A Short History of Autism 59One major philosophical issue that has accompanied the debate over what to
do with individuals on the autism spectrum revolves around adaptation: who
should adapt? Is it the children who need to adapt to the general patterns of the
world, or is it society that needs to appreciate the uniqueness and talents and
gifts of those on the spectrum and adapt to them? As with most such questions
the truth may lie somewhere in the middle of the two extremes. There are
persuasive reasons to support both positions with a reasonable balance. As in
the scenario of searching for a cure and pressing for institutional financing and
support, balance is crucial.
Professor Temple Grandin, a gifted Colorado State University professor of ani-
mal science, personifies the value of ASD individuals both adapting to society and
society adapting to them [16]. She has found ways not only to cope but to contrib-
ute, and seems to have linked her sensitivity towards those with different neuro-
logical conditions to her theories about the care of animals. Her contributions
appear to be due, at least in part, to her ASD, and not simply in spite of her ASD.
We see a parallel in the deaf community, where a number of individuals with a
hearing deficit argue that deafness is not something that needs to be cured; rather,
it simply needs to be accepted and even appreciated. They speak their own lan-
guage, something that most individuals with regular hearing capacity cannot do,
and they have defined a world that most people do not or cannot fully enter.
The struggles, sacrifices, and pain involving those with ASD take place pri-
marily in homes. One innovative program has been launched by Professor
Taryn Nicksic‐Springer, a certified behavioral analyst who works out of Salt
Lake City, Utah. Arguing that a combination of professional guidance and fam-
ily involvement is critical, she argues that parents are not simply peripheral
therapists but the finest available in dealing with ASD since they spend large
amounts of time with the children and can give context to what they observe.
This is not to say that they simply work independently. Toys are offered to
parents, and therapy is offered with limited guidance from experts, all in an
effort to form a partnership through personal contact and internet‐based
interaction. A technology based delivery system is used to help parents and
foster care givers to train ASD children. Such an approach has merit from both
resource allocation and human interaction standpoints.
Technology has drastically altered the opportunities available to those on the
autism spectrum. Individuals who are focused, even at times fanatically, on
technologically based activities may make significant contributions without
having to deal with real people in social settings. The same social weaknesses
that make other types of work difficult are minimized in such circumstances.
ASD can become a strength that opens doors and not simply a weakness known
for closing doors of occupational opportunity for those affected. Grandin has
been a leading advocate of rights for those on the autism spectrum, herself
included. As an animal science professor, she has also advocated for the
improved well‐being of animals. Her brilliance has been widely accepted.