“The sad common ground of autism”
“The sad common ground” is how an editorial in today’s Seattle Times describes autism. A message of hope in study of autism lauds President Bush’s signing of the Combating Autism Act (CAA) on December 19th, while noting that
It is the sad common ground of autism — touching rich and poor, Democrats and Republicans — that helped to swamp a disagreeably stubborn House committee chairman in a lame-duck Congress to send the bill to the president’s desk.
Saying that autism is a “sad common ground” for those with opposing beliefs, political and otherwise, to meet, reminds me of parents who I have spoken to who, at some point in a fascinating conversation about our children and autism, say “I’m so sorry that we have to meet under these circumstances” or “I’m so glad to meet you and so sad that it is because of such a terrible tragedy.” Autism—my autistic son Charlie—has brought more into my life, opened up new ways of understanding and of learning, simply made me a better person, that I cannot imagine life without it. In particular, I have met many people—parents, teachers, professionals, autistic persons, young and adult—who it is hard to imagine never having met. It often strikes me as a sort of poetic justice that autism, which was once described by Leo Kanner as an “extreme aloneness,” has rather been the reason for me meeting so many people.
If there can be a common ground for people of opposing beliefs and differing backgrounds to meet, autism—-Autismland—seems a good place to start.
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POSTED IN: Diagnosis, Health, Legislation, Politics, Rhetoric, Treatment
2 opinions for “The sad common ground of autism”
ashley
Jan 2, 2007 at 7:13 pm
I second that one Kristina. Leo has brought out the worst in me at times (once dx), but also the best (mostly), and made me a better person as well. Leo helped us “clean house” concerning friends, priorities, and made us honest. I know so many things about myself, life, and about being human because Leo taught me these things.
Autism has simplified life for us, for the good.
Kristina Chew, PhD
Jan 2, 2007 at 9:26 pm
I think of life now has both much more simplified and focused, but also wonderfully complicated—kids and adults like Charlie and Leo have expanded my understanding.
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