Closer To Right

 ~ Clearly Muddled Blog ~

The word “Autistic” was first used in 1912 to describe symptoms of schizophrenia. Oops!  In 1943 they got it closer to right, and “autism” was used as a diagnostic term to describe a social and emotional disorder.  I say closer to right because sometime during the 1950s some dude decided that it was all the mom’s fault. What an a**hole!

The first person diagnosed with autism was born in 1933 and his initial treatment consisted of being put in an institution. That was in 1943.  His parents realized after about a year that their son was worse than before he went into the institution, so against medical advice, they took him home. Good for them for following their instincts…because it was what he needed.

Today, because of some really awesome people doing some really awesome research, our society knows more about autism than ever before. Then, other amazing folks developed therapies for anyone, anywhere on the spectrum. And finally, parents are being listened to. Sometimes. I’ve met some doctors that I’m certain were spawns of the 1950s dude.

We’ve gone from an archaic way of thinking, to seeing past a person’s “disability” and actually seeing the person.  Sort of, kind of, maybe.  There’s always going to be people like the previously mentioned a**hole.

A word of advice to those that continue to mock, judge, or belittle those with autism: watch out…us refrigerator moms are dangerous.

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Listen to the Podcast: Josh Has Autism #073: What Is It? | http://sonyaking.com/josh-has-autism-073-what-is-it