Endure or Cure. A Post Dedicated to Rachel.

As I have mentioned previously in recent posts, Iv'e attempted to grasp a better understanding of the perspective of those on the Autism spectrum. The writings of Temple Grandin were the starting point as she is  the name most likely to crop up when you google articles by people on the spectrum, and is extensively published. I also had the pleasure of coming across a three part series on Youtube, about a 15 year old boy with Aspergers, titled My Crazy Life. He was so endearing, and also proud of his intellectual capabilties. He was acutely aware of his 'difference', but also of his capacity to understand complex scientific concepts, and the fact that most of us don't. Though probably the blogosphere has been the best place to explore and discover the contemporary discussions and experiences of people with Autism. In particular those often referred to as being at the high functioning end of the spectrum, tend to be particularly intelligent and articulate, and can offer us NTs an interesting glimpse into their world. The best example I have found to date would be Rachel Cohen-Rottenberg of Journeys With Autism. (See blog list). Her abililty to both articulate her day to day experiences and thought processes, and engage respectfully with those of us who struggle to relate seems to cut through the differences so the gap doesnt feel so wide.

The question all this has brought me to is, if there was a clinic that opened today that claimed it had a scientifically proven cure for Autism, would I rush to join the queue? And the answer is no. I hope my son, like Rachel and Rueben, the teenage boy I mentioned above, will be an example of how there is as much to celebrate as there is to negotiate when you have an Autistic mind. Yes there are challenges, but shit, whose life doesn't have them? I don't want to downplay the seriousness of ASD for many families. I understand why many parents with children who are non verbal, being teased mercilessly at school, who are filled with anxieties, and unable to participate in outdoor activites the rest of us take for granted, because their child/ren can't cope with the stimulation or change to routine would rush to line up. I know there are parents who are barely hanging on to their marriages and sanity each day as the unrelenting stress of managing a child who is severly affected by ASD takes it toll. It is for those people first of all that I would stand aside and allow to get the treament they would wish for to end the suffering of both their child and the family unit as a whole. But what of the time the queue has died down? When the clinic has proven it's success and has plenty of spaces available. Would I then venture there to avail Harri of this cure? The truth is I am not so sure now. Preferably I would wait for him to decide. Because he and only he can determine if the positives outweigh the challenges. But man this perspective is a long way from where I was late last year.

I know I may have spoken too soon, and in a few months, or even weeks, I may be wondering how I ever wrote the above. But somehow I don't think so.