elan_i wrote:
I was just thinking about the onset-of-autism issue -- it being acquired/developed "prior to 3 years old" (DSM). Is this the case for Aspergers as well? That is, is there a period of observable normal/typical functioning from birth onward, until a time period in which there is a rather dramatic change (as some may say) or loss of function (as others may say)?
I am starting to wonder if all forms and cases of autism are from the same source. If there is more than one source, then genetic testing isn't always going to work. It may turn out to be that there is a much larger set of genetic circumstances creating a predisposition for it, or sensitivity towards something which may trigger it.
A cure isn't plausible until they know what's causing it in the first place. So I really do think we're all safe - they have no earthly idea. No theory seems to cover even a majority. GF/CF doesn't work for many, or only relieves certain symptoms. Some firmly disagree with the concept of vaccines causing it. My family seems to run something that looks very much like autism, so maybe I just was born that way. Or maybe just predisposed and my sister, biological father, and I just won that lottery.
By the time they figure out how to prevent autistic spectrum disorders, they'll have 'cured' a lot of other things that may or may not require 'curing'.
I'd jump ship before then, for sure.