Autism Spectrum Order

Since one of our sons was diagnosed at the high-functioning end of the so-called “Autistic Spectrum Disorder” my wife and I have pondered (and have received no clear answer) as to what autism actually is. Is it a disorder, a disease, or simply a type of personality? We have heard it referred to as “extreme maleness”!

It may be somewhat easy for me to lean towards the “just a different personality” end of this debate as Samuel is very high functioning with no intellectual disability. He is a great kid with a wonderful humour and his particular way of looking at the world and at social interactions in paritcular brings insight just as much as it brings difficulty in processing.

For those who are interested, I was pointed to the following article recently. It gives a picture of the issues at hand.

Now, as many as 1 in 150 children may be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. We now include people who would have been previously diagnosed with mental retardation, as well as people who were merely labeled “eccentric,” on the autism spectrum. Research into the causes, treatments, and cures of autism is extensive, and covers the entire scientific continuum. Supporters, advocates, and opponents of autism rights, likewise, run the gamut from those who think autism needs to be cured, to those who think that autism is simply a different way of functioning and needs no treatment at all…

We, undoubtedly, live in a diverse society: diverse in thought, action, and principles. We have made great strides to accept all types of people as a part of our collective standard. But, where does the acceptance end? Where is the line between “just a little bit different” and a diagnosis of a medical illness? Autism research will continue, and the associated debate will rage on, but it is unlikely that any one cause or any one cure will be found for the extensive spectrum of autism disorders.

From: http://brainblogger.com/2009/02/23/autism-no-need-for-a-cure/