TBH why is everyone so petrified of autism like it’s some sort of disease? I feel like it’s one of the only disabilities that people hyper-fixate on. No one asks if formula causes Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or anything else. I don’t get it. One is born with autism just like one would be born with down syndrome.
Yet, they’ll not vax because those diseases are nothing to be afraid of 🙄 I’d take autism over being dead just like I’d rather a fed, full belly from formula than a baby who is underfed/ starving. I have no patience for these people anymore!
I think because it’s one where we can’t yet pinpoint the actual cause, like we know that a triplicate 21st chromosome causes Down syndrome, etc. The unknown is always a hotbed of conspiracy especially in vulnerable populations seeking info in high-stakes situations, like new parents.
I work in special education (high school) and therefore I work with a number of students with autism. I don't get it either. Most of the autistic kids I've worked with are incredible people with a wicked sense of humor.
I’m not defending the incredibly dumb behavior by people, but my guess is the fear surrounds non-verbal autism.
Which is a valid fear to have. People do fear Down Syndrome and cerebral palsy, but like another person suggested, we know more about the science behind them.
I personally worry about anything that could come up and make my child’s life more difficult or more dangerous. Fortunately a lot of things could be weeded out via genetic testing, but not all. To an extent it can be normal to worry. Just people take it to a hateful and obsessive level.
Thank you for this kind and measured response. I’m an autistic woman who would love to have kids. I do worry that autism will make my children’s lives more difficult, like it did for me. But there are two things that really helped. The first thing was educating myself on things like AAC devices that make it easier for nonverbal autistic people to communicate. The second (and more important thing imo) would be understanding that the most important thing is the happiness of the child, and that disabled people are capable of a lot more than what broader society thinks they are. A lot of people have conceptions of what a “normal life” is, and they’re devastated at the thought of their child not living up to it. But like… so what? If they like their life isn’t that good enough? Isn’t the joy more important than how they experience it? And lots of disabled people do do “normal things*! This isn’t fully directed at you, I thought it would be nice to leave a message for the parents reading.
I obviously think this post is ridiculous. But to answer, Down syndrome is ruled out in utero and autism cannot be rule out in utero it’s a wait and see
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u/RecordLegume Apr 30 '26
TBH why is everyone so petrified of autism like it’s some sort of disease? I feel like it’s one of the only disabilities that people hyper-fixate on. No one asks if formula causes Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or anything else. I don’t get it. One is born with autism just like one would be born with down syndrome.