Bullying people with learning disabilites - it has got to stop - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TJ · 03-11-2004, 10:51 PM

Some of you probably know there are many people here with learning disabilites including EricIdleFan - she has Aspberger's Syndrome.

She needs to be given some slack. She goes off on people when she feels she's cornered. The boards would improve greatly if the bullying would stop. I've already suggested that if you are bothered by her (or anyone else for that matter), that you put them on your ignore list. You wouldn't have to read their posts or private messages or anything, it would be like they weren't even here. The claim that you wouldn't know if they were talking about you behind your back is bull****, why should you even care?

Put yourself in her shoes for a minute. She's not perfect and has said some not too nice things, but she doesn't need to be ganged up on by everybody 24/7.

safety pin (Sarah) was clearly the biggest offender and ringleader, but many others stepped in and were just as bad. She was warned repeatedly to stop it, but she chose not to. Bullying EricIdleFan has become a nasty sport and I'm ashamed of the behavior.

I think it's best also that she takes a break from the boards also, as she has been out of control lately.

When did the boards go so bad? I remember when they used to be so much fun and people got along for the most part.

We've already lost so many good members to the fights, I don't want to lose any more.

dawsongirl · 03-11-2004, 10:53 PM

What is Aspberger's Syndrome?

TJ · 03-11-2004, 10:55 PM

Asperger Syndrome or (Asperger's Disorder) is a neurobiological disorder named for a Viennese physician, Hans Asperger, who in 1944 published a paper which described a pattern of behaviors in several young boys who had normal intelligence and language development, but who also exhibited autistic-like behaviors and marked deficiencies in social and communication skills. In spite of the publication of his paper in the 1940's, it wasn't until 1994 that Asperger Syndrome was added to the DSM IV and only in the past few years has AS been recognized by professionals and parents.

Individuals with AS can exhibit a variety of characteristics and the disorder can range from mild to severe. Persons with AS show marked deficiencies in social skills, have difficulties with transitions or changes and prefer sameness. They often have obsessive routines and may be preoccupied with a particular subject of interest. They have a great deal of difficulty reading nonverbal cues (body language) and very often the individual with AS has difficulty determining proper body space. Often overly sensitive to sounds, tastes, smells, and sights, the person with AS may prefer soft clothing, certain foods, and be bothered by sounds or lights no one else seems to hear or see. It's important to remember that the person with AS perceives the world very differently. Therefore, many behaviors that seem odd or unusual are due to those neurological differences and not the result of intentional rudeness or bad behavior, and most certainly not the result of "improper parenting".

By definition, those with AS have a normal IQ and many individuals (although not all), exhibit exceptional skill or talent in a specific area. Because of their high degree of functionality and their naiveté, those with AS are often viewed as eccentric or odd and can easily become victims of teasing and bullying. While language development seems, on the surface, normal, individuals with AS often have deficits in pragmatics and prosody. Vocabularies may be extraordinarily rich and some children sound like "little professors." However, persons with AS can be extremely literal and have difficulty using language in a social context.

At this time there is a great deal of debate as to exactly where AS fits. It is presently described as an autism spectrum disorder and Uta Frith, in her book AUTISM AND ASPERGER'S SYNDROME, described AS individuals as "having a dash of Autism". Some professionals feel that AS is the same as High Functioning Autism, while others feel that it is better described as a Nonverbal Learning Disability. AS shares many of the characteristics of PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder; Not otherwise specified), HFA, and NLD and because it was virtually unknown until a few years ago, many individuals either received an incorrect diagnosis or remained undiagnosed. For example, it is not at all uncommon for a child who was initially diagnosed with ADD or ADHD be re-diagnosed with AS. In addition, some individuals who were originally diagnosed with HFA or PDD-NOS are now being given the AS diagnosis and many individuals have a dual diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism.

Brian · 03-11-2004, 10:56 PM

I agree. I was going to mention that she has a learning disabilty (who doesn't?) but I think it was better that it came from you. As some people already know, I am autistic and I can imagine being in her shoes very easily. It just makes my blood boil when things like this happen. I won't get started on it again because it does no good repeating myself.

I admit that I once bullied her but that was back in December and I have not even spoken to her since. Why? Because I realized that she might have a learning disability like me.

Thanks for posting this, Todd. You hit the nail right on the head.

Tuesday Weld · 03-11-2004, 10:56 PM

I had no idea that EricIdlefan has a condition.

MandieR1980 · 03-11-2004, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ElvisDustyfan
I had no idea that EricIdlefan has a condition.

me neither and I feel bad that people were bullying her and if they knew she had a problem that makes it so much worse.

