tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post113175032752062106..comments2024-03-27T15:43:53.969-04:00Comments on Adventures in Autism: Safety v. Personality ChangeGinger Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04200286625735078479noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-1168353793803311322007-01-09T09:43:00.000-05:002007-01-09T09:43:00.000-05:00While I am not looking for a cure for Edith Rose, ...While I am not looking for a cure for Edith Rose, I wonder sometimes about all of this cure equals change of personality discussion.<BR/><BR/>It seems to me that (assuming a cure was possible) improving one's ability to speak, sensory sensitivity, how one experiences the whole world of stimulii would have nothing to do with one's personality.<BR/><BR/>Your personality is who you are at the core of your being. Your intelligence, your sense of humor, your compassion, your likes and dslikes etc. <BR/><BR/>An autistic person's lack of ability to speak, or being prone to hand flap or rock back in forth, is not "who they are".Clayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05270121007046270030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-1132511381914167712005-11-20T13:29:00.000-05:002005-11-20T13:29:00.000-05:00I have some, I think, really nice ideas about the ...<I>I have some, I think, really nice ideas about the value of people with autism that I have not written much about.</I><BR/><BR/>Lay them on us, Ginger!Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11578123223843089702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-1132095531537836202005-11-15T17:58:00.000-05:002005-11-15T17:58:00.000-05:00Kevin, I feel like we are on the same page, just e...Kevin, I feel like we are on the same page, just emphasizing different things. <BR/><BR/>As I mentioned, I just have just taken it for granted that those with autism are valuable and deserve to feel special and appreciated just like anyone. I think that is true of everyone, regardless of what they have to contribute, autistic, non-verbal, 10 years in a coma, EVERYONE is of value and brings beauty to this world.<BR/><BR/>Certainly protection from harm is parenting job one, but job two is smotherin' with lovin'.<BR/><BR/>Our kids absolutely have the right to be happy and fulfilled and cherished and admired for the things they bring to the table that would not even occur to the rest of us. <BR/><BR/>I think one of the reasons that I have not emphasized this is that it didn't occur to me that autistic individuals need to be 'justified'. I understand that many people with ASD who have been treated crappily because they were different, and see 'cure' as another attack on their perceived value, but I don't see it that way.<BR/><BR/>I feel like it is giving my autistic son the best chance to communicate to the world his individual wonderfulness so others can appreciate him and all he has to offer. <BR/><BR/>I have some, I think, really nice ideas about the value of people with autism that I have not written much about. I know I need to balance my blog more by doing that. I appreciate you and Ann making these points. I don't want to give people the impression that autistics feelings aren't as important as their health just because I have not written much about it.<BR/><BR/>I think that is really what this whole discussion needs is more balance. More focus on what we do agree on.<BR/><BR/>I have mentioned to you that I wanted to write a piece asking adults with autism for what advice they would offer to parents who are trying to "cure", so that they can keep it in balance. Perhaps you and I could co-blog that or you might extend that invite for me to your audience as more adult autistics read your blog.Ginger Taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04200286625735078479noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-1131902403789688462005-11-13T12:20:00.000-05:002005-11-13T12:20:00.000-05:00If you guys think you are worried now, wait until ...If you guys think you are worried now, wait until you send them off to college.<BR/><BR/>Lila, my son is an Aspergers college student. There are quite a few of them. True they are not perfect, but so few college students are.Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11578123223843089702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-1131773311255119922005-11-12T00:28:00.000-05:002005-11-12T00:28:00.000-05:00I think of this also in regard to making the world...I think of this also in regard to <A HREF="http://mysonhasautism.blogspot.com/2005/10/making-world-safe-for-autism-124.html" REL="nofollow">making the world safe for autism</A>. My son has very literally been a danger to himself and we know we sometimes must do what seems "extreme" to take care of him.kristinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01104388229716638534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7771487.post-1131765731162923492005-11-11T22:22:00.000-05:002005-11-11T22:22:00.000-05:00Well said, Ginger. Our children cannot be safe if...Well said, Ginger. Our children cannot be safe if they cannot function independently in this world. They must be able to not only perceive danger, but to communicate their peril.Wade Rankinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12986780783735604000noreply@blogger.com