My cousin has been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, which as stated in the video is a high-functioning form of autism. In other words, they don't seem that much different than you or me, but yet they are.

My cousin is an extremely smart little kid, and can be really funny too once you get to know him. He loves computers, building toys, and his pet rats. But he has trouble with his peers, because he generally doesn't know how to properly interact with them. Basically he has trouble making friends. Because of this he often feels sad and lonely, and it hurts me to see him this way. Recently he's been getting in trouble at school because he's learned a way to get his classmates to laugh at his jokes: By using dirty words. I mean REALLY dirty words and phrases. He's gotten into a lot of trouble because of this, and so he finally seems to have gotten the message to stop doing it. But at the same time he's really sad because now his peers aren't paying attention to him anymore. He even told me point blank after a bad day at school (because of his peers): "I want to fit in, but I don't know how to!"

I mention all this for a reason, because I can see both sides of the story presented in the video. We need to allow autistic people to be themselves, but at the same time we do need to recognize that there should be programs to help autistic people function in our society. I understand what that autistic girl in the video is saying, but at the same time she should realize that if we didn't give a hand to people like her then she wouldn't be able to live the way she is, because unless her parents are wealthy I'm sure she is receiving some form of government assistance. I say that because I doubt she is employable anywhere.

My cousin needs help because of Asperger Syndrome. Not as much as that girl in the video or other autistic people, but he still needs help. Therefore if calling it a "disability" instead of "differently abled" will get him the help he needs to grow to become a happy, functional member of society, then so be it.

Let's not get hung up on words. Let's do the best we can for each other, that's all.

*promote

Promoting this video and sending it back into the queue for one more try; last queued Saturday, March 1st, 2008 9:47pm PST - promote requested by CaptWillard.

someone told me if you cant post something nice, dont post anything at all.

:-(

"But some people with autism are saying they shouldn't have to fit in with mainstream society. They claim that autism is just a different way of being, rather than a disorder to be treated and cured, and say they shouldn't have to change for our benefit."

I don't like swearing in these forums. FUCK YEAH! The human experience is so extremely diverse. I understand well-meaning civil servants and health professionals, and do praise them and am thankful for such efforts around the world. But demanding empowerment is an amazing step for any person or group of people who, as in this case, have been marginalized. I love me a revolution of cognitive concepts. Viva la liberación!

>> ^CaptWillard:
I understand what that autistic girl in the video is saying, but at the same time she should realize that if we didn't give a hand to people like her then she wouldn't be able to live the way she is, because unless her parents are wealthy I'm sure she is receiving some form of government assistance. I say that because I doubt she is employable anywhere.


I wouldn't go so far as to say she isn't employable anywhere. Plenty of "otherwise-abled" persons are quite capable of holding down a job that meets their capabilities.