Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Talk:Autism

2013-04-24T03:45:02Z

ChapmanP: /* Autism and Atheism */

I once visited, on a business trip, a school for autistic children in England, with the local MP. You would not believe the love that MP, the teachers, and everyone we were with, had for these children. That is Christ's love truly functioning in our world.-[[User:Phoenix|Phoenix]] 21:33, 18 June 2007 (EDT)

May I ask which school this was?
[[User:Flardox|Flardox]]
_________________________
I'm a mother of a mild to moderate autistic boy. I have put this on my yahoo asd list, so that they can come and edit as well. I'm hoping that those more knowledgable then I come by. I added in external links to while granted liberal sources, are also known for their knowledge in autism. moonwolf23(not sure how to put my hyperlink to my username in here)

== Expert needed? ==

I think this page is in serious need of an expert on the subject. I have been correcting spelling, bias, and grammar in this article since I saw it.

I have no experience in the subject, so there's no way of checking the content for accuracy as well.

Maestro pointed out that there's a difference between autism and idiot savants, which I was unaware of.

Also, I think we need a balanced view regarding the vaccine issue; not everyone believes that vaccines cause autism. Wasn't one of the scientists behind the research recently criticized for something in the news? I'm rather skeptical, since cavity fillings contain mercury as well (as far as I know).

Are there any Conservapedian psychiatrists here? :) -[[User:RedBlade7|danq]] 18:33, 8 December 2007 (EST)

Hi RedBlade7, I am not a phsychiatrist, but I know that Autism is NOT a disorder, and neither is Asperger syndrom. People who have Autism and Asperger syndrom both have diferent ways of thinking, and often have strengths that other people don't have. only when someone has low functioning Autism (instead of High functioning Autism or Asperger syndrom) would he/she have a disorder. [[User:MartialArtist|MartialArtist]] 20:52, 1 November 2008 (EDT)

Dear Martial Artist,
I have Autism, and I believe that classifying autism as a mental disorder is necessary for treatment. Some people in the autistic community is categorizing autistic people as a minority group instead of having a mental disorder. If people begin to remove autism from psychology books, which I'm hoping that will never happen, many people who have a severe form of autism will have trouble receiving the treatment that is crucial for their adaptation in society. I hope you can understand this. Neither should high functioning autism nor low functioning autism be removed from the DSM. Just a quick thought of mine. Peace. [[User:Nashhinton|Nashhinton]] 12:42, 14 August 2011 (EDT)

-----------

This is my first edit on Conservapedia (I just joined), so I'm not sure if this is the way you'd like edits done. Anyhow, here is my reply to the above question:

I'm not a psychiatrist, but I am: a psychologist; a Conservapedian; a mother (retired from homeschooling) with one child on the autism spectrum (now grown up) and my other child is neurotypical (also going to homeschool); a grandmother with Asperger's syndrome; and an advocate for people on the autism spectrum.

I've also lived most of my life with my mouth filled with amalgam fillings (all the teeth left in my mouth, that weren't pulled out, had cavities develop all through my childhood), so I can offer the before and after effects of removing all the mercury out of my mouth.

For those who might not know, Asperger's syndrome is allegedly a form of autism refered to as "high-functioning autism." Because there is much more to learn yet about autism and Aspergers, this debate most likely will continue for some time. --[[User:Faithfilly|Faithfilly]] 06:39, 30 May 2008 (EDT)

Hi Faithfully, Asperger's syndrom and High Fuctioning Autism are two seperate syndroms. There are differences, although they are similar. A kid with asperger's syndrom has no speech delays, and has a average to above average intellegence level. [[User:MartialArtist|MartialArtist]] 20:46, 1 November 2008 (EDT)

_________

- It's called savant syndrome, and it's not a "type" of autism. Also, the vaccine/autism hypothesis has zero credible support among bona fide scientists. A diagnoses of autism is based on behaviors that were present by the age of three. Asperger's is technically "autism spectrum disorder".

- The increase in autism prevalence is most certainly due to changes in the diagnostic criteria, increased public awareness, increased social services, and better diagnoses by physicians.

- In addition, autistic-like behaviors can be present in a number of neurological conditions without an actual autism diagnosis. A closed head injury, for example, can mimic autism, as can a brain inflammation.

