if gut/immune disorders, disabling sensory-perceptual issues, disabling levels of motor planning issues, disabling levels of co-morbid mood/anxiety/compulsive disorders, lack of any augmented communication device/strategies are addressed/treated, then those with these AND autism become less ‘autistic’

hence in ANY PERSON WITH AUTISM WITH THESE things these are considered part of their autism and a treatment for it.

but like you, I don’t see it that way, I see it as a treatment for/addressing what it is- treatment/addressing of gut/immune disorders, disabling sensory-perceptual issues, disabling levels of motor planning issues, disabling levels of co-morbid mood/anxiety/compulsive disorders, lack of any augmented communication device/strategies- with a side-effect in those with these that many severely cognitively/emotionally/sensorily/perceptually/impulse control challenged people with autism often become less autistic when these issues are reduced.

So the question is
is the person still autistic afterwards?
-the answer - yes, usually, there’s still at least a residual level of autism

so have they cured the autism?
-no

have they reduced burdens upon it so the presentation is less severe?
-yes

is it OK to treat/manage these challenges
-yes, I think so

does this mean autism itself - the structural differences that lead to altered ways of processing information to the social majority- is bad or should also be reduced
-no

what if the person hates being different to the social majority
that’s a mind-set issue, a life journey, something they need social-emotional help to experience more positively, just like with body dysmorphia…
-one doesn’t just go cut perfectly natural and functional limbs off without trying to help the person come to terms with why they can’t stand those limbs.

so is it OK if we start to diagnose and treat what IS ethical and helpful to do so?
-I think so

and to leave intact, even appreciated, even loved, the natural quirkiness that is an autistic nature?
-I think so.

what’s more, I think its psychologically, emotionally, morally wrong to naggingly or persistently pursue someone on the basis of their quirks, as though they are a CASE not a whole feeling human being, just because they have socially non-invasive, non-harmful, non-disabling quirks that others find ‘embarrassing’ or ‘weird’.

Donna Williams
http://www.donnawilliams.net

Don’t get me wrong, I am all for dealing with gut issues and sensory issues….and anything else that will not attempt to change the essence of who someone is…….that is, not try to force them to deny themselves in one way or another.

We’re working on that…..a little bit at a time………..

Athena Ivan

The problem here in Swansea is that we can tell that Christmas is coming because when we drive home in the evenings (even as early as 6pm!), we are aware of drivers who really should have left the car behind and taken a taxi.

This city has the worst figures for drunken driving in Wales… so hopefully, they’ll all eventually lose their licences and the roads will be safer for everyone else!

Seasons Greetings to you both from wet and windy Wales!

Okay, sorry, off the subject. (the truth is i’m REALLY MANIC and i can’t stop going off on tangents!) Your Christmas list is beautiful. i’m just counting on the socks.

I too am in agreement with the last paragraph. I would also add to this Christmas list: the halting of post office closures in the United Kingdom and better public transport (regulated and run for public benefit rather than profit).

In downtown Manchester, wind and rain has been the order of the day, interspersed with pine Christmas trees, gaudy lights and packed shops. For me, I know when Christmas has arrived if I can see an abundance of pine trees - and surround myself with the smell of them.

Stuart.