Aspie Neuroscientist

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Anybody here working in the field of Neuroscience?

My specialty (and my PhD) are not about Autism but I have worked for years in a lab focused on the subject. And you know what?
1-I never heard any researcher talk about finding a cure for Asperger's syndrome. I never witnessed that Researchers in the field wanted to find a cure to correct high-functionning autism.
2- There were focused on identifying the genes involved and the causes at the origin of the most debilitating cases. De novo mutation hypothesis, etc.

Of course, some might say that they were just looking for tools to prevent autistic people from being born but this is simple-minded if ones understand how complex Autism is and if ones cannot decipher what the objectives of Research in the field are.

I have observed some diabolisation of Research on Autism on this site and I was wondering whether there were actually people is the field of Neuroscience to support this negative views or if it was just the opinion of people ignoring most of the subject...

We're not ignoring the subject. We hear Autism Speaks constantly telling the world what a burden autistic people are to their families and how badly the world needs a "cure" - not understanding, not treatment for the more debilitating symptoms - a "cure" - the elimination of people with autism altogether, in much the same way that Downs Syndrome has been treated ever since there has been an in utero test for it. When there is such a test for autism, there will be no distinction made between High and Low functioning - when potential parents are told their child may have autism, they will simply abort it out of unreasoning fear.

It's not simple minded, thank you very much, it's an observation of recent history. There is far more acceptance and normalization of homosexuality in modern Western culture than there is of autism. I would suggest that it simple minded to be so naive as to believe that elimination means anything other than elimination.

I'm not in the Neuroscience field, but it has been my observation that there is quite a few negative stereotypes associated, often exaggerated, with those on the Autistic spectrum, particularly in the mass media. Aspergers Syndrome sometimes isn't immune to this either (one only needs to look at the news articles about the Sandy Hook shooting for an example).

The negative stereotypes no doubt fuels much of the anxiety and subsequent demonization among the Autism community (such as on this site) regarding Autism research. It's a shame really, since much of this research could not only help us learn more about ourselves, but might also aim to better help all of us, whether Aspie, someone with low functioning autism, or NT.

@ Willard,

Down syndrome as you know is caused by an additional chromosome in the human genome. An aberration, found in all species, which is simply unfit for long term survival. It is by every definition a defect in the sense that it has known causes -Down syndrome has well-defined genetic (trisomy) and environmental causes (age of the mother)-, it does not provide any advantage to the affected individuals and it is counter-selective. It is suggested that severe cases of autism (low functioning especially) might be caused by the the aging of the father. In that sense, there might be some similarity between the two but until it is clear, this is only speculation.
So, yes, some genetic defects are counter-selected and just saying that it is not fair to be called a disorder in the case of Down syndrome and low functioning autism IS simple-minded.

Asperger's syndrome and high-functionning autism are totally different. The causes are largely unknown. Some have observed differences in the Aspies' brain wiring, but so was mentioned miswiring in the brain of homosexuals. However, those differences do not lead to significant counter-selection. They do provide some disadvantage with regard to reproduction (Aspies have difficulties to find/keep a mate) and in getting group support, but I believe that so does hyper-socialization, which handicaps the individual through their need of permanent social networking. Now, human behaviour is such that Aspies' social limitations cannot counter-select Aspie individuals compared to NTs. Therefore being Aspie cannot be viewed as a 'defect' per se.

This is my own view, backed-up by a little bit of knowledge in scientific studies in the fields of human genetic, neuroscience and evolution, but of course, I am still learning on the subject.

On the matter of Autism Speaks, there is obviously a story behind this animosity toward that organization. I don't know and for now, I don't really care. But do not reduce Research to them because that also would be simple-minded.

I am for educating people as much as possible not for diabolizing each other.

@StarryNight
I think that I understand what you mean.

I was quite pleased to read this, and agree whole-heartedly with you guy's; I have had a decades worth of inane psycho-babble from psychologists - it is beyond improbable that you could "cure" anything as all pervasive as Autism. It has an effect on every aspect of our existence...

I certainly don't see the need to fall prey to humanities fear of things different; I rather like my above average IQ just the way it is...
And given the similar circumstance across the autistic demographic, I think most like there physiology just the way it is too...

@bleh12345

Please, keep the sentence in its context.
I was NOT making a distinction between "Asperger's syndrome" versus "high-functionning autism" but between an arbitrary group composed of "Down syndrome and low-functioning autism" (mentioned in the 1rst paragraph) versus the other group composed of "Asperger's syndrome and high-functionning autism" (in the 2nd paragraph).

There's no need to get defensive. I simply misunderstood what you were saying. I would appreciate you not putting so much emphasis on words, as I would understand it without the bold text and capitalization.

Hi Adele,

First let me thank you for bringing your self-admitted ignorant opinion here to plead your case. It's very much appreciated. I'm sure you'll find there is no better way to ingratiate yourself.

Allow me to ask, if I may, what you suppose the freaked-out, neuro-typical parents are going to do once they're fully armed with the ability to both positively identify Autism and the legal authority to flush the next generation of Einsteins down the toilet? Or is that not your problem? It's only about the science, right? But that's beside the real point here.

Had you done even five minutes' worth of research before coming here to beg, you would have found you needed only to look to AutismSpeaks' board, its executive leadersip and the majority of their general membership to find a more reasonable target for your ad hominem of simple-mindedness. The name itself is the epitome of irony in that it is not Autism speaking at all. In fact, if truth-in-advertising laws applied, it would be more aptly named "ScaredParentsShriek".

