Autism
 

I'm surprised no one had posted this thread, so I will. In some news shows, they have had specials which discuss Autism. I know Larry King has on CNN, but only a few others have as well. Autism is a genetic disease that occurs before birth, and plagues them for life. I know that there is many variants of Autism. Aspergers is one of them. Some people confuse Autism with down's syndrome, but if you study people who do have very closely, you will notice the difference. Many cannot talk, have a weird personality, and/or are influenced easily by other people, especially by adults. I know there are many other symptoms of Autism, but I'm not good with names. Some parents feel Autism is a curse, others a blessing. Many parents are just not equipped for the challenge.

I read in the Newspaper that people are studying how Autism works, and maybe how to treat it. There has been a debate about it for years, whether to pay attention to it or not. Hopefully we can stabilize our economy, however impossible as it seems, and then it may be possible to fund a program to research some more of it. Like a grant or something. I think a few colleges have applied for a grant to study Autism but I'm not exactly sure

I don't have a direct source, but I have gathered information from various sources over the years. Yes criticize me if you must, but I have done my best. I will research more if i have the time. I would like to know your thoughts on the issue. I have added this as a summary of what I know of the illness

I actually have Asperger's syndrome, and lemme tell you right nao, if I was given the option to take it away, I'd refuse.
This syndrome keeps things entertaining, and comes with some advantages.
People usually find my oddness entertaining, as well.

One of my favorite people in the world is touched by Autism. She is really a second cousin, but in my family she is closer than a niece to me. If something happens to her parents I will become her guardian and I have invested a great deal of my time and income to insure that no matter what she is cared for properly the rest her life.

While I could not love her more if she were completely normal, I would give anything to spare her the difficulties she has endured and will endure due to Autism. Beyond that I have nothing to add to this debate since I am hardly unbiased and it is too emotional of a topic for me.

^ That's really cool.


I am minorly annoyed by each term however. Not because I have anything against autism and/or people with aspberger's, but for other reasons.

My aunt (a character to say the least) has tried to falsely diagnose me with autism on several occasions. Basically, any personality flaw I have is subject for such.

I obsess to easily? Autism
I'm good at math? Autism
I'm too shy to converse with people occasionally? Autism.

Seriously it's quite annoying.

Wow, I have that too. I was diagnosed when I was 6. I read in a news article that autistic kids can be smarter than normal. Hmm.

Anyway, Aspergers is not a common variant. Although I do know another person who has Aspergers. He's kind of like me, but younger.

I do that too, maybe your aunt's right :p Being Autistic isn't a bad thing, it's actually a really good experience, although It holds me back on some stuff, it gives me great advantages on the other.

I think I got Autsim from my mom because she has it too.my grandmother says she diagnosed it, but she is a doctor so I gotta take her word for it

There is a ton of medical and psychological research going on in the field of autism. There are many university and medical center studies that are getting a lot of federal and state dollars to research this condition. There are probably more dollars going to research things like heart disease and cancer because those diseases kill people, and so any research on life-threatening diseases will get priority from the NIH in the US and equivalent gov't agencies in other countries.

oh well. True Cancer does kill, my friend died of it (RIP), but still, Autism is my first priority

Sorry about your friend.
While it may be your first priority, when the gov't evaluates where to put research dollars, they look at reducing mortality and morbidity. Diseases that kill or seriously impair people get more funding dollars than those that don't. Autism does get quite a few research dollars, but since it doesn't kill, it's not nearly as widespread as things like heart disease or cancer, and people can live and function with this condition in the milder forms, it's not going to get as much attention.

Hmm. Well, for some people it can be hard to live with Many confused me with ADHD because I have so little symptoms and high functionality (my school district was one, but I think they were just being cheap so they didn't have to pay for my school), but the diagnosis will stand for life. Sometimes it can get out of hand, and you can make baaad decisions, like drugs, get violent, or anorexic (refuse to eat) A lot of kids can go to Juvie hall or Residential for that stuff because:

a. their parents don't care

b. they are tired of their kids

c. the kids purposly seek the attention.

Of course, this is starting to get into ADHD and Bipolarism

EDIT: Oh, and she passed a while ago. Good friend too. While it is sad, I've come to accept it

While I'm sure Asperger's syndrome is medically supported and all, I find it ludicrous to diagnose "weirdness" in people.