== Material moved for purpose of discussion ==

I am moving this here for discussion:

<blockquote>

Warning: Autism Speaks is a multi-million dollar scam created to take advantage of autism for the purpose of making money. It is the largest organization for autism and is highly controlled. Autism Speaks many lies and does not allow adults on the autism spectrum to speak at their conventions. The only adults on the autism spectrum who they permit visibility are those who will not challenge their agenda (profits). Likewise, Generation Rescue is a non-evidence based fringe organization that promotes the debunked hypothesis that autism is caused by vaccines.

The ABA therapy of "retraining the brain" is merely a fancy way of saying "brainwashing." Autism is not a disease that gets "cured" by "treatments." Because this is so highly complex and time-consuming to grasp an understanding of, most people eagerly go for what looks good. Admittedly it does appear on the surface to seem very good, but the long-term consequences provide a lot of risk. The "therapy" society needs, in regards to autism, is education to eliminate the ignorance and misleading information about autism; plus, to eliminate the bigotry and intolerance of those who are neuro-A-typical.

Here are a couple of better links:

#http://www.autisticadvocacy.org/
#http://ani.autistics.org/

[http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer Autism Society of America] Clubs is another huge organization to beware of. The best advice for doing research to get information is to go straight to the source and skip the organizations (at least until you've become properly educated). Either go to autism blog lists like those found at [http://autism-hub.com/ Autism-hub] and [http://www.blognetnews.com/autism/ Blognetnews.com/autism] or search online to read about what bloggers on the autism spectrum have to say. A lot of mothers of ASD children blog and have become quite knowledgeable also.

Also, be discerning when reading books published on this subject ---> especially ones written for parents of ASD (Autism Spectrum Different) children by 'professionals' (who are neurotypical and do not have any children on the autism spectrum).

One of the best books to own is by Tony Attwood called, "The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome." A couple of other good ones are: "Theory of Mind and the Triad of Perspectives on Autism and Asperger Syndrome" by Olga Bogdashina and "Asperger Syndrome: Natural Steps toward a Better Life" by Suzanne C. Lawton.

----------
</blockquote>

First off, blatantly calling some organization or another a "scam" without proof is just asking for trouble. I suspect the person who added it (who has not added anything else anywhere) is not who they claimed they are. [[User:Jinxmchue|Jinxmchue]] 00:17, 17 August 2008 (EDT)

:It does sound a bit foamy, someone seems to have some personal issues with these groups. But it's right about Generation Rescue, they do still claim that autism was caused by shots despite all the evidence to the contrary. They are a pretty dangerous group in that they cause parents to worry about their children, and maybe even to stop vaccinating them so I can see how someone would be a little angry against them, but I'm sure there is a better way to write that for an encyclopedia article so it doesn't sound just like ranting. --[[User:Rainedaye|Rainedaye]] 22:28, 23 October 2008 (EDT)

== Changed some things ==

I know this page hasn't been edited in some time, but I just wanted to add some information about different therapies, and correct a few errors such as with the variants of autism spectrum disorders. Hope this is helpful. [[User:Sthomas|Sthomas]] 21:37, 26 May 2010 (EDT)

Some things need to be updated. In particular, I think it might be wise to remove sections that seem to support the theory that the disease is caused by vaccines. The doctor who came up with the study has had his medical license revoked for a while now and the British Medical Journal has just published an article that called his work outright fraud. Seems like junk science to me and it should be removed, but I am very new at this and do not want to step on anyones toes. Should also make a tie in between junk science and trial lawyers.--[[User:PeterNant|PeterNant]] 21:00, 9 January 2011 (EST)

