Autism, cont...

**donna1982** · January 3rd, 2008

I agree with you completely. It seems like if society as a whole would focus on Abilites rather than Disabilites everyone else would follow suit. Chayse is obviously slower than the typical 2 year old, but it drives me crazy when people refer to him as disabled or sick!

**Maddie** · January 3rd, 2008

Originally Posted by donna1982

I agree with you completely. It seems like if society as a whole would focus on Abilites rather than Disabilites everyone else would follow suit. Chayse is obviously slower than the typical 2 year old, but it drives me crazy when people refer to him as disabled or sick!

I knowww Donna, it drives me crazy too! and hearing them referred to that way is so not fair to them. They deserve to be believed in and those references are degrading them as the young, smart and fully capable people that they really are. My little girl, she talks, and I am sooo thrilled, she didn't even say momma til she was 3, it doesnt even matter that she may 'sound' like a 3 or 4 year old now at 7 to people who don't know her. Our kids are not sick or disabled at all and I agree with you that more of society should definitely focus on their unlimited 'Abilities' and the sky is the only real limit.

**Maddie** · January 3rd, 2008

Originally Posted by JohnDalglish

Hi,

I couldn't agree more - it baffles me that otherwise intelligent and well-informed people can still talk about autism as a 'disability', when it can be such a positive trait if channelled properly.

I know that there is learned debate about these diagnosis, but where would Western music be without J. S. Bach, art without Michelangelo and Leonardo and physics without Einstein?

Disabled?

Long days and pleasant nights

I couldn't agree with you more either John. Although its much speculation, still its speculated about so many great achievers based on their recorded behavior traits and characteristics...they weren't the average Joes.

I love the way you put that about being channelled properly, I agree! If they are labled disabled, how much motivation and encouragement could one intend to apply?

**Maddie** · January 3rd, 2008

Originally Posted by Cola

I have learned so much about autisim and how it affects loved ones in these threads Amanda Rose

- My knowledge on the topic is very limited and its nice to read these posts even if I don't contribute much!!

Thank you Cola

I appreciate knowing that. I didn't know a thing about it either, until I had to. I feel it can knock on anyones door, anytime, and I feel like I should share what I know, and grateful to so many who share with me. thank you so much sweetie.

**Ayla** · January 4th, 2008

On the other side of the disability conversation...My ex (who is autistic for those who dont know) *did* view himself as disabled. Not mentally or anything like that, but socially. He and i spoke about his frustrations, especially when he was younger, at knowing that he was doing something wrong but not being able to understand what it was or how to make it better. He's the smartest guy i know, soaks up knowledge like a sponge but there are some things he just cant do. it took him 2 years to remember my mothers name. he's 25 doesn't know the order of the months. he was in his late teens before he figured out the order of the days of the week. He knows its wrong to smack someones hand away if they lay it on his shoulder but he still doesn't really understand the why of it being wrong. he sees this as a disability.

i dont necessarily agree with him on this but i thought it was a perspective most people are not normally privy too.

**JohnDalglish** · January 4th, 2008

Hi,

Love the teddy, Amanda.

And the general feeling seems to be that public awareness of autism, and how it affects everyone, needs a lot done to counter-act the ignorance of remarks like 'disabled'.

And I agree completely with Cola - I knew absolutely zilch about the subject until Amanda started this thread - so as far as the SKMB goes, you've done a great job on Autism Awareness, Amanda. Kudos!

Long days and pleasant nights

**scotts_girl** · January 4th, 2008

hey there girl,Miranda is looking so big and just as cute as ever i wish you both all the best for 2008 by the way

keep on reading Miranda

**Cola** · January 4th, 2008

thats a lovely Tedy Amanda

**donna1982** · January 4th, 2008

Amanda,

I was just wondering if you've ever been to www.cafepress.com ? They have all sorts of unique items about Autism awareness, Down syndrome awareness, and many other things. I found a really neat bumper sticker that says: Ha Ha! My kid has more chromosomes than yours!

And I also found a shirt for Chayse that says: You laugh because I'm different, but I laugh because you're all the same.

You should check it out.

motherwolf · January 8th, 2008

Originally Posted by AmandaRose

I wanted to open a thread for continued discussion of Autism and related disorders, the new childhood epidemics, and share our stories and ideas, etc.

heres Miranda, shes 7 now, and she has really grown since the initial thread began, in so many wonderful ways. She whacked her hair again and she won't let me fix it up and pretty, whats a momma to do? lol

and shes learning to read now.....

Amanda Rose you have a most beautiful child! I'm sure that she is an absolute joy! She sure looks like she is. I have a cousin that I am close to, whose son has a very mild form of autism. Forgive me I have a hard time keeping up with terms and names of specific things. What I do know is the love and dedication it takes to progress along with these special children and to help them every way possible. God bless you both! Y'all are in my prayers!