One of my main purposes in running this bog is to point people toward others that understand autism better than I do. I did this a couple of days ago when I highlighted John Elder Robinson's piece about reaching a common understanding of autism (http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/my-life-aspergers/200910/the-cure-au...)

If you have not read Sarah's response to his piece at her blog Cat in a Dog's World, I strongly recommend it:
http://autisticcats.blogspot.com/2009/10/autism-is-medical-condition.html

Frankly, I don't see very much difference between their points on view, and it's hard for me to understand the vehemence of Sarah's response. But it's also hard for me to understand why John Elder holds himself apart from ASAN, which never matches its main foe Autism Speaks in the extremity of its rhetoric.

Read more after the jump.

Elizabeth Breen, autistic poet, writes of her feelings:

“…It’s not easy, you see, it’s very hard being me. There is so much going on in my mind
All of the time.”

I find Elizabeth much more inspiring than reporter Bob Faw apparently does. Please try to get past his somewhat hostile tone and pay attention to this loving family and this brilliant, religious girl.

Watch a music video made from one of Elizabeth poems after the jump.

Kyle Forbes, age ten, saved the life of teacher Sheri Loewe by correctly administering the Heimlich maneuver when she was choking on as apple. This Houston boy applied what he learned in Cub Scouts and proved that kids, and people with autism, can be heroes.

This article from CNN seems to do a good job of summarizing what we know about genetics and autism:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/10/15/health.genetic.autism/

If you think it's completely wrong, make sure to leave a comment.

It's almost Halloween-- time to buy a pumpkin, like this cute little guy.