It seems to be impossible for anyone connected with the Mainstream Media, the MSM, to speak honestly and accurately about the natue of autism disorders. Even Dr. Ivy Chong of the Florida Institute of Technology whose site lists her impressive autism resume feels compelled to paint a pretty picture of autism disorders and ignore the harsher realities as shown in the following excerpts from her interview by Matt Reed at Florida Today:
To learn more about the mysterious disorder, I interviewed Dr. Ivy Chong, director of behavioral services at the Scott Center for Autism Treatment at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne. Chong is a licensed psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst.
.....
Q:What happens to autistic children when they become adults?
Chong: A person with autism can expect to live a very good quality of life. They can hold jobs. There are some very bright individuals who aren’t even diagnosed with Asperger’s until they get to college, and they do very well. Their level of focus is exceptional in certain topics or courses.
As the children we are working with get integrated and go to school, and we have treatments for social skills and getting jobs, the sky’s the limit.
Professor Chong could have, but did not, mention the 70% of persons with Autistic Disorder and Intellectual Disabilities and severe challenges in daily functioning. She could have mentioned the 30% of those with autism and epilepsy. Instead she chose to mention high functioning persons with Aspergers some of whom are only diagnosed at university. She could have mentioned the very serious self injurious behavior issues, wandering, drownings and traffic deaths of those severely autistic who do not understand how the world works but she did not. She could have mentioned the uncounted numbers of severely autistic adults living with parents, in group homes and in institutional care, but she did not.
Just more feel good buzz about autism the beautiful and nothing about those who are most severely affected by autism disorders. Just the usual omission from our public consciousness of the invisible autistics, those in greatest need of our attention and assistance. From a MSM outlet like Florida Today? Par for the course. From an accomplished, experienced BCBA certified director of an autism treatment center? Very surprising.
Hakuna Matata! It's a problem free philosophy!
