Quote:
Originally Posted by lonegael
Scince I have a son with Kenners Autism, I can understand both, and I would say that while I am all for neurodiversity, in some cases, a cure is needed, just because in some cases of autism, the disorder also causes developmental delay to the point that self care is greatly impacted and stimulus processing can be PAINFUL. If these aspects can be better treated/prevented, then I am all for it, because I know my son does not enjoy the results, regardless how loving or willing to understand we and his teachers are.
That's just me. A puzzle piece can be interpreted in many ways, and I always thought more it meant a search to find what was happening in the first place. A cure shouldn't be used unless the person involved thinks it's necessary. If a person with ASD is functioning well, then there is apparently nothing to fix, right? Just as a person with ADHD who had learned their own way to function with the disorder might well choose to continue to manage it alone, and this is also fine. We should be tolerant enough to accept these folks and not make life tougher for them than it has to be. But a kid like my son is affected by his disorder in different ways, and might need more or different help, just as some kids with ADHD need medication.
Part of the puzzle is sometimes knowing just how to respond when confronted by some of the debates around this syndrome.  HUGGGSSSSS |
I agree. Even though my case is rather mild, that isn't to say that it doesn't negatively affect my life. It was much worse when I was younger. I grew up with the impression that my social difficulties, sound sensitivities, and usually being the last person to understand a joke were all just a part of my weirdness and were to be hidden if I wanted to gain social acceptance. Take my sensitive nervous system and tendency to take personal jokes literally, add bullying to the mix, and you get an anxiety disorder. Most people on the spectrum have some form of anxiety issue, though, so it's not surprising that I developed one too. When my therapist first suggested that I might be on the spectrum, I didn't believe her. Part of it felt really shameful. But I did my research regardless, as did my parents, and though I don't fit ALL the diagnostic criteria, we're pretty sure my therapist's suspicions are correct. It explains all the little things social anxiety never could, like my struggles with empathy and special interests. I still have a really hard time dealing with the social aspect of the condition, which is where my therapist comes in. I'm afraid of how these things are going to affect my life in college. Since I get overwhelmed very easily, I've decided to stay home for the first couple years of college.
I understand what you mean lonegael. It would be difficult to watch anyone go through pain, especially a child with special needs. There's a certain organization that is generally hated by the ASD community. Those with Asperger's especially reject the way it pushes for a cure, since we don't see ourselves as diseased or sick. It's a difference. Nevertheless, I do understand why you feel differently, and I probably would too if it were my child. I can speak for myself, but the same is not always true for those with low-functioning autism. Still, I wouldn't trust that to be done by this certain organization. As Didgee also mentioned, they are the reason many people on the spectrum hate the puzzle logo.
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Only you can prevent neurotypical jerkiness!