I certainly don't want to hijack this thread and turn it into an autism thread, but you can't discuss this crime and NOT discuss autism. His autism....and possibly his aunt's.....demands attention. I hope I don't insult anyone who has an autistic child or loved one. I do not have anyone in my immediate family who has autism, and therefore, you can argue that I have no right to say ANYTHING about this issue. With that preface, I have been fascinated by autism for years. I work in the medical field, and I keep a file on autism. I collect articles that relate to various theories and to the growing nature of the epidemic. Epidemic is what it is, and I think the medical community should hang it's head in shame at the neglect that has been fosted on this issue. After many years of collecting information, and then after watching the Amanda Baggs video, I sort of have to wonder if autism isn't really some form of evolution. I suspect that perhaps autistic individuals have abilities that we, i.e. non-autistic people lack. Perhaps they have resources and talents that we have not yet tapped into. They are obviously cognizant humans. They are AWARE. They are aware in ways that WE are not. I totally respect them, and in one aspect, I hold them in awe. I can only pray, and pray hard, that this particular child can call forth his talents with being able to "interact with his environment" in ways that WE can't, i.e by hearing, touch, smell, taste; and that perhaps he can find another way to connect. I wish I could connect with him and let him know that he is valued and LOVED. In fact, I wish that I could connect with him....and with ALL autistic children and let them know that they are VALUED. They are possibly the key to the future of the human race. IMHO.
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