PLEASE visit http://www.gettingthetruthout.org/

Positive events and thoughts relating to autism spectrum conditions. This is for people on the spectrum, their families and friends. Let's focus on acceptance, not cure and celebrate neurodiversity!

I think most people probably have their ideas about what autism is. Here's what it isn't:

"Autism is not mental retardation. Some autistic people may be very intelligent — there is a lot of evidence that Albert Einstein may have been autistic.

Autism is not "savant" syndrome. Some autistic people are "savants," (e.g., instant calculator, etc.) but most are not. Other autistic people are "gifted," however, and have high "general" intelligence. Many autistic people have normal intelligence, and some may be retarded.

Autism is not an emotional problem. Autism is a neurological condition which people are usually born with. Psychological trauma doesn't cause it.

Autism is not a psychosis or lack of reality contact.

People do not choose to be autistic.

Autism is not "a fate worse than death." Autistic people have some disadvantages, but some live very happy and rewarding lives. Many autistic people wouldn't want to be "cured," as this would be like erasing them and replacing them with different people."

Jared Blackburn, 1997
Permission granted to copy and distribute unaltered

"mentally retarded(only the severest of cases may be)
devoid of emotion
in capable of making their own decisions
unaware of their environment
disconnected from reality
unable to feel and give love

Most of all, AUTISM IS NOT SOMETHING THAT IS "WRONG".

WE ARE PEOPLE, TOO.

We see, we feel and we can love, we just show it differently. "I love you" are only words, and they are small words that don't seem large enough to express this all-powerful emotion with so many meanings. :)"

-That Weird Girl