I really like one high-functioning adult autie’s website. He says as lot of what I have been thinking, about ABA and “curing” autism.
Among other things, he says: “Most autistic individuals do not see autism as the NTs (Neurotypicals, or “normal” people) do. It is not a disease, or something that I can really conceptualize as being “curable,” any more than being Asian or female can be cured. Autism is who and what we are, more intrinsic to what makes up our various selves than do things like race, religion, or socio-economic status. It is like we are a different species, a totally different kind of person… different than, but no less worthy than, normal people.”
He is not saying that individuals with autism should not be taught, or helped, but rather that they are who they are and should be allowed to be who they are. And I can’t help but see his point!
The Never Normal 
This particular course of thought bothers me b/c the adults saying it are EXTREMELY high functioning. Most were never even formally dx, and most have HF Aspergers. They can exist in the world without help. I don’t think there is a cure for Autism, really, although if there was a magic pill I would have Katie take it immediately, but I also am not going to sit by and just let Katie be how she is with no intervention. She has made strides with therapy and I want her to reach her fullest potential.
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