In my view, categories, like Autism, do not “exist.” That does not mean that they are not useful ways of making sense out of our experiences.

—After all, one could make the argument that any disorder that causes behaviour that falls outside “the norm” is just a “social construction” and therefore does not exist.—

I would agree that diseases do not exist per se.

–Perhaps in another society, it could be the norm for people to perform sexual acts in public. That is not “the norm” in our society, and therefore exhibitionists are marginalised and criminalised because of a social construction that says those things are private and not to be shared with anyone else without their consent. Are we “elitist” to impose those rules?–

No, societies have a right to impose sets of rules upon citizens. Otherwise, they would fall into anarchy. That does not mean that one set of rules is necessarily better or worse than another set of rules.

–Honestly, you may as well dismiss a pedophile as a “social construction”. Who, besides “the normals” of our society, says sex with kids is “bad”?–

In the context of modern-day societies, pedophilia is harmful to children. However, I would not project that norm back into the past (when marrying children was quite common).

–Pediatricians and neurologists (note: not psychiatrists) are often able to diagnose an Autism Spectrum Disorder when a child is only a few days old, now. This is why there appears to be an “autism epidemic” (as I have heard it referred to). Earlier and better diagnosis leads to better and earlier treatment. Which not only benefits the individual, but benefits society as well.–

I prefer to look at Autism and so-called neurotypicality without placing value judgments on them (better or worse).

Cheers,

Mark Foster

Wait, what? What does that mean, “there are no such things”? Are you denying the existance of Autism Spectrum Disorders in toto? Or are you trying to say that *any* social construct that involves a diagnosis is invalid?

After all, one could make the argument that any disorder that causes behaviour that falls outside “the norm” is just a “social construction” and therefore does not exist.

Perhaps in another society, it could be the norm for people to perform sexual acts in public. That is not “the norm” in our society, and therefore exhibitionists are marginalised and criminalised because of a social construction that says those things are private and not to be shared with anyone else without their consent. Are we “elitist” to impose those rules?

Honestly, you may as well dismiss a pedophile as a “social construction”. Who, besides “the normals” of our society, says sex with kids is “bad”?

And a paranoid schizophrenic, as well. After all, “hearing voices” used to be a sign that one was touched by the gods, and blessed, and etc.

Am I an “elitist” to think that these people require treatment if their behaviour is frightening and/or harming others?

If people with ASD are not diagnosed and treated (helped to fit in with our society’s expectations) they most definitely can frighten and/or harm people. If they are diagnosed, they are “labeled”. And others are informed by that “label” what to expect, and often how to keep themselves and the person with ASD safe and more comfortable.

“Sane”, “stable”, “normal”: These are words used to describe where an individual falls along a continuum from “absolutely non-functional” to “super-human”. There are indeed very, very few people who fall at either extreme of that continuum. But the farther out from the middle an individual is, the more they need help developing coping strategies to help themselves have happy and productive lives and help them maintain the relationships in their lives.

To call anyone an “elitist” for noting that human beings do not have equal abilities to function in the society they were born into is counter-productive. To call for an entire society to adjust itself to accommodate the few is to point out and highlight these differences. And to try to shame an entire population on behalf of those who are different is what? Oh, right, “elitist”.

Am I “better” than someone who is diagnosed as having Asperger’s Syndrome? Well, that entirely depends on what type of measurement you are taking. I am (based on probability) likely to be much more sympathetic, empathic, socially comfortable and outgoing, better at using language, and more comfortable expressing affection verbally and physically. I freely admit, however, that when it comes to other areas, “Aspies” can (and often do) blow me right out of the water.

But … (and this is a rather large “but”) … my abilities at social interaction, cultivating and maintaining relationships, active listening, and interpersonal affirmation are likely to make my life much less rocky than an understanding of higher order physics is.

Pediatricians and neurologists (note: not psychiatrists) are often able to diagnose an Autism Spectrum Disorder when a child is only a few days old, now. This is why there appears to be an “autism epidemic” (as I have heard it referred to). Earlier and better diagnosis leads to better and earlier treatment. Which not only benefits the individual, but benefits society as well.

I can understand your dislike of being labeled “different”. I also understand that dealing with a stereotype that comes with a label can be very frustrating. In fact I am dealing with a couple of labels myself, and it is annoying. However, to flat out deny a difference exists is not going to help anyone at all. Not you, not me, and not other people diagnosed with an ASD or their families.

Even though your video does not really relate to the topic of my blog, I approved it. I also visited your YouTube website. The reason I did so is to encourage you to read materials which challenge the Illuminati conspiracy. There is really no evidence to support it – at least evidence as that term is understood in my field.

Mostly, I just avoid talking on the phone (which is something I usually enjoy).

The way you cope is a good one.

Being surrounded by people isn’t all that good, especially during a meltdown.

http://narrative.markfoster.name/

I just need to find a publisher.

Mark

I hope that you have some clarity that has revealed itself during your meltdown.

Good luck in everything. And I hope you heal soon.

Lea
(ps. I wrote a comment below addressed to you as well)

http://wordpress.com

Mark

Thank you very much. I will visit that site as soon as I send this message.

Edit: Very well thought-out site. I joined and set up a community, too. I also linked to it from my webzine: SocioSphere.com

Mark