Autism caught them unawares

Dear Ms. Thompson,

While growing up in Jamaica, I witnessed many children displaying some of the behaviours outlined in autism. Because we have little or no knowledge of this disorder, we often label these children as crazy. Many studies have been conducted in the United States to determine the cause of autism. Though there is no conclusive evidence that vaccination, environmental factors or gene mutation are contributing factors to autism, different groups are relying on observation and personal experiences.

I would like to see more research done in Jamaica. Even though there is the issue of funding, there are different organisations throughout the world which I think that we could collaborate with to find a cure or at least learn more, so that we can educate parents. One such site in the U.S. is an organisation called Autism Speaks.

Having a child with autism causes stress on a family, so I think that we need more research to help families cope with this disorder. If anyone has any more information on this subject matter, please feel free to email me at : anasia12002@yahoo.com. I am doing an extensive research paper on this topic, and I would love to hear more personal stories or basic knowledge on this issue.

- Antonella Mclennon

anasia12002@yahoo.com

Dear Ms. Thompson,

I am a young mother who has a child who is autistic. I must say when I received the news it was devastating. I cried, questioned God and asked, 'Why me?'

It was hard. I then stepped back, observed what my child enjoyed, and figured out the way that I was going to let him have as normal a life as possible. I said that this is not the end of the world, he will be a lawyer, a doctor, anything he wants to be, and I refused to put a, limit on my child.

He is now six years old, went from hating crowds to enjoying going out; the top student in his class; great speech; loves playing with the kids in fun activities such as soccer, tae kwon do, he speaks two different languages and he loves the computer.

These kids need a challenge in their lives. If they are bored, they will get deeper and deeper into themselves. They like to learn new things, they learn in a completely different way than those children whom we consider as normal. I think that an autistic child is as smart as any child out there, and somtimes even smarter. I have met a few parents and I say to them, whenever the doctor says, 'no', you say, 'yes'. My child will be on time like anyone else.

- Amanda Williams

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