Following the article "Declaration from the worldwide autistic community" last November concerning recognition of the community as a minority group, this article looks in depth at how the autistic community does fulfill the criteria for minority status, and how to move forward with legal recognition.

September 20, 2005 (XTVWorld.Com) -- A minority group is a "subordinate group whose members have significantly less control or power over their lives than members of a dominant or majority group" and a "group that experiences a narrowing of opportunities (success, education, wealth, etc) that is disproportionately low" (ref.1)

The autistic community fulfills that definition in that those with autism have less choices over education, homes, and work opportunities.(ref.2)

The characteristics of a minority group are "Distinguishing physical or cultural traits, e.g. skin color or language", "Unequal Treatment and Less Power over their lives", "Involuntary membership in the group (no personal choice)", "Awareness of subordination and strong sense of group solidarity", "High In-group Marriage" (ref.3).

Those on the autism spectrum have these characteristics as far as can be ascertained. It is generally well accepted that autistics have their own culture, and unique style of communicating. Communication differences are one the main criteria for a diagnosis of autism. Those who are non-verbal or semi-verbal, and are able to use a computer, can join other members of the community in online forums and chat rooms to socialise, for many this is the only social contact that is not stressful.

Regarding unequal treatment, and less power, there are many barriers to full-time employment for autistics and this significantly reduces life opportunities, financial independence, and security.

Autism is present from birth, so therefore it is certainly involuntary membership in the group.

There is most certainly a strong sense of unity within the community shown by membership in the 100's on many forums(ref.4) and many 100's that take part in email list groups(ref.5)offering friendship, advice, and support to each other. There are also autism chat rooms for real time typed conversation(ref.6). The problems with bullying in school, prejudice in finding work, and in the workplace that are frequently spoken about within the community clearly show that many autistics are aware of being treated in a subordinate sense within society.

Stastics are not currently available to ascertain the marriage partners of those with autism, as there are lower marriage rates than in the general population, however many couples with both partners on the spectrum are known of in the community, and where possible most men with autism express a preference to be with a partner with autism too.

There are various types of minority group, racial, cultural, linguistic, religious, and social. Autism is largely genetic (ref.7), but neverthless occurs across all races. Communication and language differences are a major part of the autism definition, and the culture is significant, but the social minority group is most fitting for autistics as within society the differences are most notable.

The consequence of being a minority group varies on the situation of the group and the period in history they are living in. For instance, times of genocide for numerous minority groups in the past.

One of the major fears of the autistic community currently is the search for a cure for autism, and the impending possibility of a prenatal test for autism(ref.8). When a prenatal test is created it will in effect be a form of genocide for autistics, as it will rapidly diminish the community as it is mainly genetically heritable. This is shown clearly with the fact that many adults with autism and aspergers, who have children, have children with autistic traits or autism itself.

If the social minority group of autistics is legally recognised around the world, it can offer greater protection for those who currently suffer prejudice and poor treatment. (ref.9) It could also make society aware of the differences and create more understanding, as has happened for minorities in some areas.

If more autistics had the opporunity to have computer access, and use that medium to facilitate communication(ref.10) and also the chance to have social groups in real life it could increase confidence, well-being, and independence.

Written by Amy Nelson of Aspies for Freedom.

Editors Note:
The social minority group covers the whole autism spectrum conditions including autism, aspergers, PDD-NOS, and hyperlexia. Some adults find it hard to get a diagnosis for various reasons, such as lack of finances, no professionals available to perform diagnosis, or concern that such a diagnosis would put them at risk of increased prejudice or harm. Therefore a person who recognises their own autism and has strong reason to believe they are on the spectrum ie, self diagnosed, and have the same qualifying characteristics as the other members of the community, should also be offered the same rights and protection as those who are 'officially diagnosed' as ultimately the needs are the same.

References:
1. What is a Minority Group? by Vernellia R. Randall, Professor of Law
http://academic.udayton.edu/race/01race/minority.htm

2. "An estimated 26,500 people have autism (including Asperger syndrome) in Wales and yet just 6% of adults with the disability are currently in full time employment."
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=674&a=7226

3. Wikipedia page on the Autistic Community -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autistic_community

4. Examples of forums for those with autism and aspergers - approx. 700 members on http://www.aspiesforfreedom.com, 1200 on http://www.wrongplanet.net and over 2000 on http://www.autisticsociety.org

5. Well known mailing list http://www.inlv.demon.nl/

6. Autism chat rooms -
http://aspiesforfreedom.com/wiki/index.php?title=Autism_Chat_Rooms

7. http://www.agre.org/ and "In other words, autism appears to be largely genetic in origin, and most autistic children inherit the disorder from their parents.
Behavioral genetics changed the thinking about the cause of autism." from The Genetics of Autism By Michael J. Dougherty http://www.actionbioscience.org/genomic/dougherty.html

8. MSNBC article by Art Caplan "Would you have allowed Bill Gates to be born? Advances in prenatal genetic testing pose tough questions" http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7899821/

9. Murder of autistics http://www.geocities.com/growingjoel/murder.html

10. Autism and computing by Mike Lesser and Dinah Murray
http://www.autismandcomputing.org.uk/computing/computing.en.html