While identifying the genetic causes of autism is an exciting prospect for researchers and parents alike, some people with the disorder worry that too much knowledge could make them part of a dying breed.
The concern, self-advocates say, is that research could produce a genetic test for autism leading some parents to choose not to have babies likely to have the disorder. This scenario is currently playing out with parents who learn their babies are likely to have Down syndrome, for example.
But autism represents a large spectrum and those like Ari Ne’eman, founder of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, are on a mission to show the world that autism isn’t a bad thing that must be cured.
While Ne’eman doesn’t oppose genetic research, he worries that the information uncovered will lead people down a slippery slope. And, he says that in the process of researching the disorder scientists and many advocates are sending a message to people living with autism that they are not wanted, reports Newsweek. To read more click here.
This is such a tough issue. Of course, it only makes sense to do as much genetic research as possible but I think that research should be directed towards the goal of promoting understanding of people with autism, rather than a cure. Finding a cure implies that there is something broken, or wrong about someone. But, as an active member of Best Buddies, some of my best friends have autism or some other disability. I don’t think there is anything wrong with them. I can’t imagine my lives without them. They are just different. Obviously, there are some aspects of autism that are negative, especially when a person with the disorder feels overwhelmed and scared in social settings but I feel like we all deal with different issues or things that would be easier if we didn’t have them. I can’t imagine what it must feel like if everyone was trying to get rid of your “type” of people. I imagine it’s upsetting.