Why are parents so afraid of autism? Is it that scary that they would shun vaccines based on a blatantly fraudulent study? When my son was a child, did people look at him and say to themselves, I would rather risk my child’s health and those around him than have to raise a child like that? Exposing our most vulnerable children to a potential fatal disease is more important than having to raise a child with autism? I read a quote from a mother recently where she stated, “I would just be horrified if I looked into my daughter’s eyes and suddenly there was nothing there.” Is that what she thinks? Autism will turn her child into a zombie?
Maybe what society needs is a little autism enlightenment. Many may find this hard to believe, but children with autism are lovable. I in no way want to diminish the struggles of raising a child with special needs. But, the joys of parenthood did not disappear when my son was born. The love I feel for my son is no different than the love I feel for my non-autistic child. Frankly, I am offended that so many parents find autism so abhorrent that they would go to such extreme measures to ensure that they do not end up with a child with autism. My advice, get to know someone with autism. It’s not nearly as scary as you might think.