My 10-yr-old son is high-functioning autistic (as well as putting the "H" in ADHD), and we have conversations like this less often than we used to, which is still more often than I'd like. He's old enough to articulate that his diagnosis is an explanation for his behavior - NOT an excuse for it. I had to have a discussion about swastikas and why we don't draw them (http://www.biguglymandoll.com/?p=363) a few months ago; the principal mentioned being glad we make the differentiation between "explanation" and "excuse" - which tells me that too many parents don't.
I work in IT, with any number of folks who are firmly on the Autism spectrum, and I have had to make the same speeches at work. Being able to explain someone's hurtful behavior does not excuse it. Ultimately, no one is helped by not addressing the problem - not the victim, not the "socially unaware cretin," and certainly not the *next* victim.
Thanks for posting, Mrissa - the topic is getting more airplay, but there's a long way to go.
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Date: 2010-11-05 04:31 am (UTC)I work in IT, with any number of folks who are firmly on the Autism spectrum, and I have had to make the same speeches at work. Being able to explain someone's hurtful behavior does not excuse it. Ultimately, no one is helped by not addressing the problem - not the victim, not the "socially unaware cretin," and certainly not the *next* victim.
Thanks for posting, Mrissa - the topic is getting more airplay, but there's a long way to go.