In the sidebar, under the I Have Questions topic is a page with some “official” definitions of autism. The problem is
, to me, that defining the medical condition seems to require a permanent label for the patient. And
, labels are limited as a description.
There are two primary schools of thought with respect to autism. Many people see it as a disability
, a disaster for the patient and their family, and requiring “curing” and determination of a cause.
Many adults on the spectrum
, including me, would disagree strongly. Autism is a condition based upon a different “wiring” in the human brain. Some abilities and traits are enhanced while others are altered
, changed from “normal”. We’re just not typical humans.
What is wrong with being atypical? Should autistics be forced into behaviors that they are not wired to perform with ease?
Children on the autism spectrum , with a loving family and wise professional care, can grow up to be adults with abilities and talents, can hold jobs, and have a social life. Their life may not appear to be mainstream, or “normal”, but they are happy, productive, valuable members of a diverse society.