On the spectrum, don't want to be "healed"

[Davepl1968]

I realize that autism can be, for some, such a burden that it becomes a significant disability. I am not speaking of that situation because I have no familiarity with it. So please don't take what follows as applying to that form of the disorder, because it's not how I meant it.

However, I'm on the spectrum. Maybe not the meaty part of the visible spectrum, but you can see it from here!

I would not change if offered. Yes, there are deficits that come with it. But usually there is a flipside. Like obsessive thinking - it can be a bear, but it's also solved some very hard problems for me!

Even not liking contact (though I like hugs from loved ones, just not surprises or strangers) has its benefits when walking in a crowd... I'm so aware of every tiny bump and jostle that I think it's unlikely I'll ever be pickpocketed.

People say I have "a flat affect" whatever the heck that means. But after knowing for 6 months its funny how that goes away and I am funny and entertaining. I don't change!

I dislike change - but this allows my wife to feed me my 1000th PB&J for lunch. So for each quirk there's an upside for me, even if I have to stretch sometimes to see it.

So, for those of you who have a loved one afflicted by it, remember that you may only see the negatives, while they enjoy (at least some) of the positives! Up to a point, at least!

BTW, nothing wrong with "social skills training". I suppose I had to learn at an early age that although I was absolutely fascinating to myself, other people had other topics of interest as well! Or how to feign caring about someone's cat story, that sort of thing. After all, even the "beautiful people" on TV have to get media training or they'll look silly!

 

[bekkilyn]

I think too many people believe that healing is the same thing as "getting rid of" a disability or some other thing, but that's not necessarily the truth. Take a look into Deaf Culture for an example.

 

[Sabertooth]

Autism is cool. It is the severe co-morbid conditions that need help or healing.

In DSM5-speak, I am an ASD1 father of NTs(?), other ASD1s, an ASD2 and an ASD3.

 

[Sabertooth]

Also, Christian Forums has a sister forum, Autism Forums. I am known as Crossbreed, over there.

 

[NIrelandGillian]

Also, Christian Forums has a sister forum, Autism Forums. I am known as Crossbreed, over there.

Interesting, Sabertooth. Is it a Christian forum or just a general autism forum?

Gillian

 

[NIrelandGillian]

Also, what are DSM5, ASD1, ASD2 and ASD3?

My 3 ASDs object to the idea that they need to be 'cured'.

 

[Sabertooth]

Is it a Christian forum or just a general autism forum?

General autism.

Also, what are DSM5, ASD1, ASD2 and ASD3?

DSM5 is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.
In it, all of the forms of autism in DSM4 were consolidated to Autism Spectrum Disorder [ASD] and given a severity level from 1 [least severe] to 3 [most severe].

My 3 ASDs object to the idea that they need to be 'cured'.

I'm ASD1 and I agree with that.

I have ASD2 & ASD3 children who would disagree with that, but I believe that, if they were cured, they would be ASD1s. ASD2s & 3s just have more severe co-morbid conditions.

(FYI, Aspergers is still used colloquially for ASD1.)

 

[mark kennedy]

Thanks for the thread, it lead me to this interesting discussion on NPR:

(The autism spectrum. Ted Talks)

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

Jesus healed everyone who came to Him or who was brought to Him to be healed.
In some cities He did few miracles because of the widespread unbelief.
If He comes to any city today, I'd expect to see everyone who comes to Him to be healed, including the lame, deaf and blind. (what is impossible with men, is possible with God)

Seek the Father in heaven, His Kingdom, and being content with food and clothes, do what He Says. (in sickness and in health)

 

[*LILAC]

Yeah, I have a son whose autism is causing severe communication skills. He can talk but he cannot express his emotions into words which can cause tears of frustrations. On both parts. Sometimes it seems he's more frustrated than we are about it. Well, we've had enough of it and yes, we're all for healing him! He cannot communicate like you guys can (which is awesome!) I do believe he can be healed through the blood of Jesus Christ. We truly want him to live a fulfilled life as God intended him to.

 

[Sabertooth]

Yeah, I have a son whose autism is causing severe communication skills. He can talk but he cannot express his emotions into words which can cause tears of frustrations. On both parts. Sometimes it seems he's more frustrated than we are about it. Well, we've had enough of it and yes, we're all for healing him!