It is possible, but I highly doubt it. Besides, such a thing would be difficult to diagnose I imagine, for anyone but a doctor, I mean. My aunt is not a doctor by the way, she's... I don't know... probably a tad autistic herself, and a definite hypochondriac.

I just refrain from diagnosis of any mental issues. Well, self-diagnosis anyways.

On the other hand, I'd rather not be told what's going on in my mind by someone other than myself. [opinion]I just see it as an excuse to justify certain behaviors.[/opinion], but I'm certainly not educated in those fields.

So it's moot point.

touche. Autism is hard to diagnose

I prefer to say it as unique or singularity, more kind. ;). Many would get mad at what you just said, but I've heard it before so its nothing new to me

Asperger's is becoming the next ADD.

@JMII: I'd get a second opinion if I were you. I wouldn't let a family member be my doctor any more than I would let one be my attorney. Emotions have a tendency to cloud a person's judgment.

@VP: It sounds like your aunt's the nut in this situation, so just ignore her until you turn 18, then you can say whatever you want to her, like "STFU" for instance. :p

I have had multiple opinions. Five psychologists have seen me. 3 have said I have Aspergers. 1 said ADHD, and the other said Bipolar. I take the majority

Actually TR...I found some of your philosophical view points, that you've mentioned here in the past, most intriguing. You've brought up some things, philosophically, that I,ve never even considered before. That could be, one of the advantages you have with Asperger's syndrome. :)


:raise: What ya mean "All of us have a bit of abnormality in them somewhere", why I'll have you know Momerator, that I'm just simply insane without any abnormalities, thank you very much (though not yet certified). :carms: As a matter-of-fact...my 6 foot, white fluffy, carrot eating friend here agree's with me - Isn't that right Sam?......*looks around room*........Sam?!?

Now where in the hell did he hop off too?
Damn'it! He's never around when you need him.:fist:

There's plenty that has gone on in my life to make you think, Asperger's is a part of that, yes.

many people suspect Aspergers make people more smarter, and I think that is true. I'm in 8th grade and I do Geometry for math, thank you Aspergers

QUOTE by TR....
Well, I would look it as a positive then, I'd say that's a fine quality and a great ability to have IMO - as far as "Asperger's Syndrome" goes. ;)






Funny you should mention that, I thought I read somewhere - were they believe that Einstein and Newton possibly had "Asperger's Syndrome."

It would make a lot of sense. :)

Yeah, people said Einstien was a litte "off" but thats just how he was. Idk if newton has Aspergers though, but it would not surprise me if he did

Newton was exposed to mercury, which affected him mentally as time went on.

ahh, but he did not seem that mentally ill in records, or maybe I misread something :raise:

Well, now I wasn't aware asperger's syndrome and autism were anything the same or similar.

I do hate how certain general behaviors and traits automatically gets you labelled as one thing or another.

Have a friend who is autistic. It's not something of his behavior he can control. He has an insanely high grasp of math, and can replicate a 3-d model by sculpting, whatever he's set upon, almost to a tee. I.E. He has molded the dirt and mud in his back yard after the Hollywood highway system, he has also remade what was a photo of Mars' surface. He can't really have a normal conversation and his ways of examination are unusual, aggressive and direct.

(Wonders if generations of breeding super highly analytical people might make a genetic factor.)

Interesting and unusual people. I'm aware it is a condition of the brain, perhaps an abnormality that varies in severity. Some are amazingly and highly functional, others can only paw at walls and crawl around and can't talk--or something similar like that (all cases are different).

Certainly, I'm interested to know the realities (layman's as possible, please) of this. If I am mistaken, please do enlighten me. In general, I think high functioning autistic people can do things average people could not hope to do in logical activities and such.

Asperger's used to be considered seperate from autism. However, researchers now think Asperger's is a mild variant of autism.

I thought that they always knew it was part of autism

I know, right? I've tried for over an hour to come up with a satisfactory voicing of my opinions on such, but I... just can't. It all pisses me off. Categorizing ****...

Oh, yes, she is a total nut. I won't pretend to know what's wrong with her mentally, so I'll say that she's f***ed up in the head.

I'm already older than 18, but I haven't seen her lately anyways. Easier for me, as much as I'd feel empowered by cussing her and my uncle out.

Oops. Sorry. :)

No, just an Oedipus complex.

Oh, It's people running around with a know-it-all mind "diagnosing" everything. A "diagnosis" or knowledge is not an understanding. Of anything. Period. Some people just need to be put back down in their place.

