Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Autism Sucks, Not Autism Speaks

You can help counter the deceit practiced by Autism Speaks and Neurodiversity by advertising the truth about autism. Autism sucks, plain and simple. Click here or on the bar at the top of the blog to go to Cafe Press where you can purchase hats, t-shirts, stickers and other lovely items that let people know that Autism Speaks sucks and so does Neurodiversity.

All proceeds will go to the Megan Foundation to help cure autism.

109 comments:

Anonymous said...

WOW! A thong designed by John Best Jr. Gotta send one to Amanda...

Anonymous said...

Please don't put such pictures in my head! Baggs in a thong. Is there one big enough? Can you make a thong shaped diaper?

Anonymous said...

I think Matt needs the thong, I hear he dresses up for Diva,and then they play with that dog thingy of hers.

John Best said...

Zoe,
Do not try to put any more links to perverts on my site.

Zoe said...

It is a misconception that Autism Speaks and the autistic/Asperger's community agree with each other. The science we (I have Asperger's) have seen says that autism existed even before vaccines.
Also, honestly, I don't feel that Asperger's has been a bad thing for me. It's kindof like comparing a 747 to a helicopter. The 747's will say the helicopter suffers because it does not have the range, speed, or cargo capacity. However, I know of very few helipads large enough for 747's to land on, much less park. For me and many others, a "cure" would be equivalent to ripping the rotors off of a helicopter. To do so would in effect be killing us.
As for those who say I can't be an aspie because I can speak, and thus cannot pass judgment, under that standard parents can't pass judgment. Also, I suggest that people look to Einstein and Sir Isaac Newton
, both of which are autistic.
--Zoe Kemsley
Programmer
Anyone who wishes to debate me may either email me at Zoe700@gmail.com, or do it here.

John Best said...

I know that AS and Neuroinsanity do not agree with each other. It's kind of odd that AS lets the neuronitwits get away with their antics on their site.

Autism did not exist before vaccines. The books you read are wrong.

Zoe said...

Ah, is there any scientific journal you can quote me?

John Best said...

Google "Kanner"

Zoe said...

I am well aware of Kanner, but where is it noted explicitly that autism only occurred after vaccines? And anyways, Dr. Asperger already had a model independently. Many people throughout history show little signs pointing towards Asperger's. Just because someone has only just turned on a light doesn't mean the room didn't exist until then.

John Best said...

Autism was invented after vaccines were laced with thimerosal. That started in 1931 and Kanner diagnosed the kids in 1943. That's why there is nobody with autism over the age of 77.

Your average nerd is not much different from Asperger's but nerdism is not always Asperger's.

Anonymous said...

If my daughter could sign on a computer, type, read, and debate about whether or not she would like a cure for her autism then I would be the HAPPIEST parent on this planet. But my daughter cannot. She is non-verbal, not toilet trained and still unable to feed herself with a fork or a spoon. My daughter needs a cure!!

Angie

Zoe said...

Angie, I know how that feels. I have a sister with down syndrome. While growing up to some extent I had to be sorta like the second mom.
Though I wonder, would it not be easier to instead research how to force the higher functioning autism variant instead of the lower functioning autism variant? That would likely be considered agreeable by many.

Zoe said...

Foresam, a question. Why would vaccines be the only vector for mercury poisoning? Sure, I know that it's a lot easier once something has actually penetrated the skin, but mercury poisoning has been implicated in the death of an early inventor working with mercury in electric motors. And what is the motive for scientists without ties to companies?

Anonymous said...

Zoe, debate you?

Why would anyone try to debate a mentally disabled person. Get yourself off to a therapist, but before you do that, get yourself steralized. Don't inflict your horrible disorder on any innocent children. Aspies make abusive parents.

Do you know why aspies all quote the same ridiculous line, "curing the AS is like killing us". Because they all perseverate, they all repeat the same crap they hear from each other over and over again.

If curing the AS is like killing them, then kill them all.

Zoe said...

Anonymous, I am not mentally disabled. My mind is merely wired differently. Also, I already am sterile. I do not "recruit" children, or whatever you mean to say.

John Best said...

Zoe,
You do not have wires in your head, only thimerosal.

Zoe said...

Sorry, I was using a metaphor. What I mean is my brain operates slightly differently than most people.

Anonymous said...

foresam, when she means "wires", she doesn't mean she literally has wires in her head, she simply means that her mind is of a different functionality than the "normal" functionality. Then again, what is "normal"?

Anonymous said...

zoe,

One thing you may not realize is that any kids with Down's are very high functioning, and very social as well, something that an aspie could never dream of being. Unfortunately a high proportion (10% or so) have autism, so they are more succeptible to mercury poisoning and other metabolic damage due to their trisomy. The ones that are not autistic are an absolute joy to be around, talkative, attentive, caring, sweet. Even the autisitic ones are still sweet. I don't think there is anyone that could say the same thing about an Aspie.

Unknown said...

To the above... I beg to disagree. I am an Aspie myself, and I know several others. We all enjoy each other's company. Many non-Autistics enjoy my company, as well. I suggest you thoroughly study both sides of what you are talking about before you speak.

Zoe said...

Anonymous, I have plenty of friends.
Also, empathy != compassion. I can't express sympathy to someone unless I know they are feeling something.

Anonymous said...

Zoe said:
Also, I already am sterile. I do not "recruit" children, or whatever you mean to say.

