I can disagree, even disagree strongly, and remain respectful. I believe I have done so in this blog post. If you would like to point out where my post is disrespectful, we can discuss that. If, instead, you have made a hit-and-run comment to put forth your own unsupported assertion then it is is you who is being disrespectful.

You use the metric that we should treat each other with the same respect that we treat our children. Is “you really disgust me” a phrase that you would endorse using on children? If not, your own comment would seem rather, say, contradictory?

But while Phillip had so many against him, he had that many with him. Phillip was my friend and I made it my goal in school not only to stick up for him when he was picked on, but to teach those ignorant brats why Phillip was the way he was and why love and acceptance (or at the very least tolerance)is the best way to comprehend something hard to get.

Adults, grown people, who, I think(?) lord willing are in full mental wellness, bickering.

You are poorly representing yourselves and your children. Whether you take the “highroad” (sullivan) or maybe not so much (lori), you guys are being very insulting to each other and I’m sure hurting each others feelings. You are grown people and you know when a ‘friendly debate’ has gone too far. Enough.

I also think that you should keep in mind that however divided you may be in your opinions, all of you are a part of a greater community whether you like it or not. Somehow you have been affected by autism. And that has made you a stronger person one way or another. So please, treat each other with the same respect and caring that you expect others to treat your children with.

“I will continue to love, support and advocate for my awesome son.”

Absolutely nothing she has said describes an awesome son. How can a son who causes her such misery be deemed awesome? I wonder whether she is being insincere in her sentiments. Some people who hold her position perceive a split between autism (it) and the autistic person. (Hate the sin, love the sinner?) Parents of children with Down Syndrome don’t see things this way. I don’t get how a child whose behavior is insufferable can at the same time be awesome.

Let me put it in your own terms:

I could claim that Farmwife2 negated my feelings (and the feelings of many others) by ignoring the actual discussion and then proceeded to further negate my feelings by making insulting comments based on her misunderstanding.

I don’t exactly see you complaining about that. I don’t need you to, either.

If correcting her misunderstanding (not for the first time, either) and pointing out that she her comment was insulting is “negating her feelings”, I guess I am guilty.

By the way, would you like to discuss how the video negates the feelings of many autistics and parents? Or hadn’t you noticed that little bit of irony?