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Not So Perfect Parent BLOG |
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June 2008
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This week, I am doing a three-part series on the subject of autism. In preparation, I have spent hours talking to experts, interviewing families, and reading the latest research on this subject. I've learned a lot. I've learned that autism is on the rise, and I've learned that we really don't know why. I've learned that to some it is not PC to say "a child with autism", and to others it is even more offensive to say "an autistic child". I've learned that there are many treatment options available, but I've also learned that there is no silver bullet - no magic pill to make it going away. Most importantly, I have learned that autism is a disorder of social relatedness. Ironically, an autistic child's inability to socially connect effects the entire family's ability to relate socially with the larger community. It is a disorder that is often packaged with isolation and discrimination. As a child, I remember feeling very uncomfortable when Mrs. Martin's class entered the lunchroom. Her students sat in the cafeteria at their "special" table with their "special" teacher. They looked different than the rest of us, and frankly, they acted a little weird. Even as a second grader, I knew they were different and almost instinctively, I wanted to stay clear. Without question, children with autism and other disabilities are discriminated among their peers. Even with well-intentioned mainstreaming initiatives, these children remain socially isolated. However, it's not only the children that are rejected, the parents also feel the impact of the social shun. This form of discrimination exists for the same reason that all discrimination exists - fear. People fear what is different. It is as if the dissimilarity may be contagious and if they get to close, they may catch the affliction. As a result, they reject it or even worse, pretend it doesn't exist. After all, it's not polite to stare. To read more...log onto www.o8sis.com/parent 2 CommentsLeave a comment |
Paige,
Thank you once again for shining a light on the crucial parenting issue called autism. You are true heroine to our community and do a phenomenal job of sharing our stories with the Lone Star State.
With gratitude,
Judith Ursitti
(Jack's mom)
http://parents.com/autismville
Dear Paige,
I wish I was more disciplined to check local TV stations online pages. Why? I would have loved to have been one of the parents selected to comment regarding Autism.
I have a 19-yr. old son who completed high school, was mainstreamed during 3rd grade. He played basketball/football from 9th-12th at Moises E. Molina Highschool. He won "Jaguar of The Year" trophy, $1,000 scholarship and Honors Roll.
He attended MountainView college Aug. 07-May 08. Had an 2.50 GPA Fall and didn't do well Spring 08.
Recently he won $25 when I entered him (and website I created www.KevinSmith2007.org; his photo is there) with Future Horizons, www.fhautism.com from Temple Grandin essay entry.
I'm in midst of creating a non-profit for autism that has a different slant that will benefit community, professionals as well.
Perhaps you will consider inviting my son and I in near future. I'm sure our story would be interesting from the research, medicinal (only vitamins) and how Dr. Bernard Rimland (Forefather of Autism) assisted me to continue my passion to utilize one of many cure methods available today.