There is God!

Now if only we could steralize the rest of them.

Zoe said...

Anonymous, you do realize you are talking about genocide? The Supreme Court of the United States has declared forced sterilization to be a violation of human rights. We saw what happens when you do that about seven decades ago.

Unknown said...

@Anonymous: We don't need your hatred. I'm surprised they're letting you post to start with.
We don't want to be cured because we take pride in our autism. We consider it a part of ourselves.
Let me give you a few examples of Aspies that have helped the world. Thomas Edison. Albert Einstein. Thomas Jefferson. You would deprive the world of genius on the caliber of these three? If you exterminate Asperger's Syndrome, that's what you'd be doing.
Do yourself a favor and quit proving to us that you're blinded by hatred.

Anonymous said...

The problem with Aspies is their inability to read body language and facial expressions. They also lack theory of mind.

If you claim you have empathy and the ability to read body language and facial expressions then you are not an Aspie because these are diagnostic criteria.

Lack of theory of mind makes it impossible for Aspies to grasp what others are thinking or to understand that other people have thoughts different than their own. This is why real Aspies often think people like them when in fact they find them intensely annoying.

Most NTs do not want to spend a lot of time with people who stim, tic, perseverate on one point and speak monolongues instead of give and take conversation.

How on earth do a couple of Aspies have a conversation when they do not know how to take turns. They might as well both talk to the wall. Separately.

Zoe said...

We are capable of learning cues, but it's not automatic. Not all of us stim, or some of us do it in little ways that most people don't notice.

Unknown said...

Maybe you should go to an aspie group and find out.

John Best said...

Aspies can never achieve anything exceptional like Edison, etc. because the mercury in their heads has killed too many brain cells. Being too stupid to realize that a cure is good for you is sad. We'll cure you anyhow and then you'll appreciate sanity.

Zoe said...

PS. Anonymous, I have both a diagnosis and a nuerotypical boyfriend. Do you care to explain how I have both?

John Best said...

Russell,
I've gone to Aspie groups to try to educate them but they just weren't capable of learning, stubbornly stupid.

Zoe said...

Aspies have. For example, Steven Spielberg and Temple Garadin. I know four programming languages, and another aspie I know has learned at least ten non-programming languages. I also have been in a gifted and talented program in high school. Somehow, I doubt I have a lot of brain damage.

Unknown said...

The clues are there, Forsam. Edison, Einstein, Jefferson, and Newton were all Autistic. Do your research and prove me wrong if you don't believe me.

Anonymous said...

Russel and Zoe,

Having social issues is part of the diagnosis. That's just the way it is. Just because other aspies can enjoy a monologue about monty python doesn't mean it is enjoyable for anyone else.

Unknown said...

I also didn't say to educate them. I meant to watch. Just observe them. Watch how they hold conversations with each other. We have our own communities, believe it or not. We relate with you supposed neurotypicals quite well.
Oh, and who said you had the right to force a cure on us? :P

John Best said...

Russell,
You are a slow learner. Reread what I told you.
Zoe,
I'm guessing you're NT boyfriend is deaf or desperate.

Anonymous said...

Nt boyfriend just may be looking for a little something, something

Zoe said...

You do realize as Russell said that there is a right to refuse a medical procedure? We are no more dangerous to you than a nuerotypical. Please, do not insult Russell's intelligence.
Also, you never answered my questions:
Blogger Zoe said...

Foresam, a question. Why would vaccines be the only vector for mercury poisoning? Sure, I know that it's a lot easier once something has actually penetrated the skin, but mercury poisoning has been implicated in the death of an early inventor working with mercury in electric motors. And what is the motive for scientists without ties to companies?

Also, my boyfriend isn't deaf or desperate, though he is very caring and understanding.

Anonymous said...

I think that forcing a cure on anyone is wrong, for any reason. You don't force depressed people to take anti-depressants, or people with bronchitis to take antibiotics. I find the practice of forced sterelysation and unwanted practices (like electroshocks, aversion therapy, coercion therapy) to be more than oppressive, they are more than unconstitutional, they are barbaric practices.

Zoe said...

Anonymous, I would prefer not to go into details, but he kinda lacks the ability to do so.

Anonymous said...

Ah yes, the old lines from the wrongplanet ND handbook. Say how smart you are, then list off a bunch of geniouses or famous folks and claim they are autistic. Whooptidoo. Great lines at parties I'm sure.

Russel, good god. Why would anyone want to go observe a group of aspies having conversations. How much can someone actually talk about their D&D character or HTML coding techniques? Lots and lots and lots..... Numbing, unless you really want to sit and listen to it.

I challenge any rational person to sit for more than 10 seconds listening to the description of an uber-paladin of gookland and every piece of equipment he owns and every adventure he has been on.

Zoe, great, you sound like you're doing fine. Why not shed the diagnosis. Also, if you're going to bother talking about environmental mercury as a possible cause of autism, you have just crossed over into biomed camp. Gald you see you here. It opens up a big can of worms if you admit that autism is not solely heritable though. Don't bring it up at wrongplanet.

John Best said...

Zoe, "Anonymous, I would prefer not to go into details, but he kinda lacks the ability to do so."
Was he gelded?

Zoe said...

No, I said I did not want to go into details.

Anonymous said...

