Just trying to see what AFF's position is. I don't think that our message will be well-recieved if people think that we want LFAs to stay non-verbal and dependant. But when they mention a 'cure' they mean to make someone completely NT. And autism is genetic, I think, so unless we get our message out against making us completely NT then if they start doing gene therapy they can make baby low-functioning and high-functioning autistics neurotypical alike. They should focus on effective and non-abusive treatments for low-functioning autistics because it is a negative for them.

Treatment and therapy is not a cure, but helps all ASD`s have a better future.

So I would support it

Of course others may have a different opinion

I think we should try to persuade curebies to work for better therapy systems and better support systems instead of a cure.

I've had tons of therapy in Pakistan and the states, somehow it was beneficial for me..... but if there going the wrong direction when it comes to "helping" the individual then I wouldn't know.....

Therapy is always a positive thing, as long as it is therapeutic, not traumatic.  

Some forms of ABA could be considered cruel.  It varies so much.  I've met two therapists, one was too punitive for my taste, the other did not use punishments other than short time-outs, and she concentrated on social skills and behaviors that relate to one's ability to learn. I don't think she bothered with nonharmful stims or other neutral quirks.  

OT and speech are great, particularly if implemented as early as possible.

Quoted for truth

yes...

I don't like many forms of ABA because they remind me of training a dog or brainwashing someone.

Care to explain why?

LFA can be a controversial term. But yes, anyone on the spectrum should be able to benefit from the right kinds of therapy.

Depends whose willing and is gifted at it....

I tend to favor everyone being given the chance to become as functional as possible, without changing the physical makeup of the brain. In other words, teach people how to live in an NT world, but let them stay autistic.

As for the LFA/HFA thing, I think a lot of it has to do with how a person is treated. If a person is treated as being low-functioning, they're going to act more low-functioning. If a person is high-functioning, they're going to act high-functioning. At least that's what my own personal experience tells me. I don't know how much genetics factors into that aspect of it, though.

I think if they say "gene therapy" they mean eugenics (that's abortion). A therapy that "helps" for a lifetime [/sarcasm].

durp!! i meant no...

That's okay