To autistic people, autism parents, family members, friends, and supporters:
In light of the prevailing mythology that autistic people lack empathy, and in response to the damage that this stereotype does to our lives and to our psychological well-being, I’ve created a new website.
Autism and Empathy: Dispelling Myths and Breaking Stereotypes exists to undo the myths about autism and empathy that have stigmatized autistic people for so long.
It will feature writing by autistic individuals, by autism parents and family members, and by others who understand that autistic people, all along the spectrum, can experience the world in highly empathetic and sensitive ways. Telling our stories, describing our experiences, and speaking the truth in our own voices, we can break dehumanizing stereotypes and increase understanding.
I welcome all submissions, including previously published work. Please submit your piece or a link to your work to rachel@autismandempathy.com.
If you have a blog, help spread the word! Provide a link to the Autism and Empathy website, and post an announcement. Together, we can make a difference.
© 2011 by Rachel Cohen-Rottenberg
Would you like me to put this post on the directory?
I’d love it, Kim. Thank you!
I will get it posted and get the new site added under related.
http://autismblogsdirectory.blogspot.com/2011/06/from-rachel-new-website-on-autism-and.html
Thanks!
Thank you, Kim. That’s awesome.
Signal boosted. There was another post about the same topic I wanted to link, so this is all very timely.
I really like your explanation of cognitive empathy vs. affective and expressed empathy.
Thanks, Lisa!
[...] Rachel’s blog: Autism and Empathy: Dispelling Myths and Breaking Stereotypes exists to undo the myths about [...]
Sweet! I look forward to reading and exploring. I’ll be out of the city for most of the next couple weeks and am not totally sure what kind of internet access I’ll have, but I’ll definitely get a link posted on my blog.
Thanks, chavisory. Safe travels!
Rachel,
I am so glad you started this site. I posted it on Twitter this week. Thank you for continuing to be there to help others my amazing friend.
Thanks for the signal boost, Sue. Much appreciated.
I absolutely love the new design and layout and look forward to the updates on the many projects that you have undertaken…don’t burn out!
Thanks for your kind words, Phil. And don’t worry about the possibility of burnout — been there, done that, never going back! Taking care of myself is a necessary prerequisite for everything I do.
This should be really interesting – we need this discussion within the autism community
Thanks for your support, bbsmum. If you would ever like to submit a piece about your experience with BB, I’d be honored.
Awesome idea. I can’t wait to check it out. You are amazing!
Aw, thanks!
I adore your new site design and will be adding a link to Autism and Empathy. I am very impressed by your industriousness! Thank you for making it so easy to find important information about autism.
Lori
Thanks for your support, Lori!