Deficit or difference?
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Which is a very good point. But instead of attacking the autistic person.... one could try attacking the system instead.
️@KatyElphinstone of course. But the system is invisible. You need a mental model of it to start seeing it, and our society did a lot to help us forget and naturalize the system.
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@KatyElphinstone of course. But the system is invisible. You need a mental model of it to start seeing it, and our society did a lot to help us forget and naturalize the system.
Yes.... it's very Wizard of Oz. Hidden, and assumed. Invisible in plain sight. And not a very reachable target. Much more satisfying to kick down & have your blow connect with something satisfyingly soft.
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Yes.... it's very Wizard of Oz. Hidden, and assumed. Invisible in plain sight. And not a very reachable target. Much more satisfying to kick down & have your blow connect with something satisfyingly soft.
@KatyElphinstone
my read is that "the autism epidemic" is actually the breakage of our "normal" with a normality that is drifting away from sustainability even on a personal basis. And autists are just the canaries in the coal mine. -
Deficit or difference 🧵
Autistic deficit no.2:
Taking words seriously.In the “negative or nothing” model of autism, this is framed as literal-mindedness, rather than respect for meaning.
3/13
@KatyElphinstone I had “I’m NOT stopping in the middle of the street! I’m stopping at 2/3 of the street!”…
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@KatyElphinstone I had “I’m NOT stopping in the middle of the street! I’m stopping at 2/3 of the street!”…
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Deficit or difference 🧵
Autistic deficit no.4:
Deep focus and commitment.In the “negative or nothing” model of autism, this is framed as obsession, rather than depth, care, or expertise.
5/13
@KatyElphinstone I don’t think I’ll ever get over the immense sadness from learning that actually giving a shit about a topic or a cause is considered pathological by the majority of humans.
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@KatyElphinstone I don’t think I’ll ever get over the immense sadness from learning that actually giving a shit about a topic or a cause is considered pathological by the majority of humans.
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Deficit or difference 🧵
Autistic deficit no.6:
Not performing hierarchy and status games fluently.In the “negative or nothing” model of autism, this is framed as social naivety, and not as a different relationship to power.
7/13
@KatyElphinstone Also, I am personally able to perform those if I have to, (mostly). I understand the dynamics at play - I don't believe in them, though.
I have *never* experienced this as a negative.
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To sum up, many autistic ‘deficits’ may only be deficits in a material world that needs very high sensory tolerance & the constant filtering of a barrage of human-made information...
... and in a social world that's built around implication, hierarchy, performance, and obedience.
13/13
Can anyone think of more things?
Whatever your view, comments very welcome!I’ve explored the “negative or nothing” theme more here: https://www.neurofabulous.org.uk/autism-negative-or-nothing.html
@KatyElphinstone As a corollary to the power AND the understanding thing - most autistic people I know are highly individual in their choices, e.g. media, clothes, etc. Their tastes are less susceptible to advertising manipulation. This is a deeply threatening trait for a capitalist system.
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To sum up, many autistic ‘deficits’ may only be deficits in a material world that needs very high sensory tolerance & the constant filtering of a barrage of human-made information...
... and in a social world that's built around implication, hierarchy, performance, and obedience.
13/13
Can anyone think of more things?
Whatever your view, comments very welcome!I’ve explored the “negative or nothing” theme more here: https://www.neurofabulous.org.uk/autism-negative-or-nothing.html
@KatyElphinstone Thank you for the write-up! (And the linked article) I once took the TT-38 personality test and was assigned the Rightous Crusader trifecta talents - basically, high morality, high judgement and they were very confused when I took that as a compliment
.It was supposed to teach me that I should loosen my standards 'to be agreeable' - nevermind that the runner-up talents were cooperation, supporting others and teamwork.
You helped me understand this bewildering experience!