Ever notice how effective this is for reasoning when suggesting putting kids on medications? I think there are several doctors that are in the pockets of pharmaceuticals who also profit off of this. It's like everyone needs to be on pills or something. If not by one's own deficiency, by someone else's standards. It's disgusting.

Also I frown upon people who do a charade to get special attention/treatment as it really is an insult to those with real disabilities. This alone is an entire subject that could fill another thread. However, I don't typically like spending my time looking down on others.

It amazes me how every little thing is a "disability": I haven't met many people who wouldn't (very) generally fit into something. Men it's ADD/ADHD, or women it's bi-polar. If everyone has it, then it doesn't qualify as a handicap or a disability.

^Bah, that bunch just wants to sell us more pills.
Listen, if you're a parent who has a child with ADD or anything like it and the Doctor tries to give you pills, refuse, if your kid is already on Pills, throw them out the window as far as you can.
Your child does not need them, and I did not either. I can function properly without them, in fact, often I'd get called up to the offices and get told that they were putting me in a class that was difficult enough for me, because the classes I were in were too much of a cakewalk.
So really, if I had excellent grades in school without popping pills every morning, why can't anyone else?
Simple Answer:No reason at all. They all can do it if they work hard enough, just as I and dozens of other people have.

That's a really stupid attitude. I have ADHD, although I got the hyperactivity under control without the need for pills long ago, Stratera helps me focus in boring classroom environments. Just because it gets over-diagnosed doesn't mean it doesn't exist, in addition most Doctors aren't just out to fill you full of pills to pad their wallets.

HHHHHUUUURRRRRR BOOOTSTRAPS!!!

...... :dozey:

Are you a doctor? Because only Doctors can truly classify disabilities. Calling Autism an "insult" for being called a disability or handicapped is wrong. Heres why: When you are in wheelchair, that is a disability, but with Autism, Bipolar, and ADHD, they struggle every day, even those who say they don't. Many mentally handicapped children go into drugs, especially Bipolar kids. I went to a school which dealt with drugs and achohol abuse as well as other disorders,(also was a school for smart kids) and pretty much all of them had disabilities including ADHD, Autism, and Bipolar.

I'm not saying other types of handicapped like spine injury are lesser, but Autism is much more serious then you assume. And your "special treatment" as you say they get, is not always true. Some can function without it. Usually the "special attention" is only temporary.

On your part of "doctors make a profit" part of your little speech, actually the insurance companies are what make the profit. See, they are all about money. And the pills give both the Doctors and the Insurance companies money. Because most of my medical bills are paid by my insurance, like my pills for instant, but then they get paid eventually. Most Doctors are trained in these disorders to handle them with care, but they aren't all in it for the money.

I'd suggest you read some books on Autism, it would give you more than one opinion on this

Doctors get zero revenue from selling pills. At most we get a rep bringing us some samples for our patients and perhaps some brand-name pens at conferences. We doctors do not 'push pills' for the sake of getting people on medications. In fact, prescribing medication without an appropriate diagnosis is malpractice. We prescribe based on research presented in medical journals and at conferences about various diseases, and we don't take that responsibility lightly. We have to live with the results of someone having adverse side effects that may be worse than the medications we prescribe, so we are cautious about using the correct drug for the correct time and at the correct dose.

This is, frankly, horrible advice and should not be followed by anyone. Stopping certain medications abruptly can cause severe health and mental problems. Medications should not be stopped suddenly without consulting a medical professional. Medications should be taken as prescribed. If you don't like the diagnosis by the first professional, get a second or third opinion as needed.
It would be wise for you to at least get your medical degree, do your residency, and see the patient, first, before you determine a child does not need medication.
Just because you are able to function without medications does NOT mean others can.

And your experience as one person means everyone else is going to react the same? That assumption is unwise.

Because everyone else has different body chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. Have you studied all that for a minimum of 8 years of college and professional school? No? I didn't think so. That's why individuals should consult medical professionals who are thoroughly trained in this condition rather than getting medical advice from a stranger on a Star Wars forum.

Wonderful for you. Not everyone has brain chemistry and physiology that are exactly the same as yours. "Working hard enough" may be entirely ineffective for those whose brains simply don't have enough of or the correct balance of certain chemicals.

Sir, this is perhaps the most irresponsible and most ill thought out post I have ever seen here at Lucas Forums, speaking as an individual from a country where the medication is free for individuals with autism, I fail to see why doctors would give out medication unless they thought patients needed them.

