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The autistic dark web is a loose term used to describe individuals who are opposed to the neurodiversity movement. Originally coined by autistic advocate Thomas Clements[1] as a satirical term parodying the Intellectual Dark Web.[2][3] Although it is normally a term used to describe individuals who oppose the neurodiversity movement, a small number of autism advocates have described themselves as being a part of the autistic dark web.[4] One of the individuals who self-described themselves as being a part of the autistic dark web once launched a website under that name.[5]
Individuals who are labeled as or have self-described themselves as a part of the autistic dark web hold a variety of views, Thomas Clements describes himself as a life-long liberal, a libertarian,[6] while others have described themselves as being a part of the Green party,[7] or as broadly left-wing.[8] The term "autistic dark web" was originally meant to connect a loose-group of autistic "freethinkers"[9] that oppose the neurodiversity movement and certain aspects of identity politics.[10]
Alongside opposing certain parts of identity politics, many who have been described as autistic dark web have supported medical research into a cure for autism,[11] opposed the social model of disability in favor of the medical model,[12] and disagreed with the practice of self-diagnosis of autism.[13]
The term "autistic dark web" has received significant opposition from advocates of the neurodiversity movement, due to its relation to the Dark Web, the underbelly of the internet.[14] The members of the group have also been described as being alt-right, transphobic, or simply internet trolls targeting autistic rights advocates.[15]