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Autism should not keep the brightest artistic minds of our generation under lock and key. Every time I go to a big Autism conference I am always in rapture with the unique artistic creations persons with Autism are making. To me, it makes perfect sense how an individual with a unique perception of the world would be able to generate works of art that are other worldy. Throughout history, this type of creativity has in many instances been highly sought and highly rewarded.

This month on Injecting Sense: The Radio Edition, we'll be talking with Lori McIlwain about the problems faced by caretakers of autistic individuals who wander or run off. I'm also reserving a little time to editorialize a little about my favorite shill and his pals. Join us this Tuesday, December 28th, at 1:00 p.m. EST, on Autism One Radio (or catch it later in the AO Radio archives).

Last weekend Trent stayed with us at our home as Jason his roommate had a weekend off. Saturday night (six days before Christmas) my husband and I planned a shopping outing to give Trent another year of purchasing gifts for family members. He is 33 years old, and shopping now seems so normal and ordinary, often free from real challenges. In years past I recall responding to this adventure with uneasiness, because Trent’s idea of shopping was getting new clothes for himself. His anxiety in those days increased when I encouraged him to look at gifts for his brothers, his dad, or for mom.

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I have been an advocate for autism most of my daughters 20 years. I have gone through so many things as I am sure many can say, HOWEVER, there are not many things out there for the autistic young adult.., I believe I am pioneering the trail. SO I invite you to ask questions as my daughter was the first compared to many of you out there, who transitioned into adulthood. Please use my experience to ask me quuestions so you dont have to ride the tough unchartered waters as I have.
She is doing extremely well.

We respect individuality, but we do not disregard illness. When my son and I lock gazes, looking deeply into each other's eyes, I lovingly tell him he's perfect. But I know from a recent dental exam that he has cavities, and I am not going to neglect the pain and adverse health consequences that these can give him if left untreated. We know through objective laboratory and other diagnostic testing that children with a label of autism have things going on in their bodies -- analogous to cavities and which we would treat for any child, neurotypical or labeled with autism.

“You complete me.” “You had me at hello.” As I think of these phrases from that movie especially during this winter season I wonder why we set ourselves up for counting on someone else to fulfill us. Many in the autism community are single and what does that mean if you don’t have that “somebody special?” Does it mean that you aren’t complete in some way?

At first when I thought about "Autism Myths", the most irritating one that came to mind is the idea of an Autistic Savant. That is to say, that often when people hear your child has Autism, they immediately and expectantly ask you what his "Super Skill" is. "Wow! So, is he like, amazing in math and count numbers in his head and stuff?" "Can he tell you on what day of the week I was born?" "Is he Artistic?" "A musical genious?"