This seems like a nice enough good feeling statement about the need for
all to pull together for autism. But take a closer look. Who exactly on
the autism spectrum is capable of "independence, autonomy and
self-sufficiency"? Dr. Ball is only addressing the high functioning end
of the spectrum here. Those people with clinical autism, the highly
disabled middle and bottom of the autism spectrum, will never be
independent or self-sufficient -- unless they receive intervention and
treatment and rise to the level of Aspergers or higher. But the ASA is
not focused on finding new treatments and causes for autism. They don't
see the need, apparently, and are more of the neuro-diverse persuasion.
The Autism Society of America is functionally the Asperger Society of
America, and has been their drift over the last few years. There is
nothing wrong with having this focus, I would hasten to add. But the
goals and needs of those with Asperger Syndrome is markedly different
than the goals of those with clinical autism, especially newly
diagnosed children. Go to any Autism Research Institute conference and
you will find young parents looking for treatment answers for how to
free their children from the dungeons of autism and the bleak future it
holds. They are not there primarily looking for housing solutions, jobs
for young adults, or social programs. Those things may come in time and
are real needs for the exploding ranks of adults with autism.But first things first. We need to expose the causes of autism and put a stop to it. We need research to find treatments and cures for autism. This is not the ASA agenda so I doubt there will be much to rally around for those advocates who are pulling for young families by seeking causes, treatment and cures for autism.
Defeat Autism Now!
Somebody has to say it for them.
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