How do you see autism? Is it a gift or bad luck for the family?

Philippines
January 11, 2012 9:53am CST
I've asked this question to solicit varying opinions on how people sees autism? How they feel having a child with autism and how parents cope with the situation. I saw this movie entitled Temple Grandin. The story was about an autistic who succeeded because of her unusual intelligence. She was lucky that she has family and friends who encouraged her or supported her along the way. But there are many children just like her. If parents are not well informed of how to treat them properly, they may not find their place in the society for life. So... what's your opinion about this?
4 responses
12 Jan 12
I don't see this as bad luck that rubbish with some people thinking it is bad luck.I would recommend a Bollywood movie by shah rukh khan the movie is called my name is khan...is a good movie that talk about a boy who suffering from autism
• Philippines
13 Jan 12
That's good input Sebastion. I may try to find one online because it can be used as good material for teaching parents or for film showing with preschool teachers. Thanks.
@yanzalong (19091)
• Indonesia
12 Jan 12
My friend has a child with autism. She tries the best she can to get suitable treatment for her child. What I heard from a friend who said that the cause of autism was related to the food consumed by the pregnant mother. She might have consumed a lot of wheat. I don't know why wheat has relation to autism. We, the human beings, have been created by God who set the fate for us all. According to Islam, which is stated in the holy quran, Surah Al Hajj verse 5 saying that human being are created by God. Some were born with perfection and some others were not. Based on that statement, I can say that it is a gift. Parents with autism do not feel guilty about this. There must be something behind it that you can benefit from.
• Philippines
13 Jan 12
Hello yanzalong. I know things happen for a reason. One good way of looking at it is that parents with special children are entrusted with a gift. This gift will teach them on how to care and love well. The challenges of having one special kid may be difficult for parents too, emotionally and the stigma of society. This special children don't actually care what other people think of them. They have problems socializing. I think the learning opportunity is for those people who cares for them. And these good deeds will make them a better person. Thanks for contributing and sharing your insight.
@CODYMAC (1356)
• San Diego, California
11 Jan 12
Hello, snowhybiscuis. I have a friend (now 42) who is autistic. I am not sure about when it was first discovered, but I do know that he is very OCD like. He makes lists upon lists and is very smart when it comes to ordering things, but does not have people skills. He hardly ever looks you in the eye, but if he does, you had better run. He seems to be doing ok. My opinion is that there are many things that we can learn from them, seeing that they seem to use a part of the brain that may not be open for us. Have a great day. :)
• Philippines
13 Jan 12
Hi CODYMAC. Same with our other posters here. They mentioned that this Social disability is very common among special children. What the adults have to learn is how to reach out to them with patience and honest concern.
@shiesse (306)
• Canada
11 Jan 12
I have a child with pervasive developmental disorder, which is in the autism spectrum. He would not be the wonderful child he is without it. Not that I think it is wonderful for his disorder but it is who he is. I Love him unconditionally and encourge to live his life to the fullest. He may not be like a "normal" child but really who really is normal? I don't believe it is a gift or bad luck, just the disposition of the child. They may have more obsticles to overcome but with love and exceptance they can life a full happy life. My child sometimes excels in areas where other children wouldn't but has issues with social situations therefor not everyone sees how wonderful he is, but I would never want to change him
• Philippines
13 Jan 12
Hi shiesse. Your son is very lucky to have a mother like you. I know that he feels loved and that security is enough to get him through his challenges. I wish and pray for your family's happiness. Have a great day!!!