Should we want to cure autism?
Two American grandparents are raising the global profile of the condition starting with a controversial debate in London tonight. Cassandra Jardine reports.
"Autism might have kept a low profile in the United States, if it hadn't affected Bob Wright's grandson, Christian. The chief executive of NBC Universal - the American television and film company - is not the kind of alpha male to take a problem in the family lying down. He's used to shaking trees, kicking ass, making things happen - and that is exactly what he has done in the five years following his grandson's regression into autism".
I saw this report on Breakfast News when the grandparents were being interviewed. I was particularly struck by the claim that it affects 1 child in 150 (increased to 1 in a 100 in this article). Also that part of the problem is believed to be environmental issues. It is a shame that it is only when it happens to a rich and powerful family and they begin to make noises that politicians and the media take notice. And it is a shame that those professionals allow their egos to get in the way of trying to understand and try and find a cure for autism.
A mixture of law, politics, autobiography and humour. Once described as "The Devilish Advocate" (Guardian), I do have the ability to provoke a response. Sometimes it comes from someone who uses a thought process, and sometimes from jerks usually associated with the knee.
1 comment:
jailhouselawyer,
It's fascinating that some autistics have abilities non-sufferers do not. One 9 year old boy could reproduce to scale the most complex building structure by simply looking at it and taking the 'stored image' home to the drawing board.
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