"I Exist": Improving the Lives of Adults

by Dora Raymaker · 2009-01-11 10:19:00 UTC
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blue award ribbonI've had this article half written in a folder for a week now and kept tabling it for all the intense other news that happened during the week. But now this topic is foremost in my mind, especially after reading many of your comments to the Hersholt Award protest as well as a mention from Kristina in her post Why We Need to Think Differently About Autism. The common thread being this: the National Autistic Society (NAS).

The News in Portsmouth UK last Sunday ran an article detailing some color coded "scores" for how well Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire County Council are doing with respect to their adult autistic constituents. While it's bad that some of these scores were reported as poor, I couldn't help feeling glad that someone was paying attention to the needs of adults at all.

Which brings me back around to the NAS which performed the survey in Portsmouth and Hampshire. And specifically, to NAS' "I Exist" campaign. The very first line on the web site:

I Exist is the National Autistic Society's campaign to improve the lives of adults with autism.

Wow.

Spending a little time on the site, things get even more full of wow (and this is where we connect up to the Hersholt Award protest), because there are a number of things you won't find on the site. Like pity. Shock. Sales pitches. Stereotypes. Dehumanizing and disrespectful language.

What you will find is a strong initiative that deals with adult issues from multiple angles. Getting services and supports to adults who need it is a priority. As is promoting a positive and realistic image of people on the spectrum through blogs and films. The information geek in me also much appreciates the well organized, accessible, and informative web site.

While I'm sure there are issues with the NAS (what organization is perfect?), the NAS stands out to me as an exemplar of how an autism organization can be large and successful enough to provide real charitable services without having to resort to shock and pity. NAS also is working hard to bring the needs of adults, so often left out when people consider autism, into focus--after all a child will typically spend most of their lives as an adult. I never like to criticize without providing some idea of an alternative. How NAS handles itself--with respect toward its beneficiaries--is one example of that alternative.

Dora Raymaker
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