[pollywog]

How did autistic people get along BEFORE the government teat was there for everyone to suck on? Since humans have walked on this earth there have been people with autism -- the government only started mucking around with this since the 1960s.

Autism , especially in California, is at epidemic levels! A day in the life of a severely autistic adult would change a lot of Freepers ideas on services for autism.I will say again, I am AGAINST big spending! I am against wasteful spending. But disabilities and the helpless are another story in my books!!

[Weimdog]

No disrespect but 21,00 out of 35 million is not an epidemic.

"Autism is the fastest growing disability served by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS), affecting more than 21,000 persons in California"

"The rate of growth in the population of persons with autism in California is commensurate with reported increases in other states, such as Georgia, Massachusetts and Minnesota."

http://www.dds.cahwnet.gov/autism/autism_main.cfm

[Sabertooth]

I will say again, I am AGAINST big spending! I am against wasteful spending. But disabilities and the helpless are another story in my books!!

So, you're against the big spending that doesn't benefit you and yours.

[alnick]

A day in the life of a severely autistic adult would change a lot of Freepers ideas on services for autism

There are a lot of people diagnosed with some mild form of autism, so many people don't have any idea what's involved with caring for someone who is severely autistic.