Zoe and Sara,

Caregivers and parents will determine medication for anyone under their care.

All the aspies coherent enough to see their problems should just do a little biomed for themselves. Damn, how hard could it be to cut out dairy for a week and see if you get better.

John Best said...

Sara,
I'll bet if we shocked Amanda Baggs, she'd remember how to speak and, maybe how to use a toilet. I say we try it.

John Best said...

Zoe,
The most dangerous doses of thimerosal are before a baby or a fetus have developed a blood brain barrier. That's why the largest increase in autism happened in 1994, three years after the introduction of the HepB shot on the day of birth. That's why the flu shot to pregnant women is so effective at causing autism. That's why lying bastards from the CDC try to tell us all the thimerosal is gone from the shots when it isn't.

John Best said...

Zoe,
If he wasn't gelded, what kind of sexual dysfunction does he have? Maybe we can find some help for him.

Zoe said...

I was merely pointing out flaws in your argument. Also, I am not a member of WrongPlanet. My diagnosis is correct.

Anonymous said...

"Caregivers and parents will determine medication for anyone under their care."

And it should be discussed with the one under their care. Unless the one under their care is in a coma or otherwise unable to even discuss, I don't see an issue with this.

Such directives as caregivers or 'parents know best', have produced aversion therapy for gay or transgender children, often leading to suicide later in life because of the internalized self-hatred of the therapy.

Sending your child to some sort of boot camp so they won't be gay (or gender non-conforming) anymore is cruelty, wether it comes from parents, or doctors.

Also, wanting not to be sick is a lot of the healing right there. If you force someone (or try to) not be sick, it might not turn out as expected. Psychological health affects physical health, if you make someone depressed, they will be more prone to disease, and if they get any better, it will be slower.

I got depressed last month over something I had invested a lot emotionally, and though I rarely get sick at all (like not even yearly getting the flu), it made me very sick a week later, having both fever and bronchitis at once. And that whole week was hell, but I took no medication and recovered.

If someone wants a cure, or to try something. Good for them. If someone wants to get better another way, it should also be discussed.

John Best said...

Sara,
The only people opposed to a cure for autistic children are disingenuous jerks associated with quackbusters.
Neurodiversity propaganda has conned a lot of people who need help into believing that treatments that might help them are quackery. This is not true.
Curing severely disabled kids has nothing to do with the gay rights movement which I think is disgraceful. These kids don't have a choice about being autistic and their lives completely suck.
Let's not associate a bunch of perverts with disabled kids. They have nothing in common.

Anonymous said...

"Curing severely disabled kids has nothing to do with the gay rights movement which I think is disgraceful. These kids don't have a choice about being autistic and their lives completely suck.
Let's not associate a bunch of perverts with disabled kids. They have nothing in common."

Yeah being gay or transgender is a choice, and they're perverts...oh where did I hear that before?

I'm ambidextrous, obviously a choice cause you know, they didn't slap my wrist enough times as a kid to force me to write horribly with my right hand.

Anonymous said...

Sara,

Well thats just wonderful. How exactly does one discuss treatmen with a non-verbal, non-communicative child who is constantly in pain, having siezures, etc.

Your analogies are not even relevant to low-functioning autistic kids. You are talking about gay rights and handedness for christ's sake.

Anonymous said...

Zoe,

Arguing that mercury can come from other sources than vaccines doesn't exacly help you out in keeping to the neurodiversity agenda. It is still an environmental cause for autism.

John Best said...

Sara,
If you want to discuss perversions, take your bullshit to a site that wants to discuss that. This site is about autism. Your comments addressing mentally deranged people with sexual perversions are not welcome here.

Anonymous said...

"Sara,
If you want to discuss perversions, take your bullshit to a site that wants to discuss that. This site is about autism. Your comments addressing mentally deranged people with sexual perversions are not welcome here."

Then it's not too surprising that you'd avocate for forced sterelyzation or genocide. No more commendable, but not surprising to me.

Say one of those high-functioning autist person was you? Would you want to be forcefully sterelyzed, would you like to be force-fed with medications, all without your consent, or even your point of view discussed?

I wouldn't, even if I am infertile. It doesn't matter, it's for the principle of not having someone force it on to me.

Being killed, well, unless you're suicidal, I can be pretty sure you wouldn't want to be killed (or to die), either.

Zoe said...

Last time I checked people had a right to refuse their own "treatment". As for GLBT people, the evidence also overwhelmingly points to biological causes, most likely genetic. Also, blue eyes is a genetic mutation, why don't we go ahead and cure people with blue eyes? I would also prefer that you not say Im mentally deranged, last time I was evaluated to have the normal levels of sanity.

John Best said...

Zoe,
When you compare eye color to autism in terms of genetic mutations, you are obviously mentally impaired.

Zoe said...

Sir, the concept is the same. I do not feel a temptation to suggest you lack sanity or mental functions, I would prefer that you not question mine.

John Best said...

Zoe,
The concept is not even remotely similar, especially since autism is not genetic. You are a mental case.

Zoe said...

I have a mental difference, however it is not an overall deficit. But as for vaccines, why is it that autism and Asperger's tend to run in families? Also, can you find me research papers by two scientists published recently blaming vaccines for autism?

Anonymous said...

If all Zoe has is a 'mental difference' they why did she need a diagnosis?

