Letters: May 27, 2002

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Inside the World of Autism

"I hope that as a result of your report, those with autism will be treated with more compassion by the general public." MARY SHEWAN Gaithersburg, Md.

I have a 6-year-old son with autism [SCIENCE, May 6]. When his condition was diagnosed, I thought I was the only one dealing with this disorder. Now everyone I talk to has a son, brother, cousin or neighbor with autism. Bringing this topic into the open will help us find out why so many of our children are afflicted with this disorder. Thank you for helping families get the word out. KATHY RIZZACASA Dorchester, Mass.

Autism isolates not only individuals but their siblings and entire families as well. We fight to hold on to our sons who don't know us and to hold on to their brothers who hate us. We fight to hold on to a family falling apart. There are no telethons for us. The outpouring of sympathy comes not from strangers but from doctors who may label our situation hopeless. We are grateful for articles such as yours that increase autism awareness and offer us a connection. LINDA ADAMS Sterling Heights, Mich.

If we somehow cure all the children suffering from autism or Asperger syndrome, we might lose the amazing diversity of views that have so enriched humanity. For example, animal-science professor Temple Grandin, who wrote about her own autism, thought in a different, visual way and solved a livestock design problem. Perhaps we should not look to cure these children but help them with their problems and accept that their view of things may be just as right as ours. ANISH JAIN Bridgewater, N.J.

Autism is like this: Someone breaks into your house late at night and steals your precious child's mind and personality and leaves the bewildered body behind. We have a national emergency. Families affected by autism need so much, but first they need hope--the hope that medical research can bring. The Cure Autism Now Foundation www.cureautismnow.org has built awareness, pushed the government to take action and started the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange, the nation's only collaborative gene bank for autism. We know that with determination, money and energy you can hurry science. JONATHAN SHESTACK, CO-FOUNDER CURE AUTISM NOW FOUNDATION Los Angeles

Having worked with autistic children for nearly 20 years, I think the best advice for their parents is to understand that they cannot raise their children alone. Instead, they should get as much help as possible. They need to seek out good schools, energetic teachers, dedicated speech and physical or occupational therapists, willing baby sitters and all the after-school and weekend programs the community offers. These beautiful, complicated children are exhausting. The adage "It takes a village" more than applies in raising them. DANIEL J. PATTERSON Chicago

I have three beautiful sons. Two are gifted; one is autistic. My 15-year-old middle son pushes me away when I try to kiss or hug him, speaks in one- or two-word sentences and locks himself in his room for hours. He challenges the family on a daily basis. My eldest son Jesse is graduating from high school this year, has been named a student of the year, has an impressive resume and can charm the pants off anyone. Jesse is the autistic one. ELE SHNIER Scottsdale, Ariz.