The UK Guardian is practicing sloppy autism journalism, peddling as fact the speculation that Mozart, Orwell, Einstein, Beethoven and Newton were autistic:
"Mozart, Orwell, Einstein, Beethoven and Newton all had it, and now new research funded by the Department of Health shows that one in every 100 adults has it too – autism, that is."
These historical figures all lived before autism disorders were recognized as medical conditions and none of them were diagnosed during their life times by a treating medical professional. But it makes for a good article intro line. Mozart may have been eccentric but he also lived out his career in a very demanding, highly social environment, married and had several children. So where is the autism?
Autism Speaks is currently being ripped by the persons with Asperger's Disorder who purport to speak on behalf of all persons with ASD's, including those like my severely autistic son with Autistic Disorder, because of a new video which portrays autism disorders in a negative light. Speculation about historical figures who might have been autistic is fine though as long as they were extremely intelligent or talented.
The UK Guardian is happy to practice sloppy autism journalism to accommodate those whose agenda focuses on recasting autism, changing public perception of it from the disorder which restricts the lives of so many of our children, to a blessing in disguise. Maybe the UK autism "journalists" should join my CBC friends in visiting an institution where some persons with actual, severe autism disorders spend their lives. Maybe then both institutions of journalism would cease glorifying what for many is a severe, life limiting disorder.
autism
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