wtf: environmental autism

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Some forms of neglect or abuse do cause impairment of various kinds.

I read that article long ago, by the way. They are saying her neglact resulted in Autistic traits, and I think it could happen. Autism is really more of a birth thing.

She needed a label so people will know what is wrong with her and give her the help she needs. So the doctor basically made one up just so she get the help she needs.

Labels is what everyone needs.

What they are referring to is actually something called Reactive Attachment Disorder--not autism, but a close behavioral (though not neurological) cousin. RAD is found in abused and neglected children, especially in survivors of orphanages, and happens when a child doesn't have enough feedback while learning to talk and interact. Milder cases are more common; in the extreme cases, like Dani's, the diagnosis approaches and melds into the phenomenon of feral children.

Yeah I was going to say, with people having comorbid disorders, when these are treated, the autism will still shine through. It sounds like she hasn't had any kind of therapy in a way that will help her life be better.