It depends on what "treatment" looks like.
I have been using teaching techniques for my young son which has helped him to toilet train, be socially polite (can carry on a conversation, can initiate play, has table manners, etc). I consider this "treating" his autism. He has also learned to self regulate his emotions (deep breath, count to ten, etc). I also consider this "treating" his autism.
Will my son ever not be autistic? I don't think so. I don't really mind his having autism. I DO want him to be able to function as a member of society and have the language and understanding (even if it is more academic) of how the majority of society conducts itself.
I liken it to someone learning to live in Canada by speaking English (or French). They will probably always speak with an accent. They may only get to the point where they learn a few very key phrases - but them learning English (or French) to the best of their ability will help them make friends and function in Canadian society. This is not to say that they are ashamed of where they originally come from. It is to say that they embrace who they are and understand that they need the tools to integrate with the majority (in the case of autism - NT's DO make up the majority).
For me - this is what "treatment" looks like.
30 Sep 2011, 2:32 pm
