Think tank wrong to equate autism with rudeness
I NOTE THAT Gpeg [Guernsey Policy & Economic Group] are quoted as claiming ‘the silliest part (of the draft equality ordinance) is a person who has a “condition which affects a person’s social interaction”’ [Gpeg still voicing concerns, Friday 18 February]. It is implied that this is not a disability and is just redefining persons who are rude or aggressive.
I would be grateful if you could publish the following clarification.
For some individuals social interaction difficulties resulting from underlying developmental or mental health conditions can result in barriers to them accessing goods and services, education or employment. It is therefore important that this should be taken into consideration in disability discrimination legislation.
Difficulties with social interaction are a core feature of autism and have formed part of the diagnostic criteria since the 1980s.
It is unfortunately true that autistic individuals can sometimes be perceived as rude because of their lack of typical social skills; and agitation resulting from stress caused by breakdown in communication or sensory overload may be mistaken for aggression.
It is, however, misleading and unfair to equate the complex and challenging issues that can occur for those with innate social interaction difficulties as simply rudeness or aggression redefined as a disability.
CATHERINE HALL
Branch Officer
National Autistic Society Guernsey Branch