[rogert]

As another parent of a child with autism who is barely verbal, I have to agree, this is not the same as Aspergers. In fact, I think you'll agree, we hope our kids will one day only be diagnosed with Aspergers!

The problem with classifying autistic as "intelligent" and "obsessive" and "introverted" hides the truth that there are the other half of autistic people on the low-functioning end of the spectrum cannot live independently. And no, they're not exceptional at counting cards at Blackjack table either.

Young autistic children require many hours of direct speech and behavior therapy everyday just to get them to basic level of communicating what they want. This is the only known effective treatment for autistic children, but it has to happen every day for years, and it is extremely expensive. Trivializing autism causes insurance companies to put caps and limits on covering direct therapy because they don't see it as essential, but parents of autistic kids know that direct intense therapy is essential and makes a big difference.

[fecak]

This thread seems convinced that autism = intelligent and quirky. Maybe it is Rain Man, or the character on the show Parenthood or that other lawyer character (forget which show), or the prevalence of Asperger's in tech. People really don't seem to see it until it happens to them or their family.

As I've said elsewhere in this thread, when the CDC chooses to highlight (1) that 46% of these kids are average to above IQ, it says "don't worry". Why didn't the CDC choose to highlight "31% of these kids are severely impacted, unemployable, and will require lifelong care at an incredible expense to their families (financial and emotional) and taxpayers"? 46% is not even a majority, yet the CDC chose that group to mention as a highlight.

Why would the CDC make that choice?