If you do not have autism, please understand what it is like to hear or read about people who are wanting to cure/or prevent autism in children or even adults who are growing up with this neurological disorder. Yes, you heard me right, autism is considered a neurological disorder. It hurts to read all of these articles or books about people wanting to cure or prevent autism. It is not a life sentence for these children or adults and I promise you, the right help will do them justice.
Autism chose me, it was not the other way around... I was born with autism, it did not sprout from somewhere else. Sometimes, I wish I didn't have autism, trust me. Most of the time, I do not mind having it as it made me who I am today. However, I hate seeing what people think causes autism. The one that angers me the most is vaccines...
Does anyone really think that vaccines cause autism? That you can "catch" autism?
Yes, and there is a scary amount of people who won't get their children vaccine due to a British doctor named Andrew Wakefield. Doctors have even argued that this is not that case. What I'm saying is... Would you rather have a child who is dying or a child that can live a perfectly normal life with a disorder?
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines autism in a perfect way to people to understand it; however, I think they miss some keys about people that do have autism understand. "Autism is a variable developmental disorder appears by age three and is characterized by impairment of the ability to form normal relationships, by impairment of the ability to communicate with others, and by repetitive behavior patterns."
I agree with all of this definition and yes, it affects me mostly with social behaviors. I do rock, and maybe, I do communicate differently with other people. But, does that really make me any different?
The answer is "no." I am the same as any other adult I know. Maybe, I need help with my everyday things at work, at school, and with my friends... But I don't want to be treated any differently because of my disorder.
Why are parents or people so scared of autism? The answer to me is simple it is because they don't understand it!
My answer is getting to know people with autism, we are out there. We might not tell you, but you might notice something different about us.
We can be quirky, funny, social, quiet, smart, and normal looking... Like any other person, you know. Before you judge a person with autism, talk with them. Become their friend. You might actually realize that you might have some things in common with them. Maybe, you can get them out of their comfort zones and they can do the same for you.
Most importantly, treat people with autism with the respect that they deserve, don't talk to them like their children, and let them be independent.
I know I am talking from a person who was diagnosed with Aspergers instead of classic autism, but preventing or curing any kind of autism would do a disservice to the world.
