Unfortunately the realistic portrayal of challenges faced by people with ASC is still being manipulated by some sectors with a heavy focus on our "bad" behaviours. Some (not all) who claim to represent us only focus on our negatives, and they do so without the balance of explaining underlying reasons for our "bad" or "maladaptive" behaviours

I think this can apply for anyone in society who is different,. Since my realisation that I am probably, but not definately somewhere on the spectrum I have become much more tolerant of others. I beleive that many NTs have just as many BAD behaviours also.

How about focussing on the positive for once? People with AS offer so much to society.. in fact without them we would struggle.. emotion can't rule the world

I agree.

The manipulation of how society views autism by some organisations and individuals could actually be likened to a social form of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy- where deliberate exaggeration of negative psychological characteristics, behaviours, and mental health states of people under their care serves a definable purpose. Things like identity, status, attention, income, etc. are at play for those with sMSbP. Let's face it, we are an industry.

One controversial American autism organisation ("they who shall not be named for litigation reasons") does this with creativity and aplomb.

One would hope that OTARC reconsiders their perhaps naive responses in this instance, and takes steps to avoid similar practices.

Mich