Here we go ... this is the problem. People who will, now due to this foolish article, down play the true problem that exist. This article in my mind is worthless. Just another, how we can sweep away the issue under a rug.
I have a son with autism. Prior to my son reaching to the age of 3 years old, I had not a single clue of what was autism. We took him to 2 pediatricians, both of whom said he was fine and that my son was a late bloomer. The same crap I got from family members stating ... "don't worry, boys take longer to talk than girls".
Not until I saw, a news program concerning the rise in Autism and they listed the symptoms (most of which he matched).
- Him being nonverbal, the spinning, banging his head on the wall, the appearance of almost being deaf (due to unresponsiveness), the arm flapping, the lining up of toys in a straight line over and over again, the no making eye contact, and the list goes on.
As clear as day, it hit me what my son had. I was like a double edge sword. It was great that I now know what he has (I can now give it a name and others would understand) but it truly sucks that he has it. My wife was in denial. I don't blame her, who would want to know that there child has a brain defect (and that what it truly is).
I have read almost every article I can find on the subject. I am part of many different groups on the subject. All in hope that I can find a cure for my son.
But when, I see articles like this, it makes me angry. Trying to brush off or lightly coat this problem. After, I learned what the Autism spectrum was, I would spot an autistic child and even adults a mile away.
I know of at least 3 families, who due to contact via my children's school or my work, have autistic children. But they are in denial and don't want to take action. And now because of articles like this, they probably won't.
Sadly, no one has the cure or answer to what causes autism. This BS about, well in the UK from this time period compared to another time period there was no rise. That's just hogwash. Can someone explain to me why is it that based on some articles there are very few people with autism in the Amish community (here's the link
http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20050508-112601-3643r.htm )?
OK, maybe you want to say ... well the Autism of today is not the same as of yesterday. Fine. But don't tell me that there isn't still a problem. And it's not just called Autism, it's called the autism spectrum disorder. Which means that a person can fall within a spectrum of this disorder. Some have it more severe than others. Thank God my child is on the high functional end, meaning that he has it mildly. But nonetheless, he is autistic and has mental problems.
I would give my right arm (seriously) to have my son not have this. He's a great kid. But it hurts that as much love and affection that I have for him, he just gives me blank stares. I am accepting of him and all that he does, but I know society would rather ridicule and brush him aside.
For all those nay sayers who claim that this is not an epidemic and a true problem. I would hope that you bear a child with autism (since it's not a problem) so that you can walk in my shoes. I am willing to bet the author of this worthless article doesn't have an autistic child.
Sounds very similar to my experience and my sentiments.
I, too, get sick of people claiming there is no problem. (I forgot my sarcasm tags in my original post).
I would give my right arm (seriously) to have my son not have this. He's a great kid. But it hurts that as much love and affection that I have for him, he just gives me blank stares. I am accepting of him and all that he does, but I know society would rather ridicule and brush him aside.
Well said. I'm right there with you. We'll just keep loving these kids, and doing what we can for them, whatever the eggheads say and whatever the politicians don't do.