Number of children claimed to have autism soars

[MarillionFan]

Our new neighbours have a child who is supposed to be mildly autistic (whatever that means).

He's a little odd. In his own world most of the time, but he interacts with my daughter.

He's only 5 and been at the school for about 3 months I heard yesterday that his mum was kept back to be told by the teachers that two 6 year old boys had been bullying him over a few days(ie swinging him around to get a rise out of him). I suppose he's going to have a life of that type of behaviour if he's a bit different.

[petergriffin]

I think it is being used for what used to be described as 'autistic spectrum' which can cover very mild cases (your stereotypical linux nerd).

Shut up, Windroid!

[d000hg]

I think it is being used for what used to be described as 'autistic spectrum' which can cover very mild cases (your stereotypical linux nerd).

To be fair, it wasn't that long ago kids with dyslexia were labelled as thick. Now thick kids are labelled as dyslexic. But those who are dyslexic do get the help they need. Hopefully the same is true for Aspergers.

Both dyslexia and autism have very specific symptoms and special tests exist to detect them. A parent might want to claim their thick kid is dyslexic however it is not about labelling, but medical testing - dyslexics are 'thick' in certain specific areas only.

"We're labeling thick kids as ADHD/autistic/dyslexic" is the kind of over-dramatic cry from the anti-PC brigade. Probably we need the extremists on that side to balance things out though, in reality.

[stek]

Those of Pakistani descent positively encouraging Cousins marrying? Judging by the number of 61 plate Blue-badged Previa's stuffed with long-shirted gentlemen in ASDA carpark in the disabled bays I think maybe...

[mudskipper]

I think it is being used for what used to be described as 'autistic spectrum' which can cover very mild cases (your stereotypical linux nerd).

To be fair, it wasn't that long ago kids with dyslexia were labelled as thick. Now thick kids are labelled as dyslexic. But those who are dyslexic do get the help they need. Hopefully the same is true for Aspergers.

[AtW]

Smart kids - get it early and it might just stop possible extradiction to USA for cybercrimes...

[BrilloPad]

They seem to have redefined autism or extended it a lot to cover normal people with a slight disability, because the son of my cousin has autism but leads a perfectly normal life, he's married and has a good job. But yes he did need help and it's good that he did get it.

It is possible for some to divert brain power to conquer autistic traits. Personally I have no natural empathy and find it hard to read people - I have to do it consciously.

Probably why I like posting on cuk - you dont have to read body language and empathy is a distinct disadvantage here.

[BrilloPad]

WHS

It's all sickness benefit and care allowances.

Strap then into a Lawnmower man type computer grid and let them fight to the death for the amusement of a Saturday night gameshow that's what I say!

The DLA comes in very handy with the kids. Not nearly enough to compensate for what we go through and I would far far rather have normal kids (like my daughter).

Though interesting idea for a gameshow - you should pitch that to C4...

[BlasterBates]

They seem to have redefined autism or extended it a lot to cover normal people with a slight disability, because the son of my cousin has autism but leads a perfectly normal life, he's married and has a good job. But yes he did need help and it's good that he did get it.

[BrilloPad]

It's actually to do with better diagnosis.

If doctors know what they are looking for then they can diagnose it every time they see it.

There as in the past they wouldn't check.

Just like GPs who check their patients who they don't see every 2 years for diabetes are more likely to have patients with diabetes on their books.

That is partly true. However there are now a significant number of children who need more discipline being diagnosed. It is slightly easier with baby BP as you can see his autism by looking at him. elder son BP it only becomes clear 5 minutes after talking to him. Well to be fair to Churchy he lasted 10 minutes before getting fed up which I think is a record!

[SueEllen]

It's actually to do with better diagnosis.

If doctors know what they are looking for then they can diagnose it every time they see it.

There as in the past they wouldn't check.

Just like GPs who check their patients who they don't see every 2 years for diabetes are more likely to have patients with diabetes on their books.

[MarillionFan]

WHS

It's all sickness benefit and care allowances.

Strap then into a Lawnmower man type computer grid and let them fight to the death for the amusement of a Saturday night gameshow that's what I say!

[BrilloPad]

Number of children with autism soars by more than 50 per cent in five years - Telegraph

"It is unlikely to be a genuine unprecedented increase in autism, rather an institutional use of this condition to allow people to get easier access to resources.

"This activity ends up trivialising what is a very serious condition for some children."

fooking freeloaders.