"A spectrum of disputes"
Visiting Canadian lecturer discusses controversial topics surrounding autism
Tiffany Hendrix
Issue date: 5/5/09 Section: Culture
"He has reached the age where he has realized he is different from other kids. He wanted to go to the doctor, so the doctor could make him better. I want him to be able to handle being autistic, to know it is a part of his being," said Tiffany Cates, a student whose son is autistic. Cates described how her son's interpretation of his disability made her feel, saying, "It's really painful for me."
Cates was one of almost 50 people to pack Hamersly Room 107 on Thursday, April 30, to listen to Michael Orsini, a professor from the University of Ottawa. Orsini spoke to an engaged audience that included students, faculty and staff and community members, all brought together by a connection to autism. Audience members included autistic persons, those with autistic family members, current and future special educators and those there to simply find out more about the issues surrounding autism in America and Canada.
The lecture brought up a variety of points, and sparked interest and comments in the audience. One of the first points Orsini brought up was: what is the appropriate thing to call an autistic person? Do you say they are an autistic person or a person who has autism? Orisini quoted someone who previously attended one of his lectures, "I am not a 'person with autism.' I am an autistic person. Autism is hard-wired into the way my brain works. I am autistic because I cannot be separated from how my brain works." Orisini compared this to left-handed people; they are called left-handed, not "a person who has left-handedness." He made the claim that being left-handed is a part of who a person is, as is a disability like autism.
One audience member said the idea was hard for her to make a choice on, because she has worked with mentally-ill persons, stating those with Bipolar Disorder generally do not want to be called a bipolar person, because the illness does not define who they are. So, which is it? That debate will most likely rage on forever, but many of Orisini's other points were issues with more concrete answers.
Cates was one of almost 50 people to pack Hamersly Room 107 on Thursday, April 30, to listen to Michael Orsini, a professor from the University of Ottawa. Orsini spoke to an engaged audience that included students, faculty and staff and community members, all brought together by a connection to autism. Audience members included autistic persons, those with autistic family members, current and future special educators and those there to simply find out more about the issues surrounding autism in America and Canada.
The lecture brought up a variety of points, and sparked interest and comments in the audience. One of the first points Orsini brought up was: what is the appropriate thing to call an autistic person? Do you say they are an autistic person or a person who has autism? Orisini quoted someone who previously attended one of his lectures, "I am not a 'person with autism.' I am an autistic person. Autism is hard-wired into the way my brain works. I am autistic because I cannot be separated from how my brain works." Orisini compared this to left-handed people; they are called left-handed, not "a person who has left-handedness." He made the claim that being left-handed is a part of who a person is, as is a disability like autism.
One audience member said the idea was hard for her to make a choice on, because she has worked with mentally-ill persons, stating those with Bipolar Disorder generally do not want to be called a bipolar person, because the illness does not define who they are. So, which is it? That debate will most likely rage on forever, but many of Orisini's other points were issues with more concrete answers.
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