General Discussion

Ms. Toad

(37,732 posts)

4. You have a very skewed view of autism, based on the population you work with.

Mon Sep 22, 2025, 08:50 PM

Sep 22

I have at least a dozen friends on the autism spectrum - probably more who haven't identified themselves to me. They are all productive, functional members of society. One is a counselor. A few are in the computer science field. One is in social work - and an elected official. Most are married, or in long-term relationships. I also know (at least) 4 children with autism. Of all of these, one may struggle in life - but it is too soon to tell. He is pre-teen and is still finding his way in the world.

Saying, as Meadowlander - a person with autism - did, that it is part of the normal spectrum of neurodiversity - and that they would not take a pill - if it became available - to make their autism vanish is not the same as saying, "I want my child to be deaf."

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WhiskeyGrinder yonder Horseshoeluck Attilatheblond area51

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Of all the potential harms from Trump's announcement, let's not lose sight of the primary one - to autistic people. [View all] meadowlander Sep 22 OP

Post removed Post removed Sep 22 #1

Are you autistic? WhiskeyGrinder Sep 22 #2

Do you treat children with autism? Sympthsical Sep 22 #6

No. Are you autistic? WhiskeyGrinder Sep 22 #8

I didn't say that it was. Nor did I say that we shouldn't try to make life easier for autistic people where we can. meadowlander Sep 22 #3

You have a very skewed view of autism, based on the population you work with. Ms. Toad Sep 22 #4

And no one said they aren't or that it isn't a spectrum. Sympthsical Sep 22 #5

In the job I'm about to retire from... SickOfTheOnePct Sep 22 #7

I think popular culture has sanitized the condition to a great degree Sympthsical Sep 22 #11

No, we should be focused on treating the symptoms to make autistic peoples' lives better meadowlander Sep 22 #10

Well said. Gimpyknee Sep 22 #12

Yeah, the one I heard was "I don't want to deprive my child of the deaf culture". Disaffected Tuesday #16

I have 1 daughter who has diagnosed autism and 2 other kids that I suspect are on the spectrum. harumph Sep 22 #9

Why do I fear eugenicists will want to come after us? EnergizedLib Sep 22 #13

Another thing that bothers me about this, so-called, large increase in the... the nelm Sep 22 #14

so beautifully written mokeyz Sep 22 #15

it's a spectrum SonOfNebanaube Tuesday #17