It pisses me off that people have nothing better to do in their own lives than to make fun of or harrass people who are different than them.

thanks for letting us know TJ

Blair_Warner02 · 03-11-2004, 11:03 PM

I never had any problems with her and I realized she may have a learning disability, so do I. I didn't get enough oxygen to my brain when I was born and I have a small delay in my brain and my mom thinks I may be mildly dyslexic.

Brent88 · 03-11-2004, 11:04 PM

I didn't even know about this. I am very sorry.

I wouldn't have done all of this nonsense if I knew that.

dawsongirl · 03-11-2004, 11:05 PM

Thanks for the article, TJ.

TJ · 03-11-2004, 11:06 PM

It wouldn't have been ok even if she didn't have a learning disability.

I always thought she had one, but until I received a message pavanbadal forwarded to me I didn't know what she had.

Tuesday Weld · 03-11-2004, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brent88
I didn't even know about this. I am very sorry. I wouldn't have done all of this nonsense if I knew that.

I feel badly, too, as I said a few things I shouldn't have. Shelby, if you can somehow see this, I'm very sorry for what I said.

Tuesday Weld · 03-11-2004, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TJ
It wouldn't have been ok even if she didn't have a learning disability.

I always thought she had one, but until I received a message pavanbadal forwarded to me I didn't know what she had.

I agree, it wasn't ok and it's not ok to bully anyone. I feel ashamed.

°Bubbly Blonde° · 03-11-2004, 11:10 PM

.....Well, I could tell that there was something obviously different about her, and that's why I just never said anything....even though her posts were a little annoying, they werent serious enough to go crazy over...

MandieR1980 · 03-11-2004, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by °Bubbly Blonde°
.....Well, I could tell that there was something obviously different about her, and that's why I just never said anything....even though her posts were a little annoying, they werent serious enough to go crazy over...

I agree

Tuesday Weld · 03-11-2004, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by °Bubbly Blonde°
.....Well, I could tell that there was something obviously different about her, and that's why I just never said anything....even though her posts were a little annoying, they werent serious enough to go crazy over...

Honestly, I thought she was a little bratty kid, who lied about her age. If I'd thought she had problems, I would have never said anything.

03-11-2004, 10:51 PM	#1
TJ Site Owner Administrator Forum Star Join Date: Feb 03, 2000 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 10,696	Bullying people with learning disabilites - it has got to stop Some of you probably know there are many people here with learning disabilites including EricIdleFan - she has Aspberger's Syndrome. She needs to be given some slack. She goes off on people when she feels she's cornered. The boards would improve greatly if the bullying would stop. I've already suggested that if you are bothered by her (or anyone else for that matter), that you put them on your ignore list. You wouldn't have to read their posts or private messages or anything, it would be like they weren't even here. The claim that you wouldn't know if they were talking about you behind your back is bull****, why should you even care? Put yourself in her shoes for a minute. She's not perfect and has said some not too nice things, but she doesn't need to be ganged up on by everybody 24/7. safety pin (Sarah) was clearly the biggest offender and ringleader, but many others stepped in and were just as bad. She was warned repeatedly to stop it, but she chose not to. Bullying EricIdleFan has become a nasty sport and I'm ashamed of the behavior. I think it's best also that she takes a break from the boards also, as she has been out of control lately. When did the boards go so bad? I remember when they used to be so much fun and people got along for the most part. We've already lost so many good members to the fights, I don't want to lose any more.

03-11-2004, 10:56 PM	#5
Tuesday Weld I missed you all. hugs Forum Celebrity Join Date: Feb 02, 2003 Location: Having a great time. Posts: 22,285	I had no idea that EricIdlefan has a condition.
	__________________ Cindy Formerly musicrocksmyworld, ElvisDustyfan and vintagetvgirl. After one look at this planet any visitor from outer space would say "I want to see the manager." - William S. Burroughs

03-11-2004, 11:03 PM	#7
Blair_Warner02 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Nov 11, 2002 Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 270	I never had any problems with her and I realized she may have a learning disability, so do I. I didn't get enough oxygen to my brain when I was born and I have a small delay in my brain and my mom thinks I may be mildly dyslexic.
	__________________ Want Facts of Life on DVD! Go to TVShowsOnDVD.com to vote.

