I first discovered “Growing Up Aspie” in an autistic community group during the same time I had that unfortunate conversation with a well known Autism “advocacy” blog. I loved the post the group member shared, it reflected me, but I could not in good consciousness share it I said because of my aversion to “Aspie/Asperger.”
Ah yes, I too often start to speak and lose entire sentences. WHY BRAIN! Image Description Comic Titled “This is your brain on what?” Main character Nathan, Speech bubble next to Nathan who is wearing a green shirt and grey hat “So he hired an..” A brain floats above him with a white box that reads “So he hired an attorney.” A white ghost like person stand next to Nathan waiting. Next panel inside the Brain’s white box in red letters “So he hired an…” Nathan’s speech bubble has three dots. Third panel Brain’s box says LOL!#% Nathan looks at his brain and his speech bubble reads “I mean… Seriously?” The allistic ghost person has his hands up looking surprised.
The artist, Nathan, is a king of grace and understanding. When we spoke he was polite and aware and his art is just fantastic. He explained his position to me without feeling insulted that I was concerned with the use of “aspie.” It is, as an artist, a blogger and a fellow autistic community voice a position I could understand.
I cannot find screens of that original conversation but I had told the person who shared his comic that I did not feel comfortable sharing anything dealing with Asperger in it’s name. The person understood and cropped the name out for me. This was when Nathan replied and explained how he was aware that the community was distancing itself from Asperger but that for him right now he could not change the name. He told me of the financial aspects and how he was diagnosed prior to the DSM V. He is autistic. Does not like functioning labels, and is aware that Aspie is such and the problem with Asperger. When you get told over and over this is who you are, I understand changing is hard but he has been making that change.
For many of us Aspie supremacy is very important. I have noticed debate over it is once more circling around the community again. First with Greta and her use and also with a certain E-zine/blog and it’s name. For Nathan, he literally grew up aspie, but doesn’t call himself aspie, all his comics say autistic. He says better his case than I can:
Why “Aspie” -From “Growing up Aspie” Facebook Page
His art and voice relates so well to myself. I can proudly endorse his art and hope those following take time to visit his page and support his Patreon.
Buy awesome tees here.
Nathan’s Patreon.
Official Website Growing Up Aspie
