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Sure i have a question? Why is it that every news feature or internet article about autism is about high functioning auts? Why doesnt anyone ever wanna focus on the low functioning ones? You know the ones that have never spoken a word, throw temper tantrums at the drop of a hat, headbutt others when they dont get their way, punch, kick, scream, bite, run head first into walls, wet the bed every night, cant dress themselves, cant bathe themselves, just all around have the mind of a 2 year old? Why is it always about the aspbergers?
Sure i have a question? Why is it that every news feature or internet article about autism is about high functioning auts? Why doesnt anyone ever wanna focus on the low functioning ones? You know the ones that have never spoken a word, throw temper tantrums at the drop of a hat, headbutt others when they dont get their way, punch, kick, scream, bite, run head first into walls, wet the bed every night, cant dress themselves, cant bathe themselves, just all around have the mind of a 2 year old? Why is it always about the aspbergers?
It's not. It is actually only very recently that people began to realize that autism does NOT mean mental retardation. Each autistic child is different. There are kids, btw, that develop speech late, but still develop.
Also, note that a person who is currently low functioning can still be helped. My grandson is in the middle here. He is bright, but not very verbal. He does have tantrums too. He was not potty trained until he was 5. He still struggles with dressing himself, can't brush his own teeth, can't bathe himself yet though he likes baths. Autism is a spectrum.
Do you have a low functioning autistic child? How old is he? What therapies are you doing with him? Have you tried supplements, diets, etc. (We don't do these, but they do help some people).
There are articles on those who are low functioning, but I suspect that more people want inspiration.
Sure i have a question? Why is it that every news feature or internet article about autism is about high functioning auts? Why doesnt anyone ever wanna focus on the low functioning ones? You know the ones that have never spoken a word, throw temper tantrums at the drop of a hat, headbutt others when they dont get their way, punch, kick, scream, bite, run head first into walls, wet the bed every night, cant dress themselves, cant bathe themselves, just all around have the mind of a 2 year old? Why is it always about the aspbergers?
Probably because, from the time autism was even recognized as a disorder, until fairly recently, most people thought autism = Rainman.
The fact that it is a spectrum disorder means that the cases of it that many people wouldn't know to classify as autism get a good deal of press.
It does bear noting, however, that people with autism who engage in highly aggressive and/or self-injurious and/or destructive behavior, who are nonverbal, who throw temper tantrums, who have failed to develop basic self-care skills do NOT necessarily have the "mind of a two-year old." Communication deficits, sensory integration problems, and neurological impairments are not necessarily indicative of intellectual development impairment. I have worked with children who exhibit any and all of the above behaviors and more who do NOT have any cognitive delays to speak of.
Autism and intellectual impairment do not have to go hand in hand. Autism can, however, be comorbid with various disorders are characterized by that type of impairment. A person can be mentally retarded and have autism. But because a person has autism, it does not necessarily follow that he or she is mentally retarded.
Why is it that every news feature or internet article about autism is about high functioning auts?
Really? I've always found it to be the opposite. Through changes in diagnostic criteria as well as increased awareness and education, there is a wide range of severity. No two cases of autism are the same.
Probably because, from the time autism was even recognized as a disorder, until fairly recently, most people thought autism = Rainman.
The fact that it is a spectrum disorder means that the cases of it that many people wouldn't know to classify as autism get a good deal of press.
It does bear noting, however, that people with autism who engage in highly aggressive and/or self-injurious and/or destructive behavior, who are nonverbal, who throw temper tantrums, who have failed to develop basic self-care skills do NOT necessarily have the "mind of a two-year old." Communication deficits, sensory integration problems, and neurological impairments are not necessarily indicative of intellectual development impairment. I have worked with children who exhibit any and all of the above behaviors and more who do NOT have any cognitive delays to speak of.
Autism and intellectual impairment do not have to go hand in hand. Autism can, however, be comorbid with various disorders are characterized by that type of impairment. A person can be mentally retarded and have autism. But because a person has autism, it does not necessarily follow that he or she is mentally retarded.
Well said, Tabula. I would add that in my opinion we are going to find out that more and more 'low functioning' people with autism are in fact as bright as any person, but have we have lacked a way to reach them and they have lacked a way to communicate with us. There are many stories of those who did not get alternative forms of communication until later in life, and they have talked about how they so desperately wanted to be recognized for their intellect all those years but whose silence was mistaken for low cognitive abilities. I shudder to think of all of those 'non-verbal' people who are still waiting for that opportunity.
My wife is the one that had the autistic child (hes now 18) and its very disheartening to see 20/20 and nightline type specials about "Breakthrough in Autism treatment" type specials/videos, just to find out after we start watching that its about Aspbergers. Her son cant even say Mom thats what I mean when I say mind of a 2 year old. He cant speak he gets mad for no reason he wants his way right now or else he wets himself every night he carries a ton of stuffed animals everywhere...to me thats the mindset of a 2 year old. It may not be the same brainwave patterns or whatever youre talking about Tabu. Its just a general phrase. However either way, im tired of seeing my wife's eyes light up because she thinks she may be able to hear her son talk for the first time just to see her, yet again, let down.
My first questions would be, what types of intervention have been utilized, if any, and from what age? What speech therapy methods? What has been his experience with various forms of nonverbal communication, be it PECS at an earlier age, any augmentative devices, sign language, etc.?
Really, though...being nonverbal doesn't necessarily mean low IQ. Neither does impulsive or ritualistic behavior (like always having to have a certain object in one's possession, and resistance to change). One of the brightest young men I've ever worked with will routinely melt down at the slightest changes to his routine. Toileting issues are often the result of a sensory disconnect, and do not necessarily indicate anything relating to cognitive ability.
I guarantee that this young man doesn't get mad for no reason. I fully recognize that you and others may not have any idea what the reason IS (or if he is indeed mad, versus frustrated, scared, in pain, on sensory overload, experiencing anxiety, any number of issues), but rest assured that there is a reason. He just isn't able to communicate to you exactly what it is. Think how frustrated you would be if you could not make yourself understood.
I'm sorry that your wife feels let down. I've worked with many families with children with autism, and have seen the heartbreak firsthand. But imagine what it is to never be able to communicate effectively with others.
Thats not what Im asking. What im asking is why do these news networks and talk show people ONLY want to focus on Aspbergers and turn a blind eye to low functioning autistics. Its always about autistics that can talk and play ball and have jobs. Show us what breakthroughs there have been for those teens and adult autistics that scream, bite, punch, headbutt, and run head first into the wall for whatever reason.
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Through changes in diagnostic criteria as well as increased awareness and education, there is a wide range of severity. No two cases of autism are the same.
