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This post is about my opinion on things having to do with autism. 

When Jenny McCarthy came out with her first book, I was dismayed.  She claimed her son was cured of autism.  I thought by coming out with that she was setting some parents up for failure.  The methods she used to help her son are not necessarily going to help everyone.  I also think that there's no cure of autism.  Autism's symptoms can diminish, but it takes a lot of work.  My son can converse with people but it doesn't mean he doesn't have communication problems.  I'm thrilled that she was able to help her son to such a level, I just think she shouldn't have been touting it as a cure.

I am thrilled with all the attention autism has received in the past years.  Autism Speaks is an organization that has come to be because of the attention.  It's a great organization that raises funds for research.  It's this research that worries me.  They are looking for a cure.  They are looking for the gene that causes autism.  I think once they find that gene, we'll start testing for that gene marker.  What happens when you have it?  Will it be like the screening they do for Down's?  How many babies will die from that?  Also, instead of just raising money for research, I wish these organizations would raise money to help families pay for therapy.  There are so many children out there who would benefit from certain therapies such as ABA.  However, it costs a bundle.  Some children require 40 hours a week of ABA.  It costs too much money. 

I am blessed to have good insurance.  I don't like our hospital system, but I do like that our insurance company pays for Brother's therapies.  We are enrolled in an extended program that pays for his ABA therapy. 

Now, remember, these are just my opinions.