As for all the idiots who claim to have Aspergere's but none of the symptoms, ie. no empathy, poor social skills, poor school performance despite average or normal intelligence, no theory of mind.... how the heck can you have a disease with no symptoms. Why did you go to the doctor in the first place.

It's like me saying, I have lung cancer, but I don't have any odd lumps, my breathing is fine and I'm really not sick at all.

Have some common sense. Oh no, you can't, because 'a notable lack of common sense despite normal intelligence' is a symptom of Asperger's. So if you are an Aspie, then by definition, you have no common sense.

Zoe said...

The diagnosis describes the mental difference.

Anonymous said...

Zoe,
if you are functioning so amazingly well, how did you know you have a mental difference?

Zoe said...

Anonymous, I know because I was diagnosed when I was a child, though the second opinion was that the original neurologist was incorrect. I had to fight at first just to be able to read, and had to learn more than most. Later I was "rediagnosed".

Anonymous said...

Maybe you have a learning disorder.

Good luck to you anyway, you seem determined to have something. However, having spent 20 years living with an Aspie I know what a very serious disorder it is, that the lack of common sense can be dangerous, that the self centeredness makes them boring as hell and you soon get fed up listening to their monologues. If there was a cure for Asperger's I would patent it. Nobody should suffer like those who are forced to love with Aspies suffer. And if you are are successful as you claim, then enjoy life and drop the label. Sounds like no one will ever know you are supposed yo have Asperger's. You can pass for normal.

Anonymous said...

Hey anonymous who said

" that the self centeredness makes them boring as hell "

So you lived with ONE Aspie, big deal!

I've lived with my sister and am actually pretty good friends with her friend, who is also an Aspie. I find these individuals to be interesting, insightful people who can hold a conversation for more than a few minutes.

I do know a couple of Aspies who I don't like so much and can be irritating, the same goes for NTs.

Just because of one bad experience, you've become so blinded you can't see when a good, happy and empassioned Aspie (such as Zoe) who could do the world some good is coming forward and SPEAKING TO YOU ON YOUR LEVEL.

What kind of idiotic demon wannabes are you if you can't see that?

John Best said...

What good can Zoe do? Can she cure her boyfriends sexual dysfunction?

Zoe said...

Anonymous #1, I notice a lot of NT's with little common sense. As Anonymous #2 pointed out, one person does not reflect the rest. For example, let's say someone wrote a harassing comment on your blog. It doesn't mean everyone will write harassing comments. But what do you mean by "forced to love aspies"?

Anonymous #2, Thank you. And I do acknowledge that yes, some aspies can be jerks.

Foresam, that's something that's actually useful. By the way, did you find the two recent journal articles I asked about? Something I can do: Program. Maybe I should program a Blogger alternative? Just a thought.

Anonymous said...

Aspies are all the same which is why doctors were able to come up with a diagnostic criteria list. They have the symptoms to a greater or lesser degree but when they are so mild that apprently no one notices them then how can the person have the disorder? Zoe sounds like she fits into this catergory. If she wants a label thats her business. Personally I do not get why people want/need labels unless they are dysfunctional.

Anonymous said...

"Anonymous said...
Aspies are all the same which is why doctors were able to come up with a diagnostic criteria list."

Not true. Not all cases of aspergers are the same and considering that there are about 6 billion people in the world (1 out of 250 are supposed to have aspergers) then of course they're not all the same. Your personality is based on your expieriences and everyone's lives are different.


"They have the symptoms to a greater or lesser degree but when they are so mild that apprently no one notices them then how can the person have the disorder?"

That depends. They could have had therapy in their life to learn how to communicate. On the other hand, they might just be milder or appear NT. That doesn't stop them from being aspie.

"Zoe sounds like she fits into this catergory. If she wants a label thats her business. Personally I do not get why people want/need labels unless they are dysfunctional."

Because they don't want to lie to themselves :)

Anon, you're a bitter, twisted individual. I can't believe people like you exist in the world.

anon #3

Anonymous said...

Aspie = pedantic

all the same.

Anonymous said...

A bitter and twisted individual? LOL

Just because I refuse to buy the insane aspie line that you are all adorable and unique?

Brain damage is not adorable!

Zoe said...

Anonymous #1, We're not all the same.
Anonymous #2, Thanks.
#3, No, not always. If you passed us on the street you likely wouldn't know.
#4, Im not brain damaged, Im essentially just neurologically left handed.

Anonymous said...

I am left handed and I am not brain damaged!

Neither did I need a diagnosis from my doctor to tell everyone I am left handed.

Your analogy is nonsense.

Autism/Asperger's is brain damage caused by neurotoxins. I wish you a speedy recovery.

Anonymous said...

" Anonymous said...
A bitter and twisted individual? LOL

Just because I refuse to buy the insane aspie line that you are all adorable and unique?

Brain damage is not adorable!"

Erm, nobody said that you idiot.

You're a twisted individual because you stigmatise people whom you've NEVER MET and therefore you do not know them the way that oher people do. You think that the diagnostic criteria is an excuse to ridicle and be prejudiced to these people. Not all aspies are uncaring monsters. Many of these people are fantastic parents, great workers, passionate friends, motivated in their life and so on.


You know, you need to be careful sitting on that high horse; you might fall off, slam onto the cold, hard ground and see yourself at the same level as these aspies that you hate and lets see how big and mighty you feel then.

yes, I'm still anon #3

Anonymous said...

