In keeping with the proclamation, let us become aware,
and try not to get smothered by the semantics…
The term “autism” was first used in 1911 by Swiss
psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler, who presumably invoked the Greek autos, meaning “self.” Bleuler was
describing the behavior of many schizophrenics, withdrawing into their own
inner world. But it was the brilliant Dr. Leo Kanner, founder of child
psychiatry, later assisted by Dr. Leon Eisenberg, who would produce the
definitive works on this disease.
In a 1956 paper entitled “Early Infantile Autism
1943–1955,” Kanner and Eisenberg distilled the former’s five diagnostic
criteria down to these two features, whereby the typical clinical picture would
reliably present…
1. A profound lack of affective contact
2. Repetitive, ritualistic behavior, which must be of an
elaborate kind
At the time, it was noted that this condition might be
observed in one to two children per 10,000. Moreover, one of Kanner’s original
criteria was “A fascination for objects, which are handled with skill in fine
motor movements.” Thus, we have a big problem from the get-go. Contrary to
Kanner’s precepts, most of today’s “autistic” kids are affectionate, and have
lost gross or fine motor skills.
Also, contrary to at least the spirit of Kanner’s work, today’s
autism comprises an entire “spectrum” of symptoms and severity of symptoms,
such that Bill Gates, Jerry Seinfeld, and Mark Zuckerberg have been put “on the
spectrum” by some commentators.
More than that, Kanner’s autism was clearly a
developmental disorder–essentially incurable (as in “not possible to restore to
health, soundness, or normality”). Regrettably, even the word “cure,” as
applied to any condition more severe than a mild infectious disease, has fallen
out of favor. No one is ever cured of cancer; rather they are “in remission.”
For other serious diseases, the best outcome is “symptom-free.”
So, can someone diagnosed with Autism Spectrum
Disorder–as it is now usually called–ever become symptom-free? An article from
February, 2013 in the Journal of Child
Psychology and Psychiatry, entitled “Optimal Outcome in Individuals
with a History of Autism,” suggests that they can. Several other studies
confirm this viewpoint.
But, wait. Since when can someone with a mental
developmental disorder became symptom-free? For that matter, how can there be
an “epidemic” of autism? Never in history has there been an epidemic of a
developmental or genetic disorder. How could there be? To be sure, there have
been countless epidemics of organic medical diseases.
That’s why a growing group of physicians, led by Michael J. Goldberg,
MD, insist that today’s “autism” is not a psychological or
developmental disorder, but is a medical disease. While the current condition
does mimic certain symptoms of classical Kanner autism, this group holds that
the disease is caused by a dysfunction in the neuro-immune system, often
related to secondary neurotropic viruses that impact the neuro-immune system
and brain. And, they have the symptom-free patients, who went through a
protocol based on this etiology, to prove it.
As with any dreaded disease, there are dozens of autism
organizations extant, supposedly intended to help victims and their caregivers.
Yet, in virtually all cases, they promote the specter of incurability, as well
as all sorts of dubious and expensive therapies. Worse, certain of these
organizations tout ridiculous conspiracy theories, and attempt to resurrect
ghouls like Andrew Wakefield.
Then, there’s the bizarre notion of “autism acceptance.”
According to one proponent, “People may be ‘aware’ of autism, but may not be
‘accepting’ of Autistic people for who they are (hence, assuming the need to
‘cure’ them).” The self-parody here is striking:
I want my autism–don’t save me from it! There is no need
for a cure for autism. We stopped trying to cure sexual identity and other
things that identify a person. I realize a lot of people hate me because I am
so much smarter. Whether it is at math, playing chess, computer programming, I
am obviously superior to neurotypicals.
Kanner must be spinning in his grave. A debilitating
disorder has morphed into a “spectrum” encompassing mentally superior
individuals. Full marks for readers who note a similarity to “diabetes”
encompassing everyone with even the mildest hyperglycemia.
Let’s hear from Dr. Goldberg…
This should not be an “acceptance” day–rather a stand up
and fight back day for your children. If you understand this is not
developmental, that this is a disease, and not an unchangeable developmental
disorder, then the best thing you can do to improve a child’s quality of life
is to fight this illness.
Why should we stop fighting for that quality of life for every
child? Acceptance of remediable dysfunction should never be our answer to this.
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