Normal Parents FEAR US

See?? http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071016/ap_on_he_me/autism_video

Sigh-when is a child not a normal child? When you frame them in the "BEWARE your CHILD COULD BE AUTISTIC" dynamic!

So, watch the video, but if you have kids in the "high risk age group" 12-24 months. . .watch at your own risk. . .autism could be lurking around the corner!

Ok, that is pretty bitter, I am having horrible day, and this video is so sad! This is why-

QUESTION OF THE DAY
How do you tell the difference between intense concentration in a child, and autism spectrum behavior?

ANSWER- It is the question between big picture and individual behaviors. Big picture- Precious had a TON of behaviors that made me realize very early that he was autistic- it was not just intense concentration skills- it is the sum of the parts of the development, not slices of autistic behavior and oooops, AUTISM GOT YA!

The definition of the situation is also important- if you are looking for autistic behavior, chance are you will find it. . .within the context of "looking for signs", where it gets iffy is when these behaviors are not put into the context of "normal development" and are seen as proof of autism, instead of part of the child's total self.

Parents, there are SO many things that go into the diagnosis- do not freak out if your child has a few of the "signs". . .
M