"You know, you need to be careful sitting on that high horse; you might fall off, slam onto the cold, hard ground and see yourself at the same level as these aspies that you hate and lets see how big and mighty you feel then."

You mean someone normal might be exposed to mercury, pesticides, or some other chemical and get brain damage? Maybe you're right, but they sure as hell would not think they were fine, and would take any treatment that would help.

Anonymous said...

Anon #3 said...

"Many of these people are fantastic parents, great workers, passionate friends, motivated in their life and so on."

Many? Is that right? Perhaps you're describing self-diagnosed Aspies. You know, the ones who think they're superior to Neurotypicals. You can't be talking about people with Asperger Syndrome, only 12% of those are in full-time employment.

Anonymous said...

I was just on Donna Williams's site and she mentioned an author who she claims is autistic and has lots of empathy and imagination. She says this person is breaking down the stereotypes.

How the heck can this person have autism if he has imsgination and empathy? Not having those traits is part of the diagnostic criteria. Just more ND crap!

By ND definition, we all have autism, therefore nobody has autism.

Anonymous said...

"Many? Is that right? Perhaps you're describing self-diagnosed Aspies. You know, the ones who think they're superior to Neurotypicals. You can't be talking about people with Asperger Syndrome, only 12% of those are in full-time employment."

I fit into the DSM-IV condition for 299.80 Asperger syndrome and some psychiatrist once attempted to diagnose me with it. I was considered a prodigee in school and many refer to my level of discourse as being university level though I've never set foot there (too pricy).

I was employed full-time for 5 years (and I'm 25, so 5 years is still a lot). It's never been a problem.

Anonymous said...

University is too pricey? Nonsense! Have you never heard of grants and scholarships for all you aspie geniuses? If you are so clever the universities would be lining up to take you in.

My NT kids got scholarships for university.

Zoe said...

"I am left handed and I am not brain damaged!

Neither did I need a diagnosis from my doctor to tell everyone I am left handed.

Your analogy is nonsense.

Autism/Asperger's is brain damage caused by neurotoxins. I wish you a speedy recovery."

I never said that you were brain damaged. I also never said I was braindamaged. I only said I had Asperger's. Would you care to post a scientific journal article?

""You know, you need to be careful sitting on that high horse; you might fall off, slam onto the cold, hard ground and see yourself at the same level as these aspies that you hate and lets see how big and mighty you feel then."

You mean someone normal might be exposed to mercury, pesticides, or some other chemical and get brain damage? Maybe you're right, but they sure as hell would not think they were fine, and would take any treatment that would help."

Also, do you care to cite a journal article? Please, stop playing Catch 22. If we speak up, we are considered too stupid to understand. If we do not, we get trampled and labeled as stupid anyways.

Anonymous said...

I got a scholarship too, but I pay rent and other things. And the scholarship was actually lower than not having one (because it means lowering my already low income). The scholarship would pay for school things, but not for rent, transport, and would invalidate my health insurance. There is not campus residence to stay at either.

I estimated my costs to be 9000-10000$ a year, living a minimalist lifestyle. They were willing to give me 4000$. I don't have credit cards, nor can I get in the red by an extra 6000$ a year.

And while I was in the top 1/5th of the class, I didn't push myself to be in the top 1/20th, so I won't get a scholarship based on excellence (which few could expect to get anyway).

John Best said...

Zoe,
You missed an option. You could speak up and tell the government that you want the mercury out of your brain so you can live a normal life. You can also tell them you want to be compensated for it. You should all be filing lawsuits.

Anonymous said...

Sara said...

"I fit into the DSM-IV condition for 299.80 Asperger syndrome and some psychiatrist once attempted to diagnose me with it."

It's not surprising that a young man with Gender Identity Disorder would have been targeted by school bullies, and found socialization and a niche in life very difficult, perhaps that's why Aspergers was suggested.

"I was employed full-time for 5 years (and I'm 25, so 5 years is still a lot). It's never been a problem."

I think it's a pity that the 88% of people suffering from Aspergers Syndrome - who can't get jobs - can't magically make their problems go away by changing their outward appearance.

Anonymous said...

"It's not surprising that a young man with Gender Identity Disorder would have been targeted by school bullies, and found socialization and a niche in life very difficult, perhaps that's why Aspergers was suggested."

Drop the young man please. You want no pronouns, then call me Sara since that's my screen name. Or young woman, your pick.

Though I see you have read my blog, you wouldn't be able to know my life history without living it. This is a very condensed version, and I purposefully leave things out (so I can't be stalked), and other things I don't remember at all or well enough to write about. Some things are fuzzy enough that trying to describe them would do them no justice too.

I was also prediagnosed with anorexia nervosa, but given I don't obsess about thinness (I'm just skinny anyway), that diagnosis was bogus. Asperger wasn't tested for by said psychiatrist, or another later or before.

"I think it's a pity that the 88% of people suffering from Aspergers Syndrome - who can't get jobs - can't magically make their problems go away by changing their outward appearance."

My appearance is only very slightly changed. It already caused problems (and no, I'm not talking about clothes) because I didn't fit into norms. I was too little for a boy and too legally male for a girl. And no it won't fix all my problems away. It fixes one, that problem.

Anonymous said...

Sara is a guy? Why is it that people with pycho social problems are all claiming to have Asperger's these days.

