Intensely Mixed Feelings about New York Times Article....

I am saddened by the increasing polarization this article depicts. I can't side with those who insist that we must choose "ABA or the highway"  but I can't side with people whose personal autism experience is far less serious than what most of you parents face with your child, either.  I sent the attitude expressed by a vocal minority of self-appointed, internet "experts" that they, because of their diagnosis, are exempt from taking any compromises at all and are entitled to live on public support, partially paid for by working people like me who have the same condition but are willing to meet society in the middle.

Make no mistake about it, Aspergers is no picnic. But it is NOT autism as most of you parents know it. Many people who have AS like to pass themselves off as autistic because there is more glamour in that label. But challenging as it is, Aspergers is not the same as autism. Nonetheless, people with Aspergers can't have it both ways. If they really believe that they just have a unique way of living, then they can get off their butts and make a unique living like the rest of us.

Neither the "ABA Nazis" nor the "Aspergers impostors" have anything to offer in the long run. The solution is in the middle, not in ego-driven extremes. The bottom line is that families should have the right to choice of treatments. An array of options, including ABA, should be available as needed. Families have the right to make those choices free of the din created by intractable foes.

                                              Jerry Newport
                                              Author/Advocate/Adult with Aspergers