==Autism and Atheism==

<blockquote>
Autistic people lack the ability to relate to others and are unable to mentalize - they can not understand the mental state of others. This means they are unable to have a relationship with [[God]] on a personal level and so, without this understanding, tend to be atheists. Being unable mentalize also means lacking the ability to think teleologically (to be able to see a purpose in things), so when autistic people do speak of God it is usually in terms of a set of rules rather than anything personified.
</blockquote>
Someone please tell me this is a sick joke that some vandal slipped in... I'm deleting it in 24 hours per the [[Conservapedia:Commandments|Commandments]] unless someone can convince me other wise. If it's not a joke/vandalism, then I want to know who here would actually want to believe in a God who would create a disease which automatically excluded people from heaven by making them incapable of believing in him. That is NOT the God I believe in or was raised with in the Lutheran church. [[User:Fnarrow|Fnarrow]] 23:24, 23 April 2013 (EDT)
:I assume it's a parodist who's decided to self-destruct; it happens quite a lot here. No real Christian could believe - or write - such offensive nonsense.--[[User:ChapmanP|ChapmanP]] 23:27, 23 April 2013 (EDT)
::I've added a reference, however some of the sources it cites are a little anti-religious so I'll try and find a better one. It's certainly not made up though and I thought it would be of relevance to this article. Please do not question my faith in God or his purpose [[User:WilcoxD|WilcoxD]] 23:29, 23 April 2013 (EDT)
I meant no offense WilcoxD, without the ref it looked like a very suspect statement. Upon reading the article however I have to agree with your sentiment that while it does seem legit, it tends to be "anti-religious". It almost seemed to me that the author was making a case for atheism being the more natural state as once the emotional aspects are removed from the equation, as is the case in many autistic people, the intellect essentially rejects the supernatural aspects of God. Once again, I meant no disrespect it just seemed like the type of statement some of the typical vandals around here would drop in without the citation. Thanks for the quick response. [[User:Fnarrow|Fnarrow]] 23:38, 23 April 2013 (EDT)
:None taken. Ironically, the section that [[User:ChapmanP]] just removed about the fraudulent Wakefield studies was something I was reading about the other day and was what lead me to these other studies! [[User:WilcoxD|WilcoxD]] 23:42, 23 April 2013 (EDT)
::I looked up the cite myself and it does look valid. Sorry I snapped at you; I found it quite offensive because I have borderline Asperger's.--[[User:ChapmanP|ChapmanP]] 23:45, 23 April 2013 (EDT)

Autism

2013-04-24T03:38:34Z

ChapmanP: /* How does autism develop? */ Thimerosol does not cause autism.

'''Autism''' is a type of pervasive developmental disorder. It is characterized by difficulties with social interaction; difficulties with verbal communication, especially pragmatic language; difficulty processing nonverbal communication such as facial expression; intense, narrow interests; difficulty adjusting to changes in routine; and repetitive behaviors. Other signs include lack of eye contact, delayed or unusual play skills, hypo- or hyper-sensitivity to sensory stimuli, and anxiety.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/development-disorder?page=2</ref> It is usually detected by the time a child is four years old but in some cases, autism goes unnoticed into adulthood. There are many intelligent and talented autistic individuals.<ref>Temple Grandin, "Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism" amazon link http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307275655/ref=wl_it_dp/103-3432247-4184629?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1CWNFSEUCIXQL&colid=49VN3HJC5OQK</ref> The term '''autism''' was first used in 1912.

Diagnoses of autism has increased from 1:10,000 in 1988 to as high as 1 in 150 people,<ref>http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/faq_prevalence.htm</ref> and it has been rising. Four times as many boys suffer from autism as girls.<ref name="Clinic Stats">http://www.iupui.edu/~psycdept/autism/autism.htm</ref> Among boys, 1 in 94 has the disorder. In New Jersey, which has the highest rate in the nation, 1 in every 60 boys has autism and 1 in every 94 children is affected. There is a seizure disorder in about one-third of those who have autism.<ref name="Clinic Stats"/>

Autism is said to exist on a "spectrum;" that is, there is a wide range of how this disorder affects people. Other pervasive developmental disorders on the "autism spectrum" include [[Asperger syndrome |Asperger's Syndrome]], Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rett's Syndrome. There are many degrees of functioning in individuals with autism. Because of this, all individuals diagnosed with autism will not exhibit the same characteristics, or exhibit them to the same degree.

Autism was first identified clinically in 1943 by Dr. [[Leo Kanner]]. Dr. Hans Asperger also did some research into autism at about the same time and discovered Asperger's syndrome. As early as the 1990's, many intervention strategies, including Applied Behavioral Analysis ([[ABA therapy]]), were used to treat autism or mitigate its symptoms.