How many minorities do you need to identify with?

Anonymous said...

Is Zoe a guy too?

Zoe said...

Foresam, that makes the assumption that autism is caused solely by mercury. I have not yet seen a scientific journal article about that. Also, I do not want someone rewiring my brain.

Anonymous, please don't take potshots. Secondly, not everything is fixed by changing outside appearance. There are the difficult issues of intolerant people, who can see due to lack of appropriate legislation that on the incorrect birth certificates the sex is wrong. I have a very close friend with the same condition, and I have seen her suicidal twice. It's given her great pain, all due to a genetic glitch.

As for those who say that aspies are pyscho, Im afraid you're off on statistics. It's the opposite.

Also, Sara and I are not guys. If you were to hand a doctor her brain, they would most likely say it's a women's brain.

Anonymous said...

"Sara is a guy? Why is it that people with pycho social problems are all claiming to have Asperger's these days.

How many minorities do you need to identify with?"

No, Sara is not a guy. I shouldn't need to explain to you (or anyone) that the world isn't so white and black as you think. Call it psycho social all you like, it won't make it true.

And if you read my blog more carefully, you'd know there is a very likely chance an intersex condition was involved (Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome), which is the visible physical part (ie, I never looked boyish, and I sure don't now anyway). It has nothing to do with how I act, like you'd be a man whatever you wore or acted like.

I also don't "need" to identify with minorities, it's just a fact of life. You accept it, or not, for yourself. You have black skin, well you're a minority in the US, and that's not dependant on your 'desire to be'. You have cancer (diagnosed or not), well another minority.

Anonymous said...

Okay, I'm thoroughly confused here. Let me see if I have this straight. Sara used to be a male. Zoe has a boyfriend who is sexually dysfunctional and doesn't want to discuss it. So, is Zoe male or female? Are Zoe and Sara boyfriend and girlfriend? Is either one of them autistic or Asperger's?
Does any of this have anything to do with the fact that Autiswm Speaks sucks?

Anonymous said...

Zoe and Sara,

You do know that a number of pollutants, mainly involved in the production of plastics, are known to affect endocrine function and sex hormones. Its clear you have rough lives to be sure, and you don't need ridicule. You do need medical help though, and to get away from the groups of people who just tell you everything is fine and you are just a different variation of human development that has been around forever. Many of those people are bipolar or schitzo and should not be trusted anyways.

Your bodies have been damaged by some sort of toxin (pthalates, pesticides, mercury, whatever) so really you should be fighting with the people who caused the mess in the first place, and not someone like John here that just points out that you are damaged.

Zoe said...

"Okay, I'm thoroughly confused here. Let me see if I have this straight. Sara used to be a male."
No, she appeared to be male at one point (That's definitely pushing it).

"Zoe has a boyfriend who is sexually dysfunctional and doesn't want to discuss it."
Correct.

"So, is Zoe male or female?"
Female.

"Are Zoe and Sara boyfriend and girlfriend?"
No, we are not girlfriends.

"Is either one of them autistic or Asperger's?"
Yes. I have Asperger's.

"Does any of this have anything to do with the fact that Autiswm Speaks sucks?"
It does indeed "suck" royally. Finally something to agree about universally.

================================
Zoe and Sara,

You do know that a number of pollutants, mainly involved in the production of plastics, are known to affect endocrine function and sex hormones. Its clear you have rough lives to be sure, and you don't need ridicule. You do need medical help though, and to get away from the groups of people who just tell you everything is fine and you are just a different variation of human development that has been around forever. Many of those people are bipolar or schitzo and should not be trusted anyways."

Thank you for your concern, but there is evidence throughout history suggesting that maybe environmental toxins are not fully at fault.

"Your bodies have been damaged by some sort of toxin (pthalates, pesticides, mercury, whatever) so really you should be fighting with the people who caused the mess in the first place, and not someone like John here that just points out that you are damaged."
If someone was responsible and I had proof, yes, I would go after them. Thank you for your concern.

Anonymous said...

"Your bodies have been damaged by some sort of toxin (pthalates, pesticides, mercury, whatever) so really you should be fighting with the people who caused the mess in the first place, and not someone like John here that just points out that you are damaged."

People with physical issues (intersex) *may* be due in part to environmental pollutants, but that's ignoring the fact that intersex conditions existed since recorded history. Same for transsexuals. So it might 'not help', but to go and say it's the only cause is also ignorant.

"Are Zoe and Sara boyfriend and girlfriend? Is either one of them autistic or Asperger's?
Does any of this have anything to do with the fact that Autiswm Speaks sucks?"

We're both girls, so no, not boyfriend and girlfriend. Her boyfriend is someone else.

She has an official Asperger Syndrome diagnosis, I fit the criterias as outlined by the DSM and have almost had a diagnosis.

It has nothing particular to do with Autism Speaks for me, but against the bigotry and forced-pseudo-cures that some advocate here.

John Best said...

Sara,
I don't discuss pseudo-cures here. I simply discuss chelation and a few other things that go along with it.
It stands to reason that anyone with a diagnosis of anything on the autistic spectrum has been damaged. That damage affected their brain. That's nothing to joke about.
All the crap about genetics and different wiring is something you can use to make yourself feel better about what has happened to you if you choose. That notion has also been started by the assholes from Neurodiversity who don't want everyone to know that they were poisoned by thimerosal.
You can't win an argument with me by quoting that junk that they feed you on wrong planet or wherever because I have watched my "vegetable" son turn into a human by removing that mercury from his brain.
At your age, it may not be possible to undo all the damage that thimerosal probably caused. However, some adults are also improving their lives with chelation.

