotta medicate you again.

All of this over-diagnosis is making the REAL conditions so trivial for people who can't function properly in their lives. People whose quality of life is honestly clearly effected. And on top of that, it's teaching a whole generation that we aren't responsible for our own feelings or actions - that its' just *chemicals*, and you have to take a pill for every little thing. Don't even bother trying to fight it or change it, it's your chemicals. Oh, and then you can have therapy if you want, but it's just a disease, biological, so whatever. Take this, take that - if it doesn't work, take more, or take these.

All of the death-threat-blogging teens and twenty-somethings make it damn frustrating for those with actual, clinical illnesses, with messed up histories and clear indications of other biological things going on. If I have to hear ONE more teenager claim that they've got _clinical_ depression or anxiety or bipolar (or some other hip new condition, you notice that they come around just as new drugs are being developed), I'm going to tear my hair out.

I'm going to have to agree with that. It seems that any introverted, shy, non-outgoing, zomg outcast teen feels the need to slap a diagnosis on themselves. I don't know if it's for attention, to make people pity them, or what. But it's highly annoying. And it really does make those who truly are clinically depressed or autistic or whatever seem trivial and just one with the in crowd.

My boyfriend thought a while back that he might be bipolar. He realized later that it was just a combination of negative things going on in his life coupled with some very, very MILD depression and the fact that he simply did not do well in social situations (mild social anxiety). He never needed meds. He never needed a diagnosis. He got off his ass and changed his life for the better. Funny, how after he did that, he managed to make some friends and transform from being the angsty, "i'm going to stay in my room and on the computer all the time" to someone who could socialize and have fun.

Panda · Post by **Panda** » Sat Jul 08, 2006 8:16 pm

I was in a similar situation a few years ago (My dad had passed away so everyone was kinda depressed) but recently (well, more like 2 years ago) I've been more motivated which in turn has helped everything else in my life.

I believe the word "emo" effectivly decribes this brand of teenagers if I'm not mistaken.

Migiwa · Post by **Migiwa** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 4:50 pm

Musashi wrote:>>>The children that visit the developmentalists range in age from birth to 7 years old. Dr. Vaught explains that many of these children have physical coordination problems, but may have much higher cognitive capabilities. These children often show enthusiasm for computers for the simple reason that interacting with computers does not call for the complex social skills the rest of us take for granted.

Which still negates using a computer to interact socially.

I frankly still don't believe in "Aspergers". It sounds more like an emotional development issue co-insiding with extremely mild physical issues, rather than actual Autism. And in adults, it sounds almost completely emotional. Mental illness? Sure. Autism? Hardly.

Then again, maybe everybody's emo and depressed because of the vaccines. After all, they cause _insert random illness here_!!!111!1 I mean, so what if only like one in a thousand of children who receive immunizations ever develop Autism (which seems to begin developing before birth, but hey, let's blame Mom's vaccinations from twenty years previously). Autism is CLEARLY more dangerous and a greater public threat than chickenpox, the measles, mumps, or rubella. Pertussus, heh, we can treat that, so why immunize. So what if the mercury isn't even in them anymore? It must be SOMETHING we can blame on somebody else, right?

Post by **Tiff** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 5:30 pm

Migiwa wrote:
Then again, maybe everybody's emo and depressed because of the vaccines. After all, they cause _insert random illness here_!!!111!1 I mean, so what if only like one in a thousand of children who receive immunizations ever develop Autism (which seems to begin developing before birth, but hey, let's blame Mom's vaccinations from twenty years previously). Autism is CLEARLY more dangerous and a greater public threat than chickenpox, the measles, mumps, or rubella. Pertussus, heh, we can treat that, so why immunize. So what if the mercury isn't even in them anymore? It must be SOMETHING we can blame on somebody else, right?

You just broke my sarcasm detector. XDD

DreamEmpress · Post by **DreamEmpress** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 7:37 pm

Sadly I do agree that everyone is so over diagnosed these days. Even little children seem to be medicated if they are too energetic. I miss the days when mood swings and high energy were considered normal parts of growing up. I mean, if you weren't moody as a teenager, you weren't normal.

