The recent paper published on Asperger and his work in Austria in the 1930s and 40s has caused some consternation and distress and so I've been prompted to post this comment below; it's my own personal thoughts: "I had already seen the paper before it 'hit the news' and while I think it is important - vital even - for us to understand the history we have inherited, also that people are called out for their actions, I am not entirely sure otherwise of the usefulness of this particular revelation, assuming it's accurate of course. We were all told Asperger was a bit of a hero when it turns out he may not have been and worse, colluded with the regime of the time. What is most disturbing for me is the concurrence that profoundly 'disabled' or 'disordered' people, including children, were a drain on society and a genetic scourge and needed to be got rid of. He may not have, of course, believed any of that, he may have taken a pragmatic approach, believing his most useful role would be to work to save those children he felt he could, by creating a defence and different story around them and focussing on their abilities and assets. That's not a possible excuse, but a possible alternative context; we already believe, for example, that the businessman Oskar Schindler 'squirelled away' many children while apparently acting as a loyal member of the Nazi party. Maybe we'll never truly know. We have inherited that culture, I am sure, anyway, albeit in a more subtle form and we need to be aware of this and we need to be equipped to combat it with everything possible. And all that aside, Asperger did not define the term 'Asperger's syndrome', his name was just borrowed for a definition created in the 1990s in the UK and then the US and has no impact on its meaning for that particular label, although I can understand the discomfort caused. So whetever he did or didn't do, perhaps the most importance thing is to understand that any attempt to belittle or 'other' those autistic people who are less able to speak for themselves is a 'tip of the iceberg' problem and a scourge that must be resisted. That's how I feel about it anyway. Cat@Swan ...
Great big shout out on #volunteerrecognitionday to all the wonderful women who have supported SWAN over the years and who keep us afloat! ...
I'm not a great sharer of memes but I do really like this one, it's so elegant Cat@Swan ...
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Tickets for our Glitter and Gold Ladies Lunch are being snapped up quickly so don’t delay in purchasing your tickets to join us on Sunday 9th September.
Taking place at the stunning Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow, the charity event will be a wonderful opportunity to get together with the girls and show your support of autism! Join us for a lovely afternoon of fun, food, fizz and treats from the fabulous stalls available throughout the day. The wonderful Gina On The Radio will be there to host the show.
Don’t miss out and book your tickets today by visiting: www.scottishautism.org/ladies-lunchTickets for our Glitter and Gold Ladies Lunch are being snapped up quickly so don’t delay in purchasing your tickets to join us on Sunday 9th September.
Taking place at the stunning Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow, the charity event will be a wonderful opportunity to get together with the girls and show your support of autism! Join us for a lovely afternoon of fun, food, fizz and treats from the fabulous stalls available throughout the day. The wonderful Gina On The Radio will be there to host the show.
Don’t miss out and book your tickets today by visiting: www.scottishautism.org/ladies-lunch ...
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