Autism: Your perspective?

I posted this in another section, but people don't seem to be answering. Hope this works.

Hey all,

I'm doing an investigative report for my school newspaper on autism and the "neurodiversity" movement. Neurodiversity basically is the philosophy that neurological disorders such as autism are natural variations in human experience, and should be respected like any other human difference, rather than "cured".

I'm wondering, what is your perspective on this issue? Do you think autism should be cured? What accomodations should we make for autistic people in society? Do you have any personal experience with these issues?

Thanks a bunch.

I don't think there'll ever be a cure for autism. My younger brother is autistic...not only can't I picture him being any other way, but I wouldn't want to. While it's true he has many issues and could never live independently...it's also true he's the only person with the ability to become ridiculously happy over seemingly silly things. Like silver balloons. And his joy is truly infectious. :)
Autistic people live in a world that is all their own. Who are we to say that this is something that needs 'fixing?' So long as there's always someone around to answer/affirm a question...he's a happy guy just the way he is.

In layman terms honey. Stop rambling on like your talking to your class. That's why you probably got no response before.

i have learned recentley that autism might be related to a vaccine.which vaccine i do not know.vaccine manufacturers usually only make one version of a vaccine. and vaccines are not one size fits all.some people might react to vaccines differently. search online for an episode of Oprah which is where i learned this from. it is a special on autism if you can find a way to watch it, it might be more useful than me. good luck with your paper hope you get an A.

Call with any problem, Anytime:
Girls and Boys Town National Hotline
Phone: 1-800-448-3000
Email: Hotline@girlsandboystown.org
They have the trained professionals
to answer this question. I do not, as a rule,
help others with their "homework." <}:-})

I wish there was a 'cure' for autism. My nephew and my grandson both have autism in different degrees of severity. Not all people with autism are just quiet happy people. My nephew has violent outbursts and has been a trial for my sister all of his life (he is now 20). I ache for my grandson knowing how life is going to be difficult for him. And it's just starting. He is just now becoming aware that he is different from his peers....and children can be cruel. Baloney on 'neurodiversity'. I would give my own life to cure it.

Autism, like so many other mental problems, is still greatly misunderstood.
I feel people are too quick to jump to conclusions and make assumptions about autism and autistic people, and too often make the mistake of believing that everyone who has it behaves in the same way (in much the same way as thinking that everyone who, for instance, has Tourette syndrome, swears (which of course many sufferers don't)).
I myself have Asperger syndrome; although there is no cure I have learnt how to exploit its advantages, "cover it up", and to accept that while there may be certain things I can't do, there are lots of things I have and can do which non-autistic people cannot.
Too many people, in my view, only think about what people with mental problems can't do, not what they can do.