But aside from that....I have an exciting update I'm busting to tell someone! My little sister (who is autistic with mild retardation) is finally comfortable enough to take the bus with me. *smiles* I'm so happy. I took her to a temp job for 7 days and she actually behaved herself the whole time. (well except for the second day when she briefly pulled up her tee shirt in public...that was a little embarrassing) She went to go shred paper for a company. It seemed to be entertaining for her.

Anyway, sorry to side track, i just was so happy and wanted to share. Although i'm more excited that we finally found a dentist who can handle her. *grumbles* that shouldn't have taken 5 years....

Panda · Post by **Panda** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 9:00 pm

Aigt, story time!

Ahem. Yesterday, after visitng my Grandmother for a week (She was a teacher and a counsler for 20-something years) I went to the doctor to see if I had any "Mental-disorders". After several tests and discussions with the doctor I was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrom.

This is the funniest thing that has ever happened to me.

I will not be taking any classes or recieving any "treatment". I think it's very irnonic that I'd have this considering my views on it. Although I did suspect I would be diagnosed with this when I went in.

So yah, I officially belive Aspergers is a bunch of bullshit. I'm probably one of the most out-going, friendly people you'll ever meet.

Post by **AnimeGuru0** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 9:21 pm

^^;;; maybe a second opinion, Panda??

Alexclow345 · Post by **Alexclow345** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 9:36 pm

Actually, 1 in 167 children are diagnosed on the Autistic Spectrum. These statistics are in the USA. Asperger's is a high functioning form of Autism. Those with asperger's typically have higher than normal IQ's, but have a difficult time understanding social norms. They do much better in chat rooms as there is no body language to be read. People with autism/asperger's typically are diagnosed before the age of 3 years old and must meet certain criteria within the DSM-IV in order to be diagnosed. As for depression. People with asperger's are statistically much more likely to suffer from depression as they find it difficult to fit in with society.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Panda · Post by **Panda** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 11:30 pm

Actually, 1 in 167 children are diagnosed on the Autistic Spectrum. These statistics are in the USA. Asperger's is a high functioning form of Autism. Those with asperger's typically have higher than normal IQ's, but have a difficult time understanding social norms. They do much better in chat rooms as there is no body language to be read. People with autism/asperger's typically are diagnosed before the age of 3 years old and must meet certain criteria within the DSM-IV in order to be diagnosed. As for depression. People with asperger's are statistically much more likely to suffer from depression as they find it difficult to fit in with society.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Ah, that being said it's a wonder I was diagnosed with it of all people.

-People in message baords and chat rooms hate me (I've only been here for awhile but I'm sure I've managed to piss someone off)

-I don't know my actual IQ but I took an online one a few weeks ago that came back as 165. I don't know where that is on the intelligence spectrum...

Autism and Aspergers sound like very, very different disorders in my book. Again, I personally think it's all bullshit.

^^;;; maybe a second opinion, Panda??

Feel free to give one, my friend

peachvampiress · Post by **peachvampiress** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 12:02 am

Panda

Autism and Aspergers sound like very, very different disorders in my book. Again, I personally think it's all bullshit.

What's all bullshit? That Aspergers is the same as Autism, or that diagnosis for Autism and Aspergers are bullshit.

Panda · Post by **Panda** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 12:41 am

Aspergers, as a disorder, is total bullshit (IMO).

Autism and Aspergers sound absolutely nothing alike... at all. Mind you I'm no Phsycologist (yet!) anyone can tell the difference bewtween and Autistic person and a normal person. Half of the crap associated with Aspergers is associated with teenagers and moody people in general.

Alexclow345 · Post by **Alexclow345** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 5:48 am

-I don't know my actual IQ but I took an online one a few weeks ago that came back as 165. I don't know where that is on the intelligence spectrum...

Quite High.

Starscream · Post by **Starscream** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 7:10 am

Don't put too much faith into online IQ tests, or IQ tests in general. If ever you DO take a vested interest in psychology, you'll see that these "tests" are somewhat biased and are not true measures of intelligence.

Post by **AnimeGuru0** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 8:46 am

Kinda like the SAT, right dave? ^^ The SAT does nothing but rate your ability to take the SAT. =P

Starscream · Post by **Starscream** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 9:43 am

The SAT is a horrible indicator of how well prepared you are for college; I think the entire system needs a complete revamp, but that's the subject for another topic entirely.