Living on the Autism Spectrum--A Curse or A Blessing?

If a cure for autism had been found centuries ago, some of the greatest minds of history would have never distinguished themselves from their "normal" peers. What would the world be like if autism had never existed? Autistic behaviors are part of the human experience. It is just a matter of degrees.

As the voice and narratives of those with autism are not considered "empirical evidence", only the conclusions of non-disabled experts are considered valid. What do the experts really know about autism, just as what did the white intellectuals know about growing up black in 1920's South?

When an individual experiences autism, who has the problem, the individual or those around him/her? Do they really have a poor quality of life or is it those around who think so? Is it because those around are not receiving what they need/want/deserve from the "disabled"?

These are just some thoughts. Please comment. This was a reply to an email request for donations from Lee Grossman <lee.grossman@autismsocietyofamerica.org>.