Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Misinterpreted


I think that some people may have misinterpreted what I was saying in my last post. Let me explain myself. First of all, when I found that web site with that autistic persons perspective, I found it interesting. I do agree with them on the fact that autism is not an illness that needs to be "cured", it is who a person is. I have yet to meet a parent or a person with autism who feels it is an illness that can be "cured" but I have not met everyone. In that article, the autistic person said that they would like help with the problems that come along with autism (like the eye contact or the not being able to focus on one conversation) but that they are not looking for a cure. So for someone to feel like they "hate" their autism, it is more that they hate the bad stuff that comes along with autism. Now to defend me a little. I am all for doing everything possible to help my child be more independent and to be happy and to help him deal with any issues that come along with autism. He goes to special schools, I drove him an hour and half to get him to Boise for speech and O/T three times a week and I do developmental therapy for him daily to help teach him how to adjust with the autism. I am NOT trying to "cure" it because it can't be "cured", I am just trying to help him get through obsticles that he has to deal with. I don't think I am a saint or wonderful for doing it. I agree that there is no such thing as a "normal" child. Every child has some kind of obsticle to get through. Some kids may be more typical than others and may not need as much help as other kids but most parents do what they need to do for their child and don't mind doing it at all. When I say that I don't like hearing about the "cures", I meant the kooky stuff like swimming with whales, rubbing ointments all over their bodies, adjusting their backs three times a day, acupuncture, feeding them only leaves for a month, or going to see a "healer" etc, etc, etc. I do appreciate people thinking of us and wanting to give their opinions but don't push it on me when I say no thank you and don't make me feel guilty for not trying. What I love is when someone tell me about therapies that can help with a certain problem, or a new company that has opened up with available spots, or guide dogs for autistic kids, something that will help, not "cure". I am always looking for a way to help him and to help me. I don't want to change his diaper when he is an adult, if someone has advice to give on a way to do that, I would appreciate it. I want him to communicate with me any way possible, if someone heard of a new technique to try I want to know. I know that I don't know everything and I like hearing about things to do for him that can help him be more independent because that is the only way he will be happy when he is older but I can't "cure" him and I don't want to. I liked everyones comments and they did not offend me. I appreciate all the nice things people said about us. I just wanted to make it more clear what I meant to say earlier because it sounded like maybe people might have misinterpeted what I said.

10 comments:

E said...

Sara, you ARE a saint! It may be your responsibility to do all that you do for Wolfe, but many parents wouldn’t be able to keep all that up. I’ll admit, I don’t fully understand autism. I Google it all the time and read new articles on the subject, and I TiVo every program that discusses autism. I’m very interested in learning more about it, but all the conflicting theories and opinions are confusing and frustrating. I’ve never heard of anyone being “cured” of autism either, only experiencing vast improvements in regards to the symptoms and obstacles of autism, but clearly not every child responds the same way. The progress Wolfe is making is very encouraging, and I know that’s due to your hard work and perseverance--I love hearing his sweet little voice on the phone! Until reading your blog, I never knew it was offensive to talk about “curing” autism. Thanks for being patient with those of us who are ignorant, and please keep us informed. We want to learn.

Memzy said...

I need a "cure" (for no TV). You coming down to the picket lines with me?

But srsly, thanks for the advice on the flooring. It was MUY helpful!

Wolfe is a hottie by the way, in case you didn't see that.

Hazel said...

Dear Saint Sara,
Hey, have you ever heard that if you have Wolfe swim with the whales you can cure autism, but only if it is followed by a month staight of leaves. They have to be the ones on the ground because it is cruel to remove leaves from a living tree. (They have feelings you know)
From an expert on Autism,
Katie
Love ya-

Hazel said...

Salute to you too Wolfe. I raise my spoon to you

Hazel said...

I LOVE CARMEN SAN DIEGO!!! WHERE IN THE WORLD IS SHE?

Emily said...

Well said.

Vegas Family said...

Amen! I hear you!

You are doing a fantastic job with Wolfe.

I get all the crazy ideas from people when I say I am struggling to loose weight. Pickle diet, colon cleansing, hard boiled egg diet...you get the picture.

Anonymous said...

The whole bit about swimming with us is complete bullsh**!

Anonymous said...

We really work, though. Try us. We can cure him.

Anna B said...

Got it, I promise.