But in all fairness to them, they are not alone. After all, a scientist just showed up on our door not knowing, or caring to know, the whole story. I'm actually smiling thinking of a scientist who not only travels with ignorance as a casual acquaintance, but lovingly embraces it as they plod along the path of self-righteous judgement.

You're clearly a smart person, Adele, yet this action is not the action of an intelligent person. I'm a bit vexed on this matter. But we'll get back to this, because for now I have an offer for you.

You may be interested to know that I'm currently developing a program wherein I teach neurologists what it's like to be a low-functioning autistic. We accomplish this via mechanisms such as controlled disbursement of food (both positive and negative techniques), the use electroshock therapy, and even electroshock dog collars. (Note: they're not called "dog collars" when we put them on people.) I roll this up under the umbrella of Applied Behavioral Analysis. Please let me know if you're ever interested in participating in the pilot program. I've yet to find any communicative person whose willing to be treated like an animal so that they can better conform to another's version of "a person."

Please know that this offer is always on the table for you. But let's get back to why I was confused over the apparent contradiction of a scientist coming here fully ignorant of the issues in play. You see, I personally do not believe in contradictions. Flags go up for me the moment I think I've run into one. I know to check my premises carefully. I believe I've identified the bad premise.

You don't care about AutismSpeaks, either.

No, you're more likely here because you're worried about your job. Or your friends' jobs. What else would motivate you to burn calories to the degree which you have? My only advice to you is to find another field--or urge your friends to do the same--wherein your research is less likely to be bastardized and redirected towards some misguided eugenic dream by parents who so-desperately "just wanted a normal baby!"

I could even argue that such a person wasn't fit to be a parent to begin with, but that's a debate for another day.

I hope AutismSpeaks does cut your associates' funding. Even though I know that in reality it'd only be a minor speed bump in the big scheme of things, it would buy just that much more time to educate the generally ignorant public--parents & scientists alike--as to how we as a society understand, regard and accommodate Autistics in general.

Sharkbait, I know I'm not the person you're responding to. I would like to say, though, that if someone did develop a program that allows me to feel what a person lower functioning autistic person feels, I would be up for it. I want to know what they go through so I can better understand from a very physical point of view. If you could literally feel someone's problems, you will most likely be able to better empathize and act accordingly.

Unfortunately it would only be an illusion, an approximation. Much like a trained human is but an illusion.

I understand that entirely. You could probably never fully recreate the experience. However, having something even slightly like one or two of the problems they experience would be so good for people, I think. They would learn not to be so mean, especially to lower functioning people! Well, hopefully they would learn.

MMR - allegedly. But nobody wants to touch this because..well..you know.

Ok... So many personal attacks for what?

@Bleh12345
Your interpretation of my texts are biased by emotions. I just put capital letters and bold characters to provide emphasis to my terms and be very clear, not to be defensive. Your interpretation was obviously biased since my 2nd post and it is biased one again in your interpretation of my answer to you. Now you have chosen to adopt animosity as your mean of interaction with me. Your association with someone who has decided to be clearly condescending to me (Sharkbait) is also an indication of your lake of fortitude in my direction. Therefore I will ignore your comments

@Sharkbait
1) if you take some of your not-so-precious time to look at the title of this subject and the first sentence of this subject, you will see that, yes, this subject is all about Science. If you don't like it, you may go instigating your bitterness somewhere else, where it is discussed about vision of the mind, feelings, random ideas, programming (since it is your strength) and personal opinion skewed with emotions.
2) My job is NOT related to Autism at all, I work in the field of neurodevelopment and the establishment of stem-cell based therapies for late onset neurodegenerative diseases and I do not have "friends" in the field of Autism. But you are blinded by animosity. I would suggest that you go after someone who will actually care about your mood issues. Don't worry, I will not approach such a subject on the forum if you decide to open it.
3) it looks like you have not understood the point of my demonstration and you had no real intension in discussing the scientific subject.
4) English is my third langage but it is likely your first. Conversing in Spanish might make us a little bit more even for this kind of heated exchange loaded with personal attacks since it is my forth language and it might be your second. But if you really want to finish to ridicule yourself publicly, I would suggest that we discuss in my first langage from now on which is French.
In summary, you have way too much time to waste while I don't. I will make an effort to further exchange with you if you decide to educate yourself and learn how to speak French as I have learnt English. Except for that it is a waste of my time. I will not even read your comments and will probably report you to the site owner if you continue your trolling to my science-related subject, so don't bother.

On another note, I would like to sincerely apologize for the rude comments made previously to whoever had the intention to discuss Neuroscience Research and might hesitate now. I love Neuroscience, it is my passion and I hope that I am not the only Aspie here doing medical research and knowing the field.
I am always happy to discuss without personal attacks.

Are there any low-functioning autistic individuals who would like to discuss their needs as well?

Being a non-native speaker allow me to reassure you that there were no personal attacks in my reply to you. It's understandable that you may misinterpret my words. You were, however, being chastised.

I was offended that you came here pleading for people to ease up on AutimsSpeaks without knowing--"ignrorance", it simply means you don't know--the story. That is not a wise strategy. You do not get to come here and attack a perceived lack of support for that organization without know the full story. That's your responsiblity. It wouldn't take you that long. So, Adele, I'm of the opinion that you opened yourself up to the heated and curt replies you received.

My statements are all factual, or are my opinions of your stances, not you. In fact, I called you "obviously intelligent."

I'm intrigued though, that your take away was that I wasn't speaking French.

And of course you're free to ignore my responses. Sadly, though you've already read it. oh! Y yo hablo Espanol, that's as close as it gets. Or a little Gaeilge?