Are we a step closer to a world without autism? The British newspaper, the Guardian had a lead feature written by Health Editor, Sarah Boseley on the new research by the Cambridge University Autism Research Centre. Professor Simon Baron Cohen and his team followed 235 children from birth to the age of eight. The study found that high levels of testosterone in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women was linked to autistic traits such as a lack of sociability and verbal skills by the time they are eight.
It could well lead to the possibility of an amniocentesis to detect autism. This in turn could lead to termination. This is a huge ethical issue – where do we go from here? Many say it is eugenics. Others say there could be benefits.
As we fast approach Autism Sunday on 8th February 2009 scheduled to be observed around the world – a celebration of the lives of children and adults with autism and AS, perhaps it is time for parents and people with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome to speak out on this issue.
4 users commented in " London Guardian: Autism Screening closer to reality "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackNo. We are not a step closer to a world without autism, nor should we want to be. Imagine a world where every single person loves shopping, Disney, gossip, fashion, and attending a non-stop stream of social events. Imagine a world where there is no one to fall in love with engineering, or historical studies, or music; no one to focus on the reflection of things in windows or to (although “non-verbal”) speak two word poems about the moon or a passing train. I wouldn’t want a world without my daughter, my father, myself and all my dear autistic friends. I wouldn’t want a world where there was never an Einstein.
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Wow, a test to see if your child is autistic before he or she is born? That would be a breakthrough but I am with you the consequences would be negative. I would not like to see parents kill their children because he or she would be born autistic. Thank you for sharing this!
how brilliant is this one (;
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