This blog is not about forcibly curing anyone. It is about countering the propaganda that is promoted by idiots like Alex Plank, Kathleen Seidel, Amanda Baggs, Kevin Leitch and a bunch of other assholes who are trying to prevent autistic kids from receiving the help they need.

The two of you sound like you have enough problems that you don't need to come here to bait me so that I can abuse you the way I do to the leaders of the Neuroinsanity nonsense. Why don't you think about this and do what is best for you to live your lives in the most enjoyable manner possible.

And, stop listening to liars!

Anonymous said...

Sara,

"but that's ignoring the fact that intersex conditions existed since recorded history."

Maybe some existed way back when. Same with autism. Mercury has been around a long time, and used by doctors a long time also. I'll bet you there are way more kids with sexual development issue now than before though. It would make a nice dissertation if I had the time.

Here's the thing. ALL of the neurodiversity concepts are based upon the idea that the rate of autism and all of other related disorder is the same now as before. ALL THE SAME AS BEFORE. It is pretty easy to show otherwise.

Anonymous said...

Zoe,

"Thank you for your concern, but there is evidence throughout history suggesting that maybe environmental toxins are not fully at fault."

The environment is always at fault, since it drives macro and micro changes in the genome. What else could possible cause a problem that is so disruptive to the most basic human function, a problem that would severly impact the capabilty to reproduce.

Bottom line: Things are not the same as they always have been.

Anonymous said...

Damn, this thread is depressing.

anon#72

Zoe said...

Just because a tree fell in a forest, and nobody was around, does not mean it did not happen. We have more population, and are not 'sweeping it under the rug'. Evolution requires a builtin random number generator. We have managed to arrive at new adaptations that bypass evolution to some extent. People that normally would have died during childbirth are living eighty years.

John Best said...

Zoe,
Asperger's is mercury poisoning, not the next step in evolution. It's too bad you can't understand that .

Anonymous said...

"Just because a tree fell in a forest, and nobody was around, does not mean it did not happen."

Zoe, congratulations!

That statement confirms that you are not suffering from Asperger's.

You see, Aspies lack 'theory of mind.' Not only would they not understand that very zen statement, but unless they actually saw both the tree and the forest, they would have a very hard time believing they existed at all.

My very intelligent Aspie is completely unable to grasp that things happen in his absence. He cannot visualize them or understand them. He thinks everybody in his life stands still in place when he walks away and are reactivated when he sees them again. If this sounds exteme, believe me, it is not, it is a very common problem with autistics. Refer to the Sally Anne test. Many Aspies will eventually understand the Sally Anne test, but many, even university educated ones like mine, cannot get their brains around it.

As I said, if you can make a statement like the one you just made, you are as NT as myself. Now go and find another minority to identify with. You sound like an intelligent woman/man.

Anonymous said...

Zoe,

"Evolution requires a builtin random number generator"

Evolution isn't random. Beneficial genes for a specific environment are selected (in the biological sense) and the rest just get weeded out. Have you even studied biology or are you just making things up to fit what neurodiversity says?

The only genes that could be thought of as as mutations relating to autism so far would be the ones coding for glutamate control, mercury detoxification and mitochondrial function. Some changes in those might have led to some people being able to function well in the information age, but had a tradeoff in being more fragile to neurological damage - causing autism and a host of other issues. There is no "autism gene". none.

There would no benefit to one anyways, since even high functioning aspies have a low chance of becoming parents, therefore the genes (theoretical autism genes for the sake of argument) would not ever get passed along. Evolution would just take care of them and select them out. The other genes (glutamate control, etc) probably had some benefit somewhere. Anything that allows for more neurotransmitters to fire more often could be real nice for quick though processes, but could easily become broken and allow uncontrolled neuron firing.

This is all so pointless and depressing having this discussion, since you don't even seem to be trying to understand.

anon#72

Anonymous said...

You see, Aspies lack 'theory of mind.' Not only would they not understand that very zen statement, but unless they actually saw both the tree and the forest, they would have a very hard time believing they existed at all.

Yes they would, if they'd already had it explained to them. Or trees and forests were a special interest.

Anonymous said...

Normal people do not need the basics of reality explained to them. With normal brain development they are able to figure things out as they pass through developmental milestones. If not the species would have been wiped out long before now. Asperger's is not an evolutionary leap. Aspies could not survive without NTs to keep them alive. Since they tend not to learn by their own mistakes, if there were any aspies in the Stone Age they would all have been eaten alive. You have to be NT to remember that wild animals are dangerous every time you meet one. Proof positive that Autism is a recent development.

Anonymous said...

" "Just because a tree fell in a forest, and nobody was around, does not mean it did not happen."

Zoe, congratulations!

That statement confirms that you are not suffering from Asperger's."

