Posted on 12/17/2001 5:35:08 AM PST by E. Pluribus Unum
Edited on 06/29/2004 7:08:36 PM PDT by Jim Robinson. [history]
Nerds,wimps, geeks, introverts... oh wait: Geniuses!
However, by making it more broad, it becomes a bigger constituency that can lobby for more resources from private foundations and (shudder) the government.
Being the father (and coincidently being an engineer) of a 3 year old Autistic boy, I know first hand the struggles of finding resources.
However, the alternative thinking with respect to Autism certainly doesn't appeal to me either:
When Even the Churches Abandon the Helpless [FreeRepublic activism works]
CC :)
Neatly tucked away at the end of the article...
Hey, don't be afraid of having kids.
Individuals with autism usually exhibit at least half of the traits listed below. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and vary in intensity from symptom to symptom. In addition, the behavior usually occurs across many different situations and is consistently inappropriate for their age.
Difficulty in mixing with other children | Insistence on sameness; resists changes in routine | |||
Inappropriate laughing and giggling | No real fear of dangers |
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Little or no eye contact |
Sustained odd play |
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Apparent insensitivity to pain |
Echolalia (repeating words or phrases in place of normal language) |
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Prefers to be alone; aloof manner |
May not want cuddling or act cuddly | |||
Spins objects | Not responsive to verbal cues; acts as deaf | |||
Inappropriate attachment to objects | Difficulty in expressing needs; uses gestures or pointing instead of words | |||
Noticeable physical overactivity or extreme underactivity | Tantrums - displays extreme distress for no apparent reason | |||
Unresponsive to normal teaching methods | Uneven gross/fine motor skills. (May not want to kick ball but can stack blocks.) |
Please note this symptom list is not a substitute for a full-scale diagnostic assessment.
Many authorities claim that Einstein had Asbergers Disease (high functioning form of autism). Others dispute this finding.
To Heck with your grandson! I think I exhibit ALL of them to varying degrees!!!
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