by Christine Roach
So, I can’t tell you how annoyed I am when people ask me if I think my kids can be cured of autism or when I see a fundraiser or organization that is raising money to help “find a cure” for autism. In my opinion, autism isn’t something that can be cured. Autism is a part of who someone is. It is a part of their genetic makeup. That would be like saying, “Let’s find a cure for depression.”
That being said, I don’t think a diagnosis of autism is the end of the world for a child. Just like with depression, you can get therapy to help you cope and see the world in a more typical way, autism has many therapies to help a child learn to cope and see the world in a different way. Just like there are medications to manage symptoms of depression, there are medications out there to manage some of the symptoms of autism. Not all medications work for all kids. Isn’t that how it is in the real world with other medications? There needs to be a process of trial and error to find just the right medication for your child…if that is a path that you even want to take. There are ways to treat the metabolic problems that many children with autism face, whether with vitamins, diet and other various therapies. Just like with diabetes, being on a special diet can greatly improve the symptoms in one child and do nothing whatsoever for another.
Managing the symptoms of autism is a long, difficult process and can take years, but it can help the child and those that love him/her deal better in this world that can seem intrusive to them. As I said before, I don’t think there is a cure for autism. That is just silly, to try and cure a part of someone that is just who they are. But, there are ways to manage the symptoms that can hinder their progression in this crazy world.
I, personally, don’t see why you would want to cure someone of the unconditional love, self awareness and honesty that comes from a person with autism. They are blessed to see the world in an amazing way and to find joy in the little things. All of us could use a little bit of that kind of “autism.”
Comments on My Opinion on a Cure for Autism
Christine, you are one of the most amazing people I know! To deal with 3 precious children with autism is something I can hardly imagine, but to feel the way you do in your last paragraph…well, that is truly profound. Thank you for all of your wonderful insights on this site!
Christine,
Very well said!! I have a three year old son that is autistic and we are 10 months into biomedical treatment. He has taught me so much about life!
We cherish every milestone that parents of “typical” children truly don’t appreciate.
I agree that autism is part of who Hayden is, but I refuse to let it define him! He has so much to offer this world and is a true insperation (at the tender age of three).
In one of your pictures above I seen a little boy using the PECS system. We also use a modified PECS system. My parents recently purchased my son an i pad. There are so many apps that are usefull for autisic and speech delayed children available. The Holly Robinson Pette foundation is giving away free i pads to autistic children who are miniamaly verbal or non-verbal until decemeber 31st. There are guidlines to qualify. I hope you know someone that could recieve one. Hayden truly loves his i pad and it is helping with his communication.
God Bless You!
My oldest daughter said it best. She said there is nothing wrong with her sister. “She just sees the world differently.” The daughter she is referring to has never been diagnosed, but she fits the Asperger’s description.
Our journey began at the age of 9 months. From the beginning our daughter seemed different from her first two siblings. She showed what I understand now to be signs from the beginning. Noise, light and excessive stimuli all made for an unhappy baby. But, when she reached 9 months we realized our suspicions were correct. Some thing was different. My daughter is 17. There were no puzzle pieces hanging around mothers necks, no magnet on cars… There was still a heavy stigma attached to this. I know it is not gone… But, it is getting better.
She is bright and beautiful. She enjoys life and loves people. She has found her niche as a teenager. She does not seek out the popular. She seeks out those who need love and friendship. With her wit and humor she makes all of us smile. She is more Christ like than anyone else I know. She is amazing. She get’s frustrated sometimes with life, but she perseveres and gets through the struggles. When things get too heavy, we are there to lift her burden and help her dig out. Sometimes like all of us, she needs a minute to take a breath and gather her strength to keep going.
I think many of us as parents would love to lessen their trials. But, this is just part of them. My daughter is one of my best friends. She has the most genuine loving spirit. If people are willing to invest the energy in others who are different they will find that the returns are Huge!
People who spend a lot of time around my daughter notice that something is a little bit different. But, for the most part I never hear anything said about it. She just skates by on being a little bit different.
Cure? I think looking for a cure is the wrong angle to come from. You can’t CURE brain development. You can teach and help, but she just is what she is. Let’s look at growth and development of these amazing kids talents instead. I can’t cure myself of being a brunette. Instead embracing our uniqueness is the path we must take.
I am so happy for parents who are raising their Autistic spectrum kids now. The thing that you have that I longed for is resources. Asperger’s Syndrome was not even on the books until about the year my daughter was born. I was something we spoke of in hushed tones. I am afraid we have never gotten over that. We were treated with a great lack of understanding by teachers and even the Dr.
Thanks for reading my rambling.
Cheryl
Mom to 7. (2 celiacs, and 2 milk intolerant kids, and one amazing child with Apserger’s.)
We appreciate your input to this site, and for sharing your daughter’s story! You are a very special mom! – Larraine & Christine
Thank you sooo much for sharing this. I appreciate it and have Scooped It. The link http://www.scoop.it/t/autistas-angeles333/p/463818438/my-opinion-on-a-cure-for-autism-by-christine