We are on our way to an answer!!

[karynnix]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061217/hl_nm/france_autism_dc_1

 

[Schmeck]

It's going to take a lot to go from finding a gene in a small percentage of the AS population to finding a cure, but at least it's a start.

 

[SueM in MN]

It's going to take a lot to go from finding a gene in a small percentage of the AS population to finding a cure, but at least it's a start.

Agree.
One thing that finding a gene might do is lead to better/more conclusive testing because they could actually have something specific to test for rather than just a list of symptoms.
It also might not lead to a cure for a while, but could lead to more effective therapy.

 

[Judy from Boise]

That is exciting, and i am so very hopefull we can get testing and treatments. However in some way the term cure makes me uncomfortable. I know I am blessed to have a child on the high functioning end of the scale, but I know in her case she told me just last week she would never want to take her autism away, she has embraced both the challenges and gifts of HFA.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Text Quoted has been removed as the related post has been deleted.

 

[Schmeck]

I think Mr. Blunt posted in the wrong thread?

 

[pokemon_master]

Let's just ignore Mr Blunt now..

I think this is great news. Getting closer to finding the cure is a good thing provided they don't go X Men 3 style and decided to force people into taking the cure. It should always be a choice in the matter.

As for me I am fine being an Asperger Syndrome.

 

[karynnix]

That is exciting, and i am so very hopefull we can get testing and treatments. However in some way the term cure makes me uncomfortable. I know I am blessed to have a child on the high functioning end of the scale, but I know in her case she told me just last week she would never want to take her autism away, she has embraced both the challenges and gifts of HFA.

I guess "cure" was the wrong term to use...I agree with you. My son would lose a lot of his quirky personality, and I love him just the way he is!!

 

[Judy from Boise]

mothers who love quirky kids unite!

 

[Forevryoung]

I don't know how I feel... I am sure you would love your child no matter what but life would be completely different, and not necessarily "better"

I am starting to learn that everyone has challenges in their lives- few people have it "easy" for very long, and those that do wind up getting beaten down by the eventual challenges because they don't know how to cope..

My life would be boring and I would be a totally different person if I didnt have the experiences that I have had and if my brain didnt function the way it does... I love who I am (yes, it has taken time to say that honestly)

 

[Schmeck]

I can see how the thought of a cure could be a double-edged sword for the highly functioning person on the spectrum, but for the students I have worked with, nonverbal, lost in their own world, unable to connect with what is going on around them, it would be amazing to see them become 'unlocked', so to speak. I've seen faint glimpses with two of the boys, and it was heartbreaking when they faded back into themselves.

 

[karynnix]

I can see how the thought of a cure could be a double-edged sword for the highly functioning person on the spectrum, but for the students I have worked with, nonverbal, lost in their own world, unable to connect with what is going on around them, it would be amazing to see them become 'unlocked', so to speak. I've seen faint glimpses with two of the boys, and it was heartbreaking when they faded back into themselves.

You make a good point...my husband's bother is severely autistic, and it would be good for him to understand what is going on around him. Autism is such a mystery. I hope this discovery of this gene provides some answers!

 

[Judy from Boise]

yes, that is why I am so hopeful for effective treatments for those that need/want , and respect thoses that don't. I know there is also some movement for people (especially artists) who actually embrace their "moods" brought on by mild or controllable manic depressive type diseases. Ideally we can have pin point effective treatments that allow for the richness of diversity with functionas opposed to homogenous "normality". All this said with of course total sympathy for thoses who for now function is still a dream.