Month: April 2014

What I Wish Everyone Knew About Autism

~ Grandpa ~ 9 Comments

Mind, Body, Green has an article called: What I Wish Everyone Knew About Autism

This report discusses autism in America. But here in Britain there is a culture of, “We don’t diagnose autism until at least 7 or 8 years of age because we don’t like to pigeon-hole children too early.” Meanwhile, these children are suffering. The evidence suggests that early intervention and assistance can allow most children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to go to mainstream schools, but the diagnosis is usually left until it is too late. I know this is true because I have a friend with a four-year-old who has been sent to a “special” school because he has autism and there was “no hope” for him. The extra special teachers there have made such fantastic progress that they expect him to join the “normal” school when he officially starts, next year.

The article raises some interesting questions. I make no judgements on it except to say to parent of children with “suspected” ASD, “You know your child. You can make a difference in his or her life. Don’t waste that opportunity by concentrating on fighting the doctors. Do what you can at home and there is a good chance that you can change things.” If you don’t believe this, try reading “The Spark.” I don’t normally recommend books, but this one blows the “Once an autistic, always an autistic,” view right out of the water.