People with autism are rarely employable, so I've read, and end up doing jobs that require simple, repetitive direction. But that doesn't quite gel with what I've seen in my own son, who is routinely grouped with the brightest in his class for advanced mathematics. Indeed, something doesn't add up, and this article by Science Daily explains that it's time to stop emphasizing the shortcomings of autism and make use of the superior attributes that people with autism have to offer.

"It's amazing to me that for decades scientists have estimated the magnitude of mental retardation based on the administration of inappropriate tests, and on the misinterpretation of autistic strengths," Mottron added.

Temple Grandin is the most well known case of translating autistic abilities into mainstream success. She turned her feelings of being threatened by her surroundings into a revolutionary method for the ethical treatment of animals in slaughter plants. It's more humane to the animals but also increased the functionality of slaughterhouses. She also developed the "squeeze machine" to calm a hyper-sensitive person. In each case, her autistic mind served as a benefit and not a detriment to her work. It seems to me that if we utilized the brain of those with autism, over trying to figure out a way to make them more like us, we might all be better off for it.

The article goes on to say: "Dawson and other autistic individuals have convinced me that, in many instances, people with autism need more than anything opportunities, frequently support, but rarely treatment," Mottron said. "As a result, my lab and others believe autism should be described and investigated as an accepted variant within human species, not as a defect to be suppressed."

Temple Grandin has also said she would not support a cure to wipe out the autism spectrum. Curt's mom and I have discussed the same thing. Raising a child with autism isn't easy, but as interesting, intelligent, and unique as these kids can be, "curing" them would seem almost a shame. Seems to me they would be better off solving world economic problems and debt crisis, or in medicine. These people are smart, they cut through the BS, and they see things normally developed people do not. It seems like they have a whole lot more to offer than menial employment and our sympathies.

"Recent data and my own personal experience suggest it's time to start thinking of autism as an advantage in some spheres, not a cross to bear," Mottron said.

Greg, Dad