There's something I'd like to address. That is the seemingly increasing "prevalence" of autism. A lot of people have been saying that it is growing, and that the rates are higher every year. Well, I get to differ.
For one thing, the reason it looks like autism rates are "growing" is simply better diagnostic tools and greater awareness. Back in the day, when rates were say, 1 in 10,000, only those on the more severe end of the spectrum were looked at as "autistic." We still had Aspies and other people on the milder end of the spectrum, however they were simply looked at as "eccentric." Today we know just how wide the spectrum is, and common sense tells us that of course it's going to look like the rates are increasing, if more people are recognized to be autistic.
Another thing is the great debate regarding vaccines and environmental toxins. Vaccines don't cause autism. Point blank. The age a child begins to display traits simply coincides with the age children are typically vaccinated. It has been scientifically proven that there is no link. As for toxins, I don't see reason to believe they are a factor in whether or not one is born autistic. Autism is genetic. It is a specific hardwiring of the brain that one is born with.
Therefore, autism have always been prevalent in the same rates it is today, whether or not it looks like it on paper. Rather than looking for causes and trying to find a cure, which is a moot point because it is nonexistent, why don't we focus on giving people with autism the best quality of life possible? Autistics have a lot to offer the world; they just need to be accepted! :)
No comments:
Post a Comment