Comments on: Autism and Controversy: Bring it on

By: Controversy Addiction and the MMR Vaccine Scare

Controversy Addiction and the MMR Vaccine Scare — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 06:32:32 +0000

[...] maybe it’ll after all be evident, that reports of the “controversy about autism and vaccines” are at least somewhat and maybe grossly overstated. Controversy gets attention and sells [...]

By: Autism Vox » Something We Might All Be Able to Agree On (Maybe)

Autism Vox » Something We Might All Be Able to Agree On (Maybe) — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 05:45:32 +0000

[...] we need to take our eyes off the TV and, even as the search for answers to various controversies about autism continues, we can also agree to agree on this: However a child became autistic, he or she still [...]

By: Autism Vox » Autism Speaks Now

Autism Vox » Autism Speaks Now — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 06:44:14 +0000

[...] and often seem only to add to the complexity; at such times, I am very glad to be able to turn to a scientist (and, indeed, to a genetic [...]

By: daedalus2u

daedalus2u — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 18:30:30 +0000

There should be no “controversy” about facts and data.

That there is “controversy” about ASDs shows that ASDs are insufficiently understood.

There is no “controversy” about evolution and ID in scientific circles. There is no datum (note the singular form) that supports ID, there is abundant data (note the plural form) that supports evolution.

The “controversy” about evolution and ID is only about the delusional world view of adherents of ID. The “controversy” about mercury and ASDs is only about the delusional world view of adherents of the “mercury causes autism” idea.

I am sorry if my language is perceived as harsh. It is meant to be accurate and precise.

I don’t understand how anyone can believe something that has been proven to be false. That is not something I have the capacity to do. Is that a “defect” in my “theory of mind”? I certainly don’t consider it a “defect”.

I don’t consider a “treatment” that would allow me to believe something that has been proven to be false to be a “cure” of something that needed curing.

What was the “treatment” that the authorities subjected Galileo to, to “cure” him of his belief that the Earth went around the Sun? Imprisonment and torture?

Sort of like the “treatment” that some NTs have suggested should be applied to ASDs who happen to believe (from personal experience) that one can live a happy and fulfilling life with an ASD, and that not every “difference” needs to be irradicated.

By: Lisa/Jedi

Lisa/Jedi — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 15:51:35 +0000

Hooray for yet another scientifically-based voice of reason!

Just this morning it occurred to me that perceptions of autism (like everything else, really) depend heavily on where the perceiver/describer is coming from. Autism is no more “devestating” than any other condition of life, if you see it that way. The functioning level of the person with autism really doesn’t matter, if they are viewed as being a person of worth of value no matter what. So much of the controversy around autism is spurred by anger, sadness, & fear. Rejecting valid scientific conclusions because they don’t align with one’s beliefs is a good example of living a life driven by these negative feelings. I’ve found that a positive outlook on life is not determined only by one’s circumstances, but also by habits of mind. It takes work & does not guarantee that there won’t be bumps along the way. But looking at my child & my life through the lens of positiveness make us much more content & able to enjoy the life we have.