ReimanSaaraJan 2, 2023

The more I think of it, the more I feel that we need to ditch function-centered approaches to #autism, and probably even further to #neurodiversity and #disability.

Functioning is an incredibly value-laden term, and it is also used to measure things it actually says nothing about, such as a person's worth, ability to contribute, ability to experience happiness and whether or not their life is meaningful. Focusing on functioning leads easily into extremely ableistic view. 1/

Show threadReimanSaara
To me, personally, "functioning" is something that can fluctuate wildly. I don't think the term is useful *in any way* in trying to describe what I find essential and central in my autistic experience, namely the special version of reality I get to inhabit. To me, the real tragedy of my existence is, that only fellow autists like to discuss about amazing things and endless beauty of Takiwatanga. Everyone else seems to care about nothing but measuring "functioning" with broken measuring tools./5
Jan 2, 2023 at 3:33pmWeb
Show threadNickJan 2, 2023
@ReimanSaara I find myself wishing I had Takiwatanga boldly printed across a t-shirt with smaller print underneath, "my own time and space" Keri Opai