There is a school of thought that lower-functioning autism [ASD2/3] is Aspergers ASD1 with amplified co-morbid conditions, caused by a neonatal injury. The likely culprit is a reaction to certain vaccines that are turning ASD1s (a good thing) into ASD2/3s (not turning NTs into autistics).

In that sense, I completely agree about the need for healing, but I believe ASD1 is the healed form.

 

[S.O.J.I.A.]

if you have found a way to live with it and be content with yourself...enjoy.

 

[NIrelandGillian]

Yeah, I have a son whose autism is causing severe communication skills. He can talk but he cannot express his emotions into words which can cause tears of frustrations. On both parts. Sometimes it seems he's more frustrated than we are about it. Well, we've had enough of it and yes, we're all for healing him! He cannot communicate like you guys can (which is awesome!) I do believe he can be healed through the blood of Jesus Christ. We truly want him to live a fulfilled life as God intended him to.

My son has similar issues, but not specifically with expressing emotions, more a difficulty with finding the right word to express what is on his mind. It leads to a lot of frustration and anger as he isn't satisfied with a made-up word such as 'thingy' or 'what-you-m'-call-it' or even 'sorry, I can't remember the word for it'. What I would love for him is to learn coping strategies in these situations, also for me to learn how I can best help him.

Gillian

 

[*LILAC]

My son has similar issues, but not specifically with expressing emotions, more a difficulty with finding the right word to express what is on his mind. It leads to a lot of frustration and anger as he isn't satisfied with a made-up word such as 'thingy' or 'what-you-m'-call-it' or even 'sorry, I can't remember the word for it'. What I would love for him is to learn coping strategies in these situations, also for me to learn how I can best help him.

Gillian

Yes, mine is similar. He doesn't like pet names and your words have to be REAL words and not just some made up stuff. It's quite interesting how he insists others to talk yet he has such a disability in that department himself.

 

[NIrelandGillian]

Yes, mine is similar. He doesn't like pet names and your words have to be REAL words and not just some made up stuff. It's quite interesting how he insists others to talk yet he has such a disability in that department himself.

Have you found a way to help him when he is stuck for words? My son had a few sessions with a Speech and Language therapist, but it didn't make a lot of difference.

Gillian

 

[*LILAC]

Have you found a way to help him when he is stuck for words? My son had a few sessions with a Speech and Language therapist, but it didn't make a lot of difference.

Gillian

Right. I totally hear you on that! We've been through therapists and etc... throughout his life and we are still stuck in many, many ways. Mostly we ask him questions and just have him answer "yes" or "no" to so we can get an idea what he's trying to say. He has been getting better recently, but we're praying specific prayers over him and it is helping.

 

[GodLovesCats]

There is a school of thought that lower-functioning autism [ASD2/3] is Aspergers ASD1 with amplified co-morbid conditions, caused by a neonatal injury. The likely culprit is a reaction to certain vaccines that are turning ASD1s (a good thing) into ASD2/3s (not turning NTs into autistics).

In that sense, I completely agree about the need for healing, but I believe ASD1 is the healed form.

I am still waiting for people who truly believe this to provide undisputable proof of the connection. After a doctor made this claim about one girl who developed autistic symptoms after having the MMR vaccine, so many stuides around the world disproved it he lost his medical license.

 

[GodLovesCats]

My son has similar issues, but not specifically with expressing emotions, more a difficulty with finding the right word to express what is on his mind. It leads to a lot of frustration and anger as he isn't satisfied with a made-up word such as 'thingy' or 'what-you-m'-call-it' or even 'sorry, I can't remember the word for it'. What I would love for him is to learn coping strategies in these situations, also for me to learn how I can best help him.

I am not that bad but have made up words a few times. Once I asked my aunt if her late husband was an "explorative" eater. I knew explorative is not a word but could not think of the word adventurous. When I was shoppintg for a living room chair and bed mattress, I called them "cushy" as in cushion.

 

[Sabertooth]

I am still waiting for people who truly believe this to provide undisputable proof of the connection.

I'm just waiting for the [hypo-allergenic] versions of the vaccines in question (and getting the rest of them).

Do I need to prove (to you) that my mother and one of my sons are allergic to certain antibiotics (before they can be excused from such), too?

 

[GodLovesCats]

I was only talking about the MMR vaccine-autism link claim, which has nothing to do with allergies.