I presume my father who has cardiac hyper-tension (and is also a Doctor) should stop taking his medicine and he would still be fine? (Actually he would only live for a few days, before suffering a pulmonary embolism). Furthermore often mentally ill people think they do not need to continue with medication as they feel better; often their families do not share their sentiments.

Just a note: That homeschool thread in ahto: I was just being a cyinical *** hole. (Why so serious?) Though on a side note, I'm glad people *do* care.

Are *you* a doctor? No? Then you're no more qualified than I am.

That's *not* what I said. Clarification: I was lobbying on behalf of those with autism in the face of those who would try to 'ride' the system. Reread what I said.

Perhaps you should ask clarification instead of going off like that?

Don't confuse what I'm saying: there are people who truly HAVE disabilities. Then there are people who although having problems, do not have disabilities. Fitting into one category or another, yes. Over time these ones have shown they have problems because they don't care to move past them.

I'm on your side!

Clear enough?

I never said they didn't struggle nor that they weren't problems. However, if you look at the symptoms of ADHD/ADD and bipolar, they could fit almost anyone. If almost anyone could have it, then it is not a disability. It's a problem, but if it is not a set of uncommon or unusual handicaps then I do not see how it qualifies as a disability. Furthermore, the struggles for these people CAN be worked around and controlled so that they lead a productive life.

I'm willing to make exceptions for cases of those who were naturally born with a chemical imbalance or are hardcases of abuse/emotional disturbance/etc.

For ADHD/ADD: How can you tell me it's legitimately a disability when under select cases I.E. playing video games, or cards, or drawing, etc. they can do it for hours and hours on end without taking a break? They can't focus on anything else like that, but they can do it on video games or fun activities? This shows me they CAN continuously focus on a task, but have selective attention and are at least aware of it enough to differentiate from one task to another. Even with meds, the eventual truth is these kinds of people are just going to have to move past their setbacks and function just like everyone else. Yes, it is more difficult for them--but at the same time most of them could have have some advantages most people don't. Enthusiasm, creativity, perspective.
These people don't have the same hindrances that autistic people do.

I have seen people who are diagnosed "bipolar" but when examining their background I've noticed 2 basic but major differences though there is definitely probability of overlap:

1) Those who actually have chemical imbalances in the brain and are a hair's breadth away from being bat **** nuts. These I'd call legitimate disability: Most of them want to get better or at least function on some level of regularity of society. May be unable to, however, because it is beyond their control. (The best artist I ever knew had this problem and schizophrenia on top, but he went on to do great things and even inspired me to keep trying for better.)

2) Others flip out when pressed for a task or stressed in other ways and they also do it more constantly and severely than most people. These latter bipolars don't have the same sort of disadvantage/internal chemical issues that the other bipolars have. They seem just fine for the most part.

EXCEPTION: For some it stems from home issues and abuse--understandable (I'll give the stronger of cases ones a pass, the marginal ones lenient only to a point). However this is not necessarily the majority of these cases, or we'd have a huge problem with child abuse/neglect in this country. These ones may have a tainted point of view because of their experiences. They have hardship mental and emotional scars from horrible treatment they never deserved and may never quite see things rationally because of it.

Where it *isn't* hardcases of abuse/dysfunction, it is that they don't have good control over their emotional outbursts and are very unstable/insecure.
It eventually boils down to "do they care to actually work around it?" All the meds and good counsel in the world can't do for them what they won't do themselves. They don't control their outbursts and as a result do not function to a level of most others in society. Like the ADD/ADHD crowd, these people do not have the same hardship as Autistic people--or their abused/neglected counterparts.

The hole in that argument is: Drugs and alcohol are a coping mechanism to turn to for these people as well as people who don't have these issues.

:dozey::mad:
Please point out where I specifically invalidated autism? I was on YOUR SIDE. Go back and reread the post--I never invalidated autism (I was actually lobbying in favor of it while frowning at people who try to ride the system). Please try to clarify what another says instead of assuming what they're saying.

Generally: What I am disgusted with are how quick we (as a society, parents, schools, peers) are to give pills for this, pills for that--for everything in general. If medication is needed, then by all means give them the meds they need. For all others whom are not at least a strong to definite/terminal case--other methods should be sought first. There are so many drugs we give kids nowadays. Although they are considered safe, the long term consequences won't be known for some time. I suggest that instead of risking this damage on patients like guinea pigs, that all other methods be tried first in real earnest.

