Autism Topics 1 - 4

Hello

I have so much to write about today, so instead of writing a lot on one topic, I'm going to write a little on several.

If your in a hurry just read #3 and maybe #1

Topic #1 Reaction To My Blog.

Despite the fact I only have a few followers, there are quite a number of people reading my blog. I know this because instead of leaving comments, they write me an email, or facebook me. To all of you I want give a big thanks. I write this blog for 2 reasons. Firstly, I want people to know the hurdles that all families face that have children with special needs like Luc. I want more attention on this disorder. A study found that 1 in 150 kids have some sort of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Another study out of the US found that 1 in 96 kids are on the spectrum and 1 in 67 boys. Usually when I tell people this, the immediate reaction from some is, "well, it must be diagnosed a lot more now". There is no foundation in a statement like this - Why? Because autism is not new. The way autism is diagnosed has not changed since 1980. Trust me, this disorder is on the rise, it's not something that is manufactured - like H1N1.

The second reason is I sometimes need to vent - self therapy - thank you for allowing this indulgence.

Topic #2 - Misinformed Co-Worker

Everyone who I work with knows that I have son with autism. When co-workers who are parents talk about their son scoring the winning goal in the weekend hockey tournament, I talk just as proudly when I tell them Luc said a new word or that he managed to get his own socks on. This disorder has taken so much from me, I won't let it deprive me of talking proudly of my son's achievements. So, knowing that I'm speak openly and freely about autism - a co-worker came up to me and said - "I just attended a lecture and it was brought to my attention that there is no cure to autism, I had no idea!"

I was shocked when my colleague said this. I thought everyone knew that. I had no idea that some people think that after a certain amount of time, Luc would be back to normal. All I have to do is take him to therapy and give him the magic pills. God - I wish my life were that easy.

I should mention that there are many kids that recover from autism, and this is what my wife and I work toward. But there is no cure.

Topic #3 - Autism As An Insult - How Retarded.

A few summers ago my wife and I went to a wedding. We were talking to a women who we just met, when she said "my husband is a little autistic". Having heard this, we couldn't wait to meet him. We wanted to see what he was like and how an autistic adult adjusts to the world. What advice would he have, what can he tell us. Well - when we did meet him, it became very obvious that he wasn't autistic, or anywhere near the ASD spectrum. His wife was using the term "autistic" to describe her husband's absentmindedness, and I suppose other qualities that she preferred he didn't have. My wife and I excused ourselves and went on to enjoy the wedding. My wife doesn't even remember the incident, but I gotta say - What the f--- who the f--- would choose the worst thing in the world and make it into a pet description of someone they love. What the f---. I hope this stupid women reads this and feels shame for talking to us like that.

OK I had to get that out.

Some people I know use the term "retarded". They say, "the phone system at work is retarded". I always tell people that use that term that I would prefer if they didn't use it around me. If you knew the parent of someone with down syndrome, you would never use that term as an insult again. I don't know any such person. But I feel their pain. I really do.

Last Topic

Thanks for sticking with me.

My wife is organizing a hockey tournament in October. The tournament is called "Stick'n It To Autism".

Anyone want to help? If so let me know.

Oh year- if you want to hear my radio interview go to:

http://www.sandysaysit.yolasite.com/