Please keep in mind that the answer to this question is likely to be different from person to person and each child with Autism is different.
With that said, I have a big discussion going on at our Facebook page about this very topic. at the time of writing, there have been almost 100 people share their thoughts. Below there is a link to the actual thread. You can leave your comment there or in the comments below.
Whichever you prefer is fine with me… 🙂
Post by Lost and Tired.
KrisRollins awesome
In a heartbeat…
I just posted about this question you really got me thinking when you ask this the other day.
Very wise, Silachan. I do the best I can to support my Autie along with my other kids. He’s a great kid, and I love him lots!
Silachan KrisRollins 🙂
KrisRollins Silachan That’s the thing though. It’s those negatives that have resulted in those positives. They aren’t inherent. I struggled a lot, and still do! to do some of the most basic tasks. Though you can’t tell over the internet, as I’m capable of communicating when it’s calm and I have time to think over my words. But I find it difficult to be verbal sometimes, I’m highly sensitive to the world around me which overwhelms me easily. I get caught up in the details of something and forget how to do the big picture- so cooking etc is difficult. Attention span, executive functioning. It’s all incredibly hard. But with help and time, and the proper support, I’m learning how to do these things… Not to say everyone will- sometimes autism is comorbid with things like mitochondrial disease, or severe learning disabilities, which will affect a person’s ability to learn and grow. And even still- the negatives make me feel alive on my worst days. I can at least turn around and say “At least I know I’m alive and still human, as I’m feeling overly scared of x y or z”. It’s difficult to explain- but it’s much like the deaf culture. They don’t like to be called “hearing impaired”, because to them it isnt an impairment despite the difficulties. I know autism can be an impairment- but sometimes despite the difficulties it can be a good thing in disguise. It just takes a lot of soul searching and a lot of help to get to that point. Support your kids as best as you can, believe in them, trust in them. Try not to mourn for what they could have been, celebrate for what they are and what they accomplish. You are their biggest support system. I didn’t have that growing up.
Silachan There is something to be said for the positive attributes. It would be nice if we could leave those, and get rid of the things that are not good…
Silachan well said my friend 🙂
I wouldn’t remove it from myself. Why? because it’s become an integral part of who i am. It’s helped me connect with those other people who are lost , unable to find their place in society or cliques. It’s helped me be a better friend when someone doesn’t understand something, and needs someone who won’t judge.I’ve become more sensitive and in tune to people. I would love to be rid of some things like the migraines and the anxiety but other than that no.
@millyosullivan7 KrisRollins AutismAdventure @Alicia Cross @surfcitymom @laurikhoda thefuzzycabbage @WNedLivingston MelCharman Thanks for sharing everyone. Everyone’s perspective is a bit different but we all love our kids. 🙂
No but I would like to remove the Bipolar and RAD
Yes. I love my son for who he is, but I think that as parents, we all want the best for our children. If we really thought that our children had perfect lives, then would we bother to get speech therapy, occupational therapy, social/emotional developmental therapy? And I supposedly have it “easy” as my child isn’t as severe as others, but I would still hope for a better life for him.
Very interesting discussion.
I love my son the way he is. Not being labeled “autistic” will not change who he is as a person. In that respect, it doesn’t really matter because with or without autism, he will always be my son. And as difficult as it can be to deal with autism at times, there is a lighter side to it as well. His adorable quirks and cute and/or amusing habits only make me love him even more, and it is those things that help me see the lighter side of autism.
However, as a parent I do worry about his future. It is so painful to see him struggle to do the simplest of things kids his age have long ago learned how to do. Right now he is non-verbal and doesn’t really have a reliable means of communicating, so there is a lot of guesswork involved. But, then again, he is still young so there is some hope. So there is also another part of me that truly wishes the autism could be removed….for his sake, for his future….because I don’t want him to suffer.
In the end, it all boils down to his happiness. If he is happy, then not much else really matters.
marjoriemcatee Lost_and_Tired – Interesting and powerful discussion. I wonder if No-ers would say same about congenital heart disease.
@millyosullivan7 AutismAdventure @laurikhoda MelCharman @Autism with a Glass of Wine @surfcitymom I think that it’s amazing just how differently, every family experiences Autism. My goal is to get everyone to recognize these differences and respect each others views and opinions. 🙂
@millyosullivan7 AutismAdventure @laurikhoda MelCharman @Autism with a Glass of Wine @surfcitymom I think that it’s amazing just how differently, every family experiences Autism. My goal is to get everyone to recognize these differences and respect each others views and opinions. 🙂
Absolutely Yes!
Lost_and_Tired
Absolutely…but until that is possible, or they find a cure, I will advocate for her in every way possible
@millyosullivan7 @Autism with a Glass of Wine MelCharman @surfcitymom well said
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I wouldnt no. Not unless it made him happier. I could wish he was a little easier on the both of us at times, (That being on himself and me/the family) but I love him just the way he is.
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Lost_and_Tired NO! Because he is awesome!
Lost_and_Tired YES.
Don’t even need to read article. My answer is yes. My son is severe nonverbal.