==How does autism develop?==

Although no one knows how autism develops, experts have focused on physical causes such as environmental toxins and the diet of both the mother (pre-birth and during breastfeeding) and child.
Some experts have speculated about [[genetic predisposition]].

Lisa Jo Rudy, mother of an autistic boy, wrote:
:Today, it is generally agreed that autism is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors -- and unrelated to "cold mothering." [http://autism.about.com/od/causesofautism/p/refrigerator.htm]

=== Physical Factors ===

The Autism Society says, "Researchers are investigating problems during pregnancy or delivery as well as environmental factors, such as viral infections, metabolic imbalances, and exposure to environmental chemicals." [http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_whatcauses]

There are claims that environmental toxins increase the risk of autism, just as they increase the risk of cancer. [[New Jersey]] has the highest rate of cancer in the nation, presumably due to a heavy concentration of environmental toxins, and it also has the highest rate of [[autism]]. Autistic patients are observed to have higher levels of metals and other toxins.

=== Genetics ===

Some experts suspect that there is a genetic susceptibility to autism.<ref>http://healthland.time.com/2011/06/09/studies-new-clues-to-the-genetic-roots-of-autism/</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/08/11/autism-adhd-share-genetic-similarities/</ref><ref>http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-autism-20110815,0,3154651.story</ref><ref>Happé F, Ronald A. The 'fractionable autism triad': a review of evidence from behavioural, genetic, cognitive and neural research. Neuropsychol Rev. 2008;18(4):287–304</ref><ref>Freitag CM. The genetics of autistic disorders and its clinical relevance: a review of the literature. Mol Psychiatry. 2007;12(1):2–22. doi:10.1038/sj.mp.4001896. PMID 17033636</ref> The genetics of this condition are not fully understood; perhaps caused by complex interactions between multiple genes which would account for the "spectrum" like differences in the severity of many cases <ref> http://66.102.1.104/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=cache:7kMNqvTgRtoJ:www.ikhebeenvraag.be/mediastorage/FSDocument/52/Freitag-2.pdf+</ref><ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17764594</ref>

Simon Baron-Cohen, director of the Autism Research Centre at the [[University of Cambridge]] (U.K.) says that males and females are hardwired for different behavior, with boys tending to be stronger at mechanics, categorizing and systemizing information, mathematics, etc. and girls stronger at emotionalizing and empathizing. He has proposed that autism is merely an extreme version of the [[male brain type]], in which the (female) urge to empathize is nearly absent and the brain is almost entirely hardwired for the (male) tasks of systemizing.<ref>Baron-Cohen, Simon. ''The Essential Difference'', Basic Books 2003.</ref>

Leo Kanner in a 1949 paper identified "parental coldness" and a "lack of maternal warmth" in the parents of autistic children, leading to the term ''refrigerator mother''. The theory here is autism is caused by incomplete [[socialization]] during early childhood because of emotionally cold parents. The book ''Toxic Psychiatry'' by Peter Briggin notes that the frigid mother theory of autism was abandoned in recent years due to pressure groups.<ref>Briggin, Peter R. ''Toxic Psychiatry'', New York: St. Martin's Press, 1991.</ref>

Lenny Schafer, editor of the ''Schafer Autism Report'', rejects outright the current characterization of mild social retardation (such as "[[Asperger syndrome|Asperger's syndrome]]") as forms of autism. He notes that autism is a disability, and if a person is not disabled from participation in society by their condition, in such areas as being able to hold a job or communicate, including communication over the Internet, they are not autistic and should not be diagnosed as such. He accordingly rejects that there can be such a thing as autistic self-advocacy, as anyone who is truly autistic would not have that ability.<ref>http://www.sarnet.org/</ref> This view is highly controversial in the field, and has led to the development of the "autistic spectrum" to better characterize and diagnose autism and autism-like disorders.

''Wired'' magazine has referred to autism as a "geek syndrome", or essentially as a form of identity-politics-for-computer-nerds.<ref>http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aspergers_pr.html</ref>. Those favoring this interpretation of autism have coined new terminology, including "neurodiversity" for a population with and without autistic individuals , and using the term "neurotypical" for those without autism.

==Signs and Symptoms==

According to the DSM-IV, autism is characterized by the following:

1. A significant impairment is social interactions.
:::a. Impaired non-verbal communication.
:::b. Failure to develