Funding For Autism:

I have, through no choice of my own, been catapult into the world of autism.  I do not consider myself an expert in autism.  I do not consider myself well versed in autism.  I am fairly adequate in the specific ways autism affects Nicholas.  And I am fairly aware of what autism may look like and the kinds of treatments out there.  I also know about the many studies being published daily, it seems, showing where autism research is focused since they inevitably end up on my newsfeeds either shared by pages I follow, friends, or sponsored stories.

And they make me mad.

The vast majority of these studies go something like this: "<Insert some common variable> in pregnant women has been linked to autism."

Based on what is known of famous historical figures, it has been determined that at least some of them were probably on the spectrum.  Of course we can never know for sure, a diagnosis for autism cannot be made out of purely anecdotal evidence, but there is a pretty good level of certainty based on what is known.  This suggests that there were likely more individuals with autism during these periods of time whose lives were not well documented.  Many of them could have easily died as young children, a lack of awareness of danger is a common trait of autism.  It seems that autism has been around for a very long time and could just be part of the human species like left handedness.

Is He Just Bad?

I don't like to introduce my child, either in person or in conversation, by stating he is autistic.  I feel that it is only one part of who he is and does not need to be mentioned any more than his obsession with Legos or trains need to be mentioned.  But just like Legos and trains, it does come up sometimes.  And when it does I have often been asked if I am sure he is autistic, could he just be bad.

This is where I take a deep breath and remind myself that I am a civilised human being.  In my mind the answer goes something like this:

Autism Awareness

Apparently today is Autism Awareness Day?  At least according to our office manager, who also has an autistic son.  And apparently you are also suppose to wear blue in support of autism awareness and everyone got the memo except me because I’m just suppose to somehow know all there is to know in regards to activism and autism.