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Trump on autism

Wordsmith

The Guardian is reporting that Trump has just teased that he will be making an important announcement on autism tomorrow (quite how this was relevant in the middle of a eulogy for Charlie Kirk is not clear but that’s the Great Orange Blimp for you). Looks like we can expect mums taking paracetamol during pregnancy to be blamed and folinic acid to be touted as a cure.

Parents

  • Autism is not a disease that needs to be “cured” It is part of who people are and there are many levels of autism. Some can be high functioning and can do many things that neurotypicals are capable of. But find social skills and other things difficult.

    And there are low functioning autistic people who need more help and support. Is trump referring to Low Functioning Autism?

  • in reply to GreyCuddlyWolf

    I think Trump doesn't care a hoot about it either way. He probably doesn't even know what Autism is, other than a word he can use to promote fear and garner votes.

    The "low functioning" and "high functioning" labels don't work anyway. Most of us here could say that we are high functioning some of the time and low functioning some of the time, and high functioning in some areas and low functioning in other areas, and all of that can change from hour-to-hour. What does that make us?

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  • in reply to GreyCuddlyWolf

    I think Trump doesn't care a hoot about it either way. He probably doesn't even know what Autism is, other than a word he can use to promote fear and garner votes.

    The "low functioning" and "high functioning" labels don't work anyway. Most of us here could say that we are high functioning some of the time and low functioning some of the time, and high functioning in some areas and low functioning in other areas, and all of that can change from hour-to-hour. What does that make us?

Children
  • in reply to GreyCuddlyWolf

    So, when you are having trouble with loud noises, you are probably not "high functioning" in that moment. You need the noise to stop. You need somewhere quiet to go to. You need ear defenders or headphones. With the right supports for your needs, you can restore (or at least improve) your ability to function in the world. If you were "high functioning" in all areas all the time, then you wouldn't be Autistic! That's the problem with the label: it can be very misleading.

    Parents, and you cannot blame them, are probably going to latch onto a term like "high functioning", as they can take it to mean that their kid is not as disabled as other kids. It gives them a little more hope, I suppose.

    I think I'll start a thread on this topic. I've developed a sudden interest in it and I don't want Donald watching. Wink

  • in reply to GreyCuddlyWolf

    Yeah low/high functioning is still used, but my preferred terms are high/low support needs. All Autistics need some level of support, it’s just that some need more than others.

  • in reply to Damojo

    Low and high functioning is a term that my neurotypical parents still use. They say I am high functioning, as I can work and be independent. But have trouble with socialising and loud noises ect.