1:45am September 29, 2013

“

[tw: ableism, medical abuse]

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network views this surgery as profoundly unethical and bluntly are concerned that the UW Hospital approved it.

Autistic people and others with communication related disabilities often use what’s termed as ‘problem behavior’ as a way of communicating distress, anger, fear, anxiety or other important emotions that may not be easily communicated for someone without standard speech. There is a long history of family members and providers viewing these behaviors as strictly a medical phenomenon and not recognizing they’re important for communication.

To violate a person’s bodily autonomy and damage their ability to communicate to serve the convenience of the caregiver is nothing short of horrific. We view this as similar to the Ashley X case or the long history of involuntary sterilization, teeth removal and other inappropriate and unethical medical procedures conducted against people with developmental disabilities.

”

Ari Ne’eman, National Council on Disability Chair of Policy & Program Evaluation

Oh no! Looks like we’ve got another social justice warrior overreacting to human rights abuses! Or, you know, maybe this is something people should actually be outraged by, if you actually have a soul.

(via girljanitor)

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