Friday, November 1, 2013

An Autistic Social Issue: Dismissal and Disrespect

Steve Summers writes "An Autistic Social Issue: Dismissal and Disrespect" on Autistic Aloha


November 1st is Autistics Speaking day. Please listen to us and speak with us.
I dislike dismissive and disrespectful behavior. I feel disrespected when someone acts like they are too busy to talk, and they barely speak with me. Then, when a Neurotypical (NT) person shows up, they have a lively conversation with that person. It is as if they don’t think that I will notice the difference in their attitude toward me (the Autistic guy) and the NT person. It is as if they think that I am not paying attention or they bought into the incorrect stereotype that “I am in my own little world.” I have news for those people, I notice much more than they think.
Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. It is ignorant for people to treat other people as lesser beings or less than themselves. Usually, truly smart people understand that they don’t know everything and that they have a lot to learn about life and others. They don’t parade around an attitude of smug superiority. They don’t dismiss and disrespect other people. We are all human. We all deserve respect and dignity. Unless, of course, someone unapologetically mistreats other people, then they forfeit that right. Rude, hurtful people forfeit the right to receive our respect.
We need more Autism Acceptance. We really need more acceptance for all people with disabilities and/or differences. We need people to treat us all as equals. We may be different, but different is not “defective.” Different is not “wrong.” Different is not “less.” Our differences do not excuse dismissive or rude behavior by others. We deserve the same respect as anyone else.
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Photo quote: Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you - not because they are nice, but because you are. ~ Author Unknown

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