Now, I can understand the concept that the tree will either fall down or it won't if someone is there or not. It's either going to topple or it isn't.
However, where my difficulty in seeing other perspectives and other things happen is when realising and being able to think that other people will be doing things. Hard to explain, so I'll try and give a couple of example. It means with myself, having toileting accidents up until my mid to late teens and never realising that other people will notice (even when they were right next to me) and that I should get myself cleaned up. It means, despite having a degree, not being able to get a job that involves team work (for years I thought team work just meant being in the same office as someone else) or working in a supervisory capacity, because whilst I can concentrate on what I need to do, I can't think of what other people are doing or how it relates to what I am doing. I know theoretically that people are doing things away from me, but I find it so hard to remember it, or be aware of it that I miss a lot. I missed someone having a shouting argument a couple of yards away from me last year.
I do have low levels of empathy, which I know is meant to be a myth with people on the spectrum and I'm sure there are plenty of people on the spectrum who do have good levels of empathy, but I'm afraid I'm not one of them. At the age of 10 I watched a governemnt safety film in which two characters drowned and I turned to my mum and said "why is the woman crying, she still has two members of her family left?" I do have sympathy though and I know that when my lads are crying that they need settling, or cheering up, or saying "no, you may NOT have another yoghurt". Incidentally my attitude towards my children crying is very similar to my NT brother in law in that it's more a case of "Ok, we have to stop this noise, why are they crying and what do we do about it?" than "oh poor lads".
So, the theory of mind thing can affect us in different ways. I failed the Sally Anne test first and then someone explained it and I get the concept now. But, as explained above, I do have other difficulties regarding what other people are doing or thinking.

Anonymous said...

Bullet,
you explained yourself really well. You are obviously on the Autistic Spectrum, and at the milder end the spectrum is very broad. So good on you for your honestly. You sound very similar to my Aspie.

My issue is with those who say they are 'autistic', but they can do everything everyone else can do, have empathy, theory of mind etc. If you have all those traits, then you do not have an ASD.

By the definition of many of todays self-diagnosed Aspies, we could all call ourselves autistic. It is nonsense.

My adult Aspie would pass the Sally Anne Test now, but as you explained, only because somebody explained it to him. It does not mean he really gets it. He just knows what the right answer is now, whereas an NT child would get it as a developmental milestones, a true Aspie will only get it after explanation, probably sometime in adulthood after making millions of mistakes and never learning by them. Aspies are rote learners and the most intelligent among them need repeated explanations to get very simple concepts.

Those who run around saying they have Asperger's yet they are kind, sympathetic people with a great sense of humour are doing a disservice to real Aspies because they make the disorder look as if it is not serious, and it is.

Anonymous said...

"It means with myself, having toileting accidents up until my mid to late teens and never realising that other people will notice (even when they were right next to me) and that I should get myself cleaned up."

Maybe you're not on the anti-cure camp but would you agree that doing some diet changes or chelation and fixing this problem in pre-school would have been good? I couldn't imagine allowing my son to go into his teens without trying something, and thank god we found things that did the trick.

Three things worked the most for my boy.

1. removal of all corn products (stoped all obvious autistic characteristics - spinning, etc)
2. removal of all sugar and simple carbohydrates (toilet trained himself)
3. chelation removed mercury but make the toilet training process take longer due to yeast overgrowth. It did allow him to talk and learn though.

anon#72

Anonymous said...

Amanda Baggs in a diaper thong? OMFG,better tell the folks at playboy quickly about this one! Don't just the folks down at Playboy would love to have at least 1 picture of that duch bag(g)s grotesquie body flopping all over page 72. Now that would be 1 for the funny pages,wouldn't it.

asperger sufferer or just shiny aspie!

Anonymous said...

Anonymous, be careful reading through your posts puts the impression of the word "jerk" (though maybe I am wrong, have not read enough to know, understand you). I am NT although my mom used to play with beads of mercury (from broken thermometers) which was then transferred to my older brother (who is now long dead) and saved from me. While growing up my dad always bragged about his genetic line (and his mom who actually ate poison ivy as a kid). Our child is now autistic - he is 3.5 but is coming off the spectrum. Sure, he is on the spectrum. However, a neurotypical girl remarked "I like Mark" today (which we heard :>). He is cute (NOOO problem!!!), this CERTAINLY hasnt been the first time so (ah I expect) our problem will be keeping the girls off him in the future. So. There. Does that solve your problem or answer your question in the future? You are so darn dogged determined that you know the answer. Well let me tell you, without HBOT, chelation, supplements etc our child wouldnt be the same, wouldnt have a chance, not a chance in this world. And now everybody loves him in class. Not because he's autistic, but because he pulls everybody in (with his enthusiasm) and is the focus of the class. He's awesome! And he doesnt care about social convention because he is one!

Anonymous said...

Yes there are autistics over 70 and many of them were locked into mental instructions and died there.
Ronald Reagan forced the closer of many of these places because he found it was cheaper if the schools gave free intervention.


Actually there were accounts of "wild children" "possessed children" many of who had symptoms when vaccinations weren't available. Read the book Send in the idiots it covers the subject.

It's not vaccinations but genetics and pollution. The states with high autism rates have lower vaccination rates but huge air smog levels in general. Where I live now has a higher vaccination rate but lower autism rate in part because are air is cleaner.
Some autistics are highly gifted it's a spectrum but it is a learning disorder simple as that.
Though I believe genetics was the factor in my oldest she is doing amazingly well because I took on the hand to be her therapist plus I think the cleaner air helps as well.

John Best said...

True, there are a few autistics over 70 but, there are none over 78.