Friday, 29 October 2010
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Communication Shutdown Day
Hi,
My name is Marianne and I am part of the Communication Shutdown Team. I wanted to thank those who have suggested Autistics Speaking Day. We really are so happy to see that they have been able to rally people in a productive way.
We also believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion and respect that even though our execution may be different, our intent to help people with autism is the same. By awareness (an often misused term), we are actually aiming to generate more understanding and acceptance for those on the spectrum. And if people with autism use this day to share their experiences, we would love to pass these on to further educate our supporters. With permission, we could feature their stories on our Facebook, Twitter, on our website and through press releases to the media.
And just to clarify a few points, we understand social networking sites are important tools for people with autism so we are in no way suggesting that people with autism shutdown and be silent. We simply believe that if neurotypicals (especially those who have no prior engagement with the autism community) go without the social networks they increasingly depend on, they will feel a sense of social disconnection which will encourage a greater understanding and empathy (not sympathy).
We are lucky to have the support of Dr Temple Grandin and she put it well when she said, “I can remember the frustration of not being able to talk. People will have some idea of what this feels like when they take part in Communication Shutdown.”
We also see the online badge as a sign of solidarity and hope that when neurotypicals go quiet, autistic voices can be louder on Nov 1.
So we hope that both events can complement each other as we do seem to share the same goal. We just want to see positive action and avoid the negativity (which really doesn't help anyone in the end). As well as raise donations for underfunded autism groups who provide much-needed services in more than 40 countries.
Thank you for reading.
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About the Author
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- From: heathersedlock
- About Me: Heather E. Sedlock is a mom of two Autistic boys, and has years of experience dealing with issues related to ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and other special needs children. Read more at : http://www.examiner.com/x-10560-Tulsa-Special-Needs-Kids-Examiner
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Comments (11)
huh. just her comment came through--not my article and not my reply comment? interesting.
@heatherbabes - odd, by what do you mean?
I plan on being very loud and online..I think the concept of "communication shutdown" is ridiculous. Although I respect the work of Temple Grandin-she does not represent every autistic person-She does not represent my children..Using her name as some sort of "seal of approval" is wrong. I also question where the "donations" will go-awareness? maybe a little..but when the head of an agency is making a six figure salary..and that same agency spends more of their "donations" on salaries and fund raising rather than awareness...I question that agency.
I find it interesting that your post that went with this didn't appear. Makes it look as if you are promoting it. I don't know if that is the case or not..:)
@autismherd - Thanks, and no. I do not support it except if the event is complemented by what Corina Becker suggested: Autistics Speaking Day. I'd love to see those unaware and uninitiated into this community sat down and listened to us.
I'll even take it a step further--I'd love CERTAIN parents to sit down, shut up and listen to those of us on the spectrum. **grins**
But I will be blogging here Nov. 1st, and participating in he 24-hr chat that The Coffee Klatch is doing on Twitter (#tck) as I'll be a guest moderator at 10 a.m. CST.
@edlives@xanga - The above post is a comment left by the person who helped organized the Communication Shut Down which was left on my article about it where I spoke about the Communication Shut Down, Autistics Speaking Day and a book by Dr. Monteiro... the actual article isn't there, just that lady's comment (cut and pasted on quite a few articles about this topic online)... and not even my reply comment.
At any rate--I do support a fundraiser that brings further understanding, awareness, and acceptance to the autism community. I do support the idea of bringing the funds raised to the actual families (children and adults on the spectrum) in a direct manner (i.e. an agency that actually helps pay for services, respite, therapies, products, etc).
I do support further research into its causes and understanding of the impact that it has on development, etc. I am not necessarily against a cure, but I just don't see how a brain transplant would work out. :)
For interested parties, I forgot to add...
here is the link to the actual article: http://www.examiner.com/special-needs-kids-in-national/autism-conversations
@heatherbabes - That is odd that the CMS pulled the response in and not the article. hmmm... Thanks for pointing that out.
@edlives@xanga - It could have something to do with Examiner.com; since they're relaunch, things continue to be buggy... hopefully it'll work out :)
@heatherbabes - We'll keep a look out. :)
I have a phone, so does everyone i talk to and I don't do a whole lot of talking on facebook so i wouldn't be inconvenienced at all by not using facebook for a day...
I dunno. I don't see this working. It's sort of a good idea but it's executed poorly. You should have neurotypical people go silent, period. I went without facebook for a week & i really don't think it's anything like having autism. If i wanted to talk to them, i would go see them or text them.
I feel so guilty.