|
Autism is a severe developmental disorder that most children develop
around the age of 20 months; a small percentage do show signs at birth. Most autistic children are perfectly normal
in appearance, but spend their time engaged in puzzling and disturbing behaviors which are markedly different from those of
typical children. Less severe cases may be diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) or with Asperger's Syndrome
(these children typically have normal speech, but they have many "autistic" social and behavioral problems).
For many years autism was rare - occurring in just five children per 10,000 live births. However, since the early
1990's, the rate of autism has increased exponentially around the world with figures as high as 60 per 10,000. Boys outnumber
girls four to one. In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control reported that 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism.
"From the heart" definitions of autism from Bedrok Community members
I see autism as a sign and those affected as messengers. Therefore it is
a gift. The message is that we need to change the way we live.. be more conscious about how everything we do has an affect
on someone or something else. The gift is that we can change, we are changing, and as we do we really live more fully and
more healthy. Sometimes drastic things need to happen in order for people to change for the better (epidemic of autism). So,
it is not a monster or something we need to wage war against. It is merely a vehicle for getting us to the nest point. I also
would really like to stress that autism is just a thing. it is not the whole of the affected person's being. Yes, it has
great impact. But it does not define a person.
Gina
In our house autism is a breakdown in the human body affecting every member
of society just to varying degrees due to uniqueness. My son's symtoms have causes. As we learn
what these causes are and what the body needs to heal we move through this autism spectrum. Autism in our
house WAS constipation, foul diarhea, food addictions, screaming or staring, no eye contact, no awareness, staring at
fingers, repetitive actions,no motor planning, no language, no play, and a monotone face. Healing today brings
eye contact, verbalizing, then functional language, and now spontaneous language. Opinions and now questions and curiosity,
proximity with peers, laughing with sister, riding a bike, personality, talents, formed daily elimination, energy, exercising,
and daily development though in an atypical order and at a later time. Last week I got my first real kiss and
heard for the first time "love you." Autism is a blessing because we will never again carelessly follow the
herd using unproven and unstudied mass medical protocols. We now are conscious about taking care of our planet
so that we will be blessed with organic whole foods, clean water, clean air, and minerals. Autism is our needed challenge
to ensure change for our children...our future. Autism is collaboration to save humanity.
Shannon
|
