Autism not a problem—fancy that
July 6, 2008 by Kristina Chew, PhD
Filed under Health
Autism not a problem for 12-year-old Muhammad Danial Zainuddin. Danial is autistic and was only able to “mumble a few words” when he started school at the age of 6—-at 12, he is a “straight A pupil and one of the creme-de-la-creme of his school.” He also won a Second Place in the the state Special Education Quran Recital competition, the New Straits Times reports. Danial’s achievements speak for themselves and one can only imagine how things might be different if, when hearing autism, more people said (instead of “tragedy,” “death sentence,” “awful,” and the like)—
not a problem; lots that can be done, and always lots of hope.
These are the types of posts that keep me reading your blog… it’s amazing what can be done when they are not held down by stereotypes and a glass ceiling.
My biggest complaint – which Mom and I discussed last night – is the assumption that non-verbal children with Autism are taught as if they have severe MR. They are taught life skills instead of calculus.
We’re aiming for calculus… life skills will be taught along the way… but we’re definately aiming for calculus. And you know… little boy just might make it as long as I keep him out of those “atleast it’s respite” special ed classes, they have around here and keep up the homeschooling.
S.
Totally Farmwife! Have home schooled in addition to the “special ed” class for 6 years. Now we have them in an ABA school we can finally see what they are CAPABLE of, rather than what they cannot do.
Self fulfilling prophecies anyone?
xx
I don’t doubt the success for a minute. Thanks for posting.
Estee
Always nice to hear.
Amen.
Oh, Kristina, I wanted to read the full story but the link doesn’t work anymore! I love the phrase “not a problem”, was that what Muhammed actually said?
The link should work now, sorry! the “not a problem” phrase is the headline for the story.
I could use some help with the calculus……
I *LOVE* stories like that! It’s what I always am trying to get THROUGH to people – we are so blessed to have our son exactly the way he is! He is perfect as far as I’m concerned and I have no doubt he’s going to do amazing things in his life.
Thanks, Kristina! What a wonderful story! It also sounds like the Khatam al-Quran ceremony is a right of passage in his culture and religion?! Which I think is wonderful, being able to participate in something so large, and probably very sensory stimulating.
I wish that sort of attitude would become mainstream in our society instead of “how horrible! How depressing!”
I don’t think it has to be like that. If society changed and became more understanding maybe it would be easier…
Of course, I am an idealist for the most part.
Hope is for the weak. People who have no courage to deal with life and themselves as it is.