03-11-2004, 11:04 PM	#8
Brent88 Member Forum Star Join Date: Aug 01, 2003 Location: Alabama Posts: 16,174	I didn't even know about this. I am very sorry. I wouldn't have done all of this nonsense if I knew that.
	__________________ Brent

03-11-2004, 11:10 PM	#13
°Bubbly Blonde° <3 Forum Veteran Join Date: Nov 25, 2001 Location: Playboy Mansion Posts: 5,876	.....Well, I could tell that there was something obviously different about her, and that's why I just never said anything....even though her posts were a little annoying, they werent serious enough to go crazy over...
	__________________ ¤ Courtney ¤ -random quotes- Fashion is Architecture: it is a matter of proportions - Coco Chanel We are all born sexual creatures, thank God, but it's a pity so many people despise and crush this natural gift. - Marilyn Monroe I love sluts; they're the nicest people in the world. -Manolo I love Los Angeles. I love Hollywood. They're beautiful. Everybody's plastic, but I love plastic. I want to be plastic. - Andy Warhol

03-11-2004, 10:53 PM	#2
dawsongirl Member Forum Icon Join Date: Jan 04, 2001 Posts: 53,140	What is Aspberger's Syndrome?

03-11-2004, 10:55 PM	#3
TJ Site Owner Administrator Forum Star Join Date: Feb 03, 2000 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 10,696	Asperger Syndrome or (Asperger's Disorder) is a neurobiological disorder named for a Viennese physician, Hans Asperger, who in 1944 published a paper which described a pattern of behaviors in several young boys who had normal intelligence and language development, but who also exhibited autistic-like behaviors and marked deficiencies in social and communication skills. In spite of the publication of his paper in the 1940's, it wasn't until 1994 that Asperger Syndrome was added to the DSM IV and only in the past few years has AS been recognized by professionals and parents. Individuals with AS can exhibit a variety of characteristics and the disorder can range from mild to severe. Persons with AS show marked deficiencies in social skills, have difficulties with transitions or changes and prefer sameness. They often have obsessive routines and may be preoccupied with a particular subject of interest. They have a great deal of difficulty reading nonverbal cues (body language) and very often the individual with AS has difficulty determining proper body space. Often overly sensitive to sounds, tastes, smells, and sights, the person with AS may prefer soft clothing, certain foods, and be bothered by sounds or lights no one else seems to hear or see. It's important to remember that the person with AS perceives the world very differently. Therefore, many behaviors that seem odd or unusual are due to those neurological differences and not the result of intentional rudeness or bad behavior, and most certainly not the result of "improper parenting". By definition, those with AS have a normal IQ and many individuals (although not all), exhibit exceptional skill or talent in a specific area. Because of their high degree of functionality and their naiveté, those with AS are often viewed as eccentric or odd and can easily become victims of teasing and bullying. While language development seems, on the surface, normal, individuals with AS often have deficits in pragmatics and prosody. Vocabularies may be extraordinarily rich and some children sound like "little professors." However, persons with AS can be extremely literal and have difficulty using language in a social context. At this time there is a great deal of debate as to exactly where AS fits. It is presently described as an autism spectrum disorder and Uta Frith, in her book AUTISM AND ASPERGER'S SYNDROME, described AS individuals as "having a dash of Autism". Some professionals feel that AS is the same as High Functioning Autism, while others feel that it is better described as a Nonverbal Learning Disability. AS shares many of the characteristics of PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder; Not otherwise specified), HFA, and NLD and because it was virtually unknown until a few years ago, many individuals either received an incorrect diagnosis or remained undiagnosed. For example, it is not at all uncommon for a child who was initially diagnosed with ADD or ADHD be re-diagnosed with AS. In addition, some individuals who were originally diagnosed with HFA or PDD-NOS are now being given the AS diagnosis and many individuals have a dual diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism.

03-11-2004, 10:56 PM	#4
Brian Member Forum Celebrity Join Date: Jun 23, 2001 Posts: 20,451	I agree. I was going to mention that she has a learning disabilty (who doesn't?) but I think it was better that it came from you. As some people already know, I am autistic and I can imagine being in her shoes very easily. It just makes my blood boil when things like this happen. I won't get started on it again because it does no good repeating myself. I admit that I once bullied her but that was back in December and I have not even spoken to her since. Why? Because I realized that she might have a learning disability like me. Thanks for posting this, Todd. You hit the nail right on the head.

03-11-2004, 11:05 PM	#9
dawsongirl Member Forum Icon Join Date: Jan 04, 2001 Posts: 53,140	Thanks for the article, TJ.

03-11-2004, 11:06 PM	#10
TJ Site Owner Administrator Forum Star Join Date: Feb 03, 2000 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 10,696	It wouldn't have been ok even if she didn't have a learning disability. I always thought she had one, but until I received a message pavanbadal forwarded to me I didn't know what she had.