I am new to this site. Before joining I read some things about people who seem to be upset about the puzzle piece being used as a sign for autism. I was a little disturbed by that. I think it is misunderstood entirely. I as the parent of a child with autism love the puzzle piece. Why??? I like most other people I know think that it represents the mystery of what the cause is...not the mystery of the person with autism! I also think that Autism Speaks has done a great service of bringing attention to autism. They may not run support groups, but that is okay. There is very little known about the science of the autistic brain. It is important that we learn this as the up and coming generation will be made up of more people on the spectrum. research is very important. I love my son just the way he is. I was asked a while back if they had a cure would I use it. My answer was no. At this point I would not use it. first of all anything that is out there is never good for the first few years anyway because we haven't seen studies on people who have used it. Besides, if there was something that I could have used for him when he was first diagnosed I probably would have used it. These ore just my opinions, and I don't think that there is anything "wrong" with people who fall on the spectrum, but this not something to be looked at lightly...our world is changing, and it is never bad to have answers.
Autism Speaks is quite diskiked at this site.
One thing would be because they spread the view of autism as something tragic, which is quite ofte inappropriate.
Thank you for replying. I usually watch when they are on. I myself don't find them particularly inappropriate. I think, they like a lot of people who run non profit agency's want the public to see the more difficult cases so that people who are not a part of the autism community will open their eyes more. I don't view autism as tragic, but I cry every night because I wonder what kind of future my son has. I grew up in public school with all kinds of kids. I hate to say it, but there were kids like mine and they were made fun of. My son now goes to a non public school for chiildren on the spectrum. I have to say that he is doing 100 % better there. He even has friends that he really enjoys. As a parent it is nice to see parents who don't have kids on the spectrum who are a little empathetic to my crazy week of multiple therapys as well as all of the IEP's and paper work too.
oops...I am kinda new to this whole thing, and I accidently posted as you...I am sooo sorry!
PS: Re that "Autism every day" video. As far as I can see it is a film about autism and the prejudice and false assumptions that are directed at autistic kids ("You're being naughty") and their parents ("You should discipline that kid, he/she is out of control"), and the lack of understanding.
I'm not saying it was right that her comments were included in this form, but I am loathe to criticise someone for speaking so honestly and bluntly about their feelings. Why should I, who often find it hard to express what I think or feel without sounding blunt, judge someone else for doing the same?
When you know something that someone else does not I don't think that it is a matter of judgement . I believe it is a matter of sharing your knowledge with others. I understand about the video, and the assumptions because I have heard them before while out with my son. I find the best way to deal with it now is to tell people my son has autism, and when they look at me funny I get a chance to explain to them what autism is, and that he just happens to be this way.
PS: Re that "Autism every day" video. As far as I can see it is a film about autism and the prejudice and false assumptions that are directed at autistic kids ("You're being naughty") and their parents ("You should discipline that kid, he/she is out of control"), and the lack of understanding.
I'm not saying it was right that her comments were included in this form, but I am loathe to criticise someone for speaking so honestly and bluntly about their feelings. Why should I, who often find it hard to express what I think or feel without sounding blunt, judge someone else for doing the same?
When you know something that someone else does not I don't think that it is a matter of judgement . I believe it is a matter of sharing your knowledge with others. I understand about the video, and the assumptions because I have heard them before while out with my son. I find the best way to deal with it now is to tell people my son has autism, and when they look at me funny I get a chance to explain to them what autism is, and that he just happens to be this way.
Just so you all know I do see the various points to your many opinions. Thank you for all of your insight. I hope you all have an idea of where I am coming from. I don't really feel as though I am for you , or against you...just stuck somewhere in the middle. Thank you for not completely jumping down my throat. It makes this a nicer place to be!