:¬::¬::¬:
You are, again, still assuming I was invalidating autism. I wasn't. :swear:

It was a side discussion that I am disgusted how there are so many drugs out there for kids, and how everywhere I turn nowadays: your kid has this problem, get them this drug. Your kid has that problem, have your doctor prescribe them this. I guess I stand corrected about doctors in the mean time.

I could be being unreasonable but, drugs shouldn't be turned to first or second.

1. Drug's are not the only part of the problem. A lot of kids have to have these pills every day, and no I am not a doctor, but my mom is. Want to talk to her?

2. As I said, Medical Insurance companies are the ones who are ripping us off bit by bit, and that is what makes pills so damn expensive. These pills keep kids, say Bipolar, from going depressed, or getting too energetic. That's why pills are such a big deal.

3. You may be right on your opinion of ADHD, but they still do struggle. Yes I see those kids play vid games all day, but that does not mean they are below the spectrum.

4. As I said, pills are necessary, they aren't what tells who you are, they are what helps you with your "issues", and help you get better.

So I wasn't trying to piss you off, but I guess I may have misread your post. I am sorry for that

So then, what? If they are the stronger cases then they need medications--I'm not really contesting that.

Otherwise, all other options ought to be exhausted first because drugs are not always the best solution. What is best accords to the situaiton and the individual.

I'm not saying drugs aren't needed--they should, however, not be the preferred choice to deal with most every case.

You were intent on busting my chops because you disagreed with me--so I gave it right back to you. Nothing personal but please try to understand another's sentiment before laying into them.

I reiterate: it _IS_ a problem, but you cannot tell me it is absolutely a disability, or that it is beyond the control of the individual.

I never thought I'd say this: I agree w/ TA that students at some point need to step the **** up.

When it comes to underachievement, that's a problem that is not just of parenting, but a societal one as well. We seem to practically embrace and celebrate taking the easy way out, or are used to things being quick and easy.

Well, you're the one telling everyone else to leave a proper diagnosis to the doctor. Practice what you preach and I won't have a problem. :p

As a doctor would say: Case by case according to what is best for an individual.

Very well.

IMO, autism is overdiagnosed, and has in many ways become the next "fad" disorder. There's a "burden complex" among a lot of parents who think having a "special needs" child makes them oh-so holier than thou. Which only puts more pressure on reasonable doctors to misdiagnose kids in order to make a living. It's all just disgusting.

Of course, the kids who lord their mild autism or aspergers over others like they're superior humans piss me off to no end. People need to stop being so obsessed with being such special little snowflakes.

Okay, I don't want to argue anymore with you GTA, you've made your point and so have I. Lets leave it at that. :p

Not true, while it is more common than other disorders, it is a very low chance that you could have it. Larry King discussed this on CNN

Source? Autism is more important than you think.

All parents think their child is important, or even more important than others, so Autistic Kid Parents are not much different than normal parents. They have to go through a lot, especially with low-functioning Autism

Only qualified doctors can be truly sure it is Autism, usually psychiatrists.

Really, because usually Autistic children are either bullied, harassed, or made fun of because they are "weird" to other kids. I've seen this at many schools which hold both Autistic and Normal Kids. So, in fact, they don't Lord it over other people. Aspergers is a beautiful experience which only few can be in it, but that doesn't mean they/we are better than you or others.

Its not an obsession, it's a serious issue that many have addressed. This debate is over that issue. As Jae said we all have a little abnormality in us.

There are plenty enough sick people out there that we reasonable docs don't need to intentionally misdiagnose in order to 'make a living'. Secondly, misdiagnosing leads to a. lawsuits and b. loss of license and c. loss of career. Thirdly, intentionally misdiagnosing to gain more revenue is called fraud, and will get us put in jail along with getting slapped with hefty fines, so we don't do that. OK, there are a rare few try to do that, but they get caught eventually.
If there is going to be a misdiagnosis, it's far more likely that it's because the doctor was skipping doing tests in order to see more patients in a day, and thus missing critical signs of disease. There are 2 people in my entire career of working with hundreds of doctors who I would report to the state boards, and both were running patients through the mill and not doing tests they should have been doing. As a result, they didn't diagnose the diseases that were patently obvious to any 2nd year medical student if they'd just taken the time to look properly. I have read a story about cataracts being over-diagnosed by a surgeon in Chicago, so that the surgeon could get the revenue by doing the surgeries, but that guy ended up in jail after getting caught doing that a few years later.