Building Respect Within the Autism Community

 

Today I'm sharing some insight of what we sometimes see when we are promoting things throughout the Autism Community - and that is what we call in-fighting.

 

Now in-fighting within a community is counter-productive.  It may include at least one person spewing forth hate and or overly criticized comments towards another person and/or organization, without respect.

It may also include representatives of one organization sharing that their organization is better than another organization.... again, without respect.

 

The definition of in-fighting is conflict between members of the same organization (usually concealed from outsiders).  From what we've seen this in-fighting has permeated throughout the Autism Community.

 

Over the Past 4+ years we've been around -  there have been very few articles submitted that include a level of hatred towards another organization or individual.  For this we at Autisable have really been blessed.

 

Now of course there have been articles that reflect criticism of certain organizations and/or individuals, but they mostly have been sharing a perspective that also contains a level of respect.

 

What is the key issue that we are discussing?  Respect.

 

A lack of respect for another individual and/or organization and verbally attacking another individual is just another form of bullying.

 

Again, it's ok to be critical of a person or organization - but we must respect their opinion and/or viewpoint.  I'm all for freedom of speech, but with that freedom comes the responsibility of recognizing differences of opinion and having an honest debate about issues.  We have to constantly remind ourselves that we are in this together.

 

Now -  Scott Badesch of the Autism Society has called for a summit.    This summit is called as an effort to recognize and respect our differences within the autism community, and seeing how we as a community can move forward.  We have partnered with the Autism Society and stand with Scott in the efforts to address this in-fighting and finding ways we can all work together.

 

I can't tell you how often I see individuals and organizations hindered by one another's being overly critical of anything from research to diagnosis, to how donations are spent - and how services are rendered. 

 

The General public doesn't care as much about Autism and our community as we'd like them to, and why should they?   

 

I've heard that one organization will NOT involve themselves on a project because another organization with different viewpoints is also involved.

 

With the exponential growth of Autism rates globally we know and understand that this growth brings about new organizations and a lot of new parents and families and individuals on the spectrum.  Of course with more people involved, more opinions about what needs to be done will also be expressed.

 

We really don't have time to fight anymore, we have to come together and see how we can help one another grow and encourage one another in our strengths.

 

With the National organizations coming together, the hope is that basic guidelines can be provided that we all can follow - so we can express to the media and general public what it is we are asking for, and more importantly what we are about.

 

Building upon our strengths is going to be key in us as a community moving forward and helping families and individuals with Autism.

 

If you are a leader in a national organization, I ask that you consider the cost - and attend this summit.   If you are person who shares in this concern, please 'like', 'tweet' and 'recommend' this post.

 

Thank you in advance for working together to help families and individuals with Autism.

 

With Respect,

 

Joel Manzer,

Lead Editor Autisable.com