What would a "cured" autistic person look like?

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Can you see why people would abort? I came up with a few reasons in my previous comments, I don't see myself ever getting pregnant though - if I was considering it then I'd be able to come up with more most likely. If you can see why someone would abort a DS foetus, the reasons would be very similar for an ASD foetus.

I can definitely see how your point about the person's vulnerability in both childhood and adulthood would be a possible concern for expecting parents, but I just don't think - with the modern understanding of the conditions and the whole carer's allowance being how it is - that any condition (that allows generally a high quality of life) should be a reason to abort a child.

When people choose to have kids, I think (correct me if I'm wrong) it's because they want to be parents, not because they want to be carers - they could do that as a career.

I agree, but I mean that they can afford to have people look after their child.

But why bring that child into the world if it's not you looking after them?

A parent is a carer. Whether your child is NT and healthy, or has a disability, they still require care and support. Some more than others, yes, but it's irresponsible to become a parent just for the 'perfect moments'. A good parent is one that appreciates the hard times and the easy times equally - they're ALL what it's about. And if you're not prepared for that, you shouldn't be doing anything that could result in a pregnancy.

I mean more in situations where you can't be there and are worried about them.

I agree with this.

I don't know what it's like to want to be a parent so I was just guessing, sorry. I would rather kill myself than have kids. Clearly it's going to be a much higher responsibility if the kid has a disability because you have all the standard kid caring and then you've got the disability stuff on top. Is it possible to be prepared for the standard stuff but not be able to deal with that disability on top?

Probably, especially for people with no knowledge of the disability or who have a disability themselves. I hope I have not upset you; I realize that I get quite forceful in discussions.

You haven't, don't worry.

If someone would not be able to care for the child, would it not be acceptable to abort the foetus?

I would imagine so, but I think if that's the case then having children is a risk not worth taking. If there are limits to how far you'll go with your parenting, then don't assume that your parenting journey will be the easy one. Much as you are, by knowing that parenting is just not your thing.

Obviously, there are respite care services for those that really struggle and need some time out (for themselves, or for a disabled child's siblings that need some time that doesn't completely revolve around the needs of their brother and sister).

But, the fact is that there are millions of families out there with autistic children that are doing this parenting thing. So it is possible. And I have no doubt that they love their children and wouldn't have them any other way.

Sadly, there are also some people that would have had it another way. And honestly, I think those are the parents that should have taken a bit more time to think before making babies.

Abortion should not be an answer to "I wanted a perfect one, and mine's broken".

That said, science is taking us the way of being able to select traits such as eye colour, hair colour and sex, so clearly this "I want a perfect one" view is held by many.