I think it's also important to note that there are genuine benefits to having a different sort of brain, and I think this is something the non-parent members of the forum are trying to make sure stays at the forefront. My family is coming to grips with the idea that this diagnosis is pervasive in not only our branch of the family but much farther out the family tree - and I think because of our Asperger tendencies that many family members have been successful at what they do. There are certainly family members that are more impaired than others, but the opposite is also true.
I was watching some PBS show that included an interview with Dr. Temple Grandin; she said something that struck me when asked about her relationship with autism: "I wouldn't want to give up the clarity of thought" (I'm paraphrasing, forgive me if I didn't get it exactly right) I can understand where this might outweigh some disadvantages in communication or sensory processing. I hope that my son will understand that he has this clarity and it has real value. I can see where the idea of a "cure" in light of this information is frightening to many.
All that being said, there are parts to this system that don't function right: no matter how clear his thinking, if my son can't learn to manage his anger and frustration in non-physical ways, and if he allows himself to be immobilized by anxiety - also part of this system - he will have real difficulty in general, possibly outweighing the benefit of clear thinking. I can see where this would bring someone to the idea of a "cure."
As a parent, I am hoping to find a way to capitalize on the clarity of thought, and work around the other limitations.
**DW - I am so sorry; I can only imagine what you must be feeling. I know we're going to run into something similar with my son down the road.
29 Aug 2010, 10:48 am
