Autism, neurodiversity & hope
Posted by Sandy on 12th April 2008
One of the most important things we can do in life is listen and learn by reading a variety of opinions on any given topic. Then, be willing to confirm, change or adjust our views based on those opinions. For example, I have learned a lot about autism during the last week since Kathleen Seidel was subpoened for daring to write about the anti-vaccine debate and litigation.
I have also discovered, given the traffic from people around the world to my post and two updates on Seidel, both at Crux-of-the-Matter and Jack’s Newswatch, that there are indeed a lot of opinions about autism. For example, there is Harold Doherty at Facing Autism in New Brunswick. A dedicated father, he writes on his blog:
“My interest in autism, and my engagement in autism advocacy, began with my son Conor’s Autism Disorder diagnosis and the realization that, locally at least, no serious efforts were being made to improve the lives of persons with Autism or to address the realities of Autism Disorder. Hugs are good, but hugs are not enough. Evidence based treatment, education and residential care by properly trained service providers are required to help the 1 in 150 persons who have an autism spectrum disorder. “
While I can understand most of what he says, I do disagree that no serious efforts where done until recently. In fact, I owned and operated a private special education practice for over a decade (in the Niagara Region of Ontario) from the mid 1980’s to the late 1990’s. I specialized in reading and writing disorders and worked with a wide variety of children, youth and adults with disabilities, including those with an autism spectrum disorder. I used a variety of learning strategies and technical aids, as well as multi-sensory techniques, mastery learning and behavioural modification approaches — all more likely to be long term even after treatment stops.
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Posted in Autism Disorders, Health Care Related, Parent Concerns | 4 Comments »