"Comfortably Numb"
From the Album "The Wall" by Pink Floyd
P2T-36183 -- CBS Records, 1979
"Hello (hello, hello), Is there anybody in there; Just nod if you can hear me; Is there anyone at home. Relax (relax, relax), I need some information first; Just the basic facts; Can you show me where it hurts. There is no pain, you are receeding; A distant ship smoke on the horizon; You are only coming through in waves; Your lips move, but I can't hear what you're saying. When I was a child, I had a fever; My hands felt just like two baloons. Now I've got that feeling once again, I can't explain, you would not understand. This is not how I am.
I-- have become Comfortably Numb."
Autism is a brain rewiring, often observable from birth to age 3. Autism may refer to other disabilities as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Aspergers Syndrome (AS), High-Functioning Autism (HFA), Fragile X Syndrome, or Atypical autism that is a kind of pervasive developmental disorder that is not otherwise specified (PDD/NOS). The Cause of autism is unknown to present day. However, there is enough research to give suspicion to some possibilities.
Some research hints a physical, neurological problem in the brain that affects language and information from sensory (sight, hearing, and touch especially). The neurological condition is often compared to a stroke. Some speculate a chemical imbalance. Others suggest a nutrition intolerence. Another theory is that autism is "grown" through a neuro-rewiring of brain tissue if the child's brain scars from early damage (i.e., fevers or destructive trauma at birth) during early growth and physical development. There have been acceptable theories that autism is generated under two primary qualifications: 1) a genetic disposition and 2) a trigger event to cause a development change. Genetic factors may not always be involved when severe brain trauma during birth could cause autism-like qualities or become the trigger itself. As in my family's case, we males of the family may have a low tolerance to fevers as infants. Fevers can be, and are often suspected as, the trigger mechanism. I personally had Viral Encephalitis as an infant; my son had a severe reaction to early infant vaccines with high fevers.
Many suspect the trilogy shots (DPT and MMR) when administered to those with a genetic or family history of autism, especially the Pertusis of the DPT and Rubella of the MMR when mixed.
Early Infant Vaccinations Are Highly Suspected.
If Your Family Has A History Of Autism,
Have Your Children Vaccinated With Separate Shots.
-- Not All Three At Once --
Another consideration is a combination of multiple causes. However, people do not, and cannot choose to be autistic. "Several outdated theories about the cause of autism have been proven to be false. Autism is not a mental illness. Children with autism are not unruly kids who choose not to behave. Autism is not caused by bad parenting. Furthermore, no known psychological factors in the development of the child have been shown to cause autism." (ASA -- What Causes Autism) In order to have ASD, one must acquire it through genetic transfer. As of to date, there is no cure, 'To cure means "to restore to health, soundness, or normality."' (ASA -- Is There A Cure) If a cure is discovered, it would become news world-wide. Many times, those who are higher-functioning can develop coping skills that makes one appear as cured. If someone says that a child has been cured without a bunch of international medical hoopla, I usually doubt the findings and consider it as a matter of opinion. Many coping skills and 'tricks' are developed over time by those who have autism in order to 'appear' normal.
Don't Panic!
Autism is not a "fate worse than death." Despite the many disadvantages, there are many positive traits that autistic people are proud of.
These positive "talents" may include (but are not limited to):
- An increase in imagination and creativity in music, art, math and other sciences.
- The feeling of being "forever young" with a young mind.
- An ability to "hyperfocus" and powerfully concentrate on an interest to penetrate greater detail often missed by others.
- An unrelenting, often compulsive, source of energy to get a job done well.
- Detailed space perception that can be used in architecture, science and physics.
- Deep introspection and often mystical thought for writing.
- (My Wife and I often suspected that Sir Conan Doyle, author of "Sherlock Holmes" may have based his primary character on someone who had autism, since many traits are so parallel.)
- Detailed logic.
- An accurate and detailed memory of information and facts with unusual 'photographic' recall with an unusual ability to usefully manipulate data.
Each talent is as unique as each individual case of autism, and many with ASD are glad to know that they don't want to be "fixed" nor lose their genetically inherent advantages and abilities. Several celebrities with Spectrum Differences ask, "Fix What?" Many with autism achieve Ph. D. status in education, especially regarding their special interests, and often acquire prominent and high-paying jobs involving medicine, law, and especially in high-tech industries. It is not uncommon for someone with ASD to join (or desire to be a part of) MENSA, a special interest group whose membership is based upon the top 2% of the world's highest IQ's.
There are many couples who solemnly pray
to have a child who would be the next Einstein genius then cry about it when they get one!
Copyright, Maestro Media / Julien, 2001 Updated 04AUG02
