The whole point is that my pride in way of being is not dependent on having special abilities to ‘compensate’ for my disability. Does that mean I don’t try to gain new skills? Of course not. It just means that the value of my way of being is not dependent on whether I succeed in gaining those skills.”

True enough, though I also did mention that there were benefits. Obviously, that should hold generally about minority groups.

But that’s exactly my point – the “pride” is not dependent on ability. I am not “autistic and proud” because I believe being autistic has given me any special abilities, and I know of plenty of non-autistic people who are as gifted if not more in my strengths, and these people who share my strengths virtually all that I’ve met have more skills in self-care skills, speech and language, navigating unfamiliar places, learning new tasks, etc.

The whole point is that my pride in way of being is not dependent on having special abilities to “compensate” for my disability. Does that mean I don’t try to gain new skills? Of course not. It just means that the value of my way of being is not dependent on whether I succeed in gaining those skills.

I used “disability” more and more, myself.

I would have said the same thing when I was nonverbal. And I would never, ever, ever say I was above someone like Kristina’s son, Charlie. Actually, I’ve met Charlie, and I would respect his perspective (if not more) than my own.

“We agree there. I just don’t think it is a logical step from there to celebrating a disease.”

“As is” includes the “disease” (I would say “condition”, though)

“What good comes from autism that the person would not possess on their own, as their ability with or without the autism?”

A whole means which has increased perception, inward cognition, and focus, amongst an array of other things. It’s not dependent (obviously), but it is enhanced. Ultimately, it’s perspective that creates a distance from societal structure and reception in favor of a sharper individual perspective and intelligence. Honestly, that’s a deal that, for those it is of, is more difficult but is also well-worth it.

Cliff

I have heard this argument before. However, a large percentage of people with autism cannot talk or communicate. The ones that seem to be advocating for being proud to have autism can function well enough to make that statement on their own behalf. And that fact alone places them far about the majority of their peers.

“but it’s about understanding that we’re valuable as is, and we don’t need to reach some level of ability in certain tasks to be valuable, that our way of being is as valid as any other.”

We agree there. I just don’t think it is a logical step from there to celebrating a disease.

““Way of being” is very much wrapped up in “autism”, or more correctly “being autistic”, and it is something for both good and ill.”

What good comes from autism that the person would not possess on their own, as their ability with or without the autism?