tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8353442983052145851.post6596424574090051323..comments2024-03-14T18:26:18.208-07:00Comments on autism's gadfly: Kevin Leitch gives take on IACC strategic planjonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14972394536850151087noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8353442983052145851.post-18264764036104670362009-03-11T06:34:00.000-07:002009-03-11T06:34:00.000-07:00I didn't even imply that "prevention" necessarily ...I didn't even imply that "prevention" necessarily involved genetic screening. I thought that was clear when I noted that I wouldn't oppose certain types of prevention. <BR/><BR/>You completely misrepresented nearly everything I said.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8353442983052145851.post-2666957779581812772009-03-10T14:04:00.000-07:002009-03-10T14:04:00.000-07:00For those of us in the autistic community it’s eve...<I>For those of us in the autistic community it’s even somewhat offensive.</I><BR/><BR/>After re-reading Joseph's statement he does indeed use the singular in trying to speak for everyone, after using the plural in one of the previous statements of his comment. So in addition to my previous response to Joseph, the point still stands.jonathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14972394536850151087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8353442983052145851.post-64569792284418362362009-03-10T13:57:00.000-07:002009-03-10T13:57:00.000-07:00Joseph, just because you used the plural autism co...Joseph, just because you used the plural autism communities, rather the the singular autism community, does not make a difference. You are still implying that the Neurodiversity movement represents something other than a complete fringe point of view. I won't accuse you of deliberate dishonesty as you have done to me, but only that your view is not at all accurate. I stand by my statement that most persons who have an interest in autism are in favor of prevention (not abortion) of autism and would like a cure for autism to be found. ND just represents a very small percentage of those people.jonathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14972394536850151087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8353442983052145851.post-86500919158491775762009-03-10T12:59:00.000-07:002009-03-10T12:59:00.000-07:00He speaks of the "autism community" implying that ...<I>He speaks of the "autism community" implying that people who believe in ND comprise the entire autism community but not autism speaks or most people with an interest in autism who do want to cure and prevent autism.</I><BR/><BR/>You're just being completely dishonest there, Jon. It was very clear I wasn't using "autism community" that way. In fact, I used the phrase "autism communities" precisely because everyone knows that "autism community" has been co-opted by the anti-vaxers. <BR/><BR/>Now, <I>autistic</I> community is another matter entirely.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8353442983052145851.post-87798847249166351292009-03-07T02:48:00.000-08:002009-03-07T02:48:00.000-08:00Hello JonathanI agree with you that as a Canadian ...Hello Jonathan<BR/><BR/>I agree with you that as a Canadian I have no right to DEMAND anything from any US institution, except perhaps compliance with international law or human rights norms and areas where they impact seriously on other nations and their citizens.<BR/><BR/>As SM69 mentions America and American institutions exert great influence in the world, especially here, next door, in Canada. Generally that American influence has been very positive on autism issues. We have benefited from American autism research and the positions taken by American agencies. In Canada federal politics dominates autism research and has a negative effect with anti-cure researchers like Dr. Laurent Mottron and his mentor Michelle Dawson receiving research funding, repeat high profile appearances on the CBC, Canada's national publicly funded broadcaster, and prime spots at a politically shaped National Autism Symposium. Personally, I place great value on AMERICAN research institutions and public health agencies and what they have contributed to autistic persons and family members. I generally find them more credible than our current Canadian CIHR which appears to follow marching orders from our current Prime Minister's Office.<BR/><BR/>I see no reason why anyone, regardless of where they live, or their citizenship can not comment on any subject they wish to comment on. Specifically I see nothing wrong with anyone, including Michelle Dawson, expressing their opinion to an American agency particularly if they indicate that they are NOT US citizens. And I doubt American authorities take her as seriously as some Canadian authorities seem to do. <BR/><BR/>On the "merits" of Mr Leitch's opinion he does appear, once again, to try and suggest that his small club of neurodiversity advocates have the right to speak on behalf of all autistic persons including autistic adults like you and autistic children like my son.<BR/>You have made clear your position in that regard. And I can say clearly on behalf of my son that Mr. Leitch does not speak on his behalf. The animosity present in many internet autism discussions would decline markedly if neurodiversity advocates like Mr. Leitch ceased such over reaching.<BR/><BR/>Mr. Leitch is entitled to believe that he should not be cured of any disorders which might affect him personally. But he has no right to misrepresent his irrational anti-cure ideology as being the views of "the autism community:.<BR/><BR/><BR/>My initial review of the IACC autism research plan is that it looks very balanced and inclusive of diverse opinions on research directions. Offered as a Canadian with no right to demand any specific direction on the part of the IACC but very much affected by whatever direction it takes.<BR/><BR/>I appreciate your views Jonathan, even where we disagree, as we do on ABA and on the right of foreigners, like me, to comment on actions taken by American authorities.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05838571980003579163noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8353442983052145851.post-58548062004246393112009-03-06T12:03:00.000-08:002009-03-06T12:03:00.000-08:00Hi JonathanI can’t resist making a short reply to ...Hi Jonathan<BR/><BR/>I can’t resist making a short reply to your post. Sorry, autism is amongst us, American or not. America is in many ways a leading country. Developments taking place where you are, with regard to autism, scientifically, economically etc have major impacts on the rest of the world. That’s enough I think to justify non-Americans to take a close look at what happens in your country. And if what happens will likely have repercussions where we live, I think it’s important to report and comment on it where we are. I don’t mean the rest of the world is useless, good stuff happens in other parts of the world which Americans should also look at and comment on. It’s not like stepping into someone’s country and starting a war there to maintain supremacy. It’s about working together across nations for a common and worthwhile cause. I am French (bad) probably the worse type, but my son is American (good). I thought I should add this ;-)SM69https://www.blogger.com/profile/16239400845268784984noreply@blogger.com