I came into contact with a parent of an Autistic child recently. We were sorta "debating" about Autism and Aspergers related issues and whether or not these children can be successful. This person firmly believes that there are NO successful people in the world with Autism (excluding those with Aspergers but even then their not sure). I find that statement very disturbing, even though I don't believe it to be true. So it got me thinking, does Autism mean unsuccessful? Success is a relative term but If you actually believe that there are NO successful people in the world with Autism, isn't that like saying Emmett will never amount to anything? If that's the case then I really take issue with this.
I don't know what this persons life is like or what challenges they face with their child but to me this is really sad. I mean, really, my family resides on the "extremely challenging" side of Autism and even I don't believe this to be true.. With everything we go through everyday and as depressing and demoralizing as it can get, I just don't share the belief that NO Autistic child can be successful.
So I thought I would pose the question to you folks. Please share your opinions and/or personal experience, both good and bad. I would really like to get a feel for how the community feels about this. Keep in mind that this person doesn't believe that Aspergers should be an Autism spectrum disorder and instead be a separate condition. Many people believe this and honestly at least at times, I share that opinion as their is a world of difference between a child with Autism and a child with high functioning Aspergers. I CAN say this because I live in both worlds everyday and experience this difference first hand. However, Aspergers DOES NOT mean easy. I do think at some point they will be separated but that's a debate for a different post. Since Autism and Aspergers are currently list on the same spectrum, I'm looking for EVERYONE's opinion. Please, just specify if you don't mind so we have some clarification.
So what do you think? Can an Autistic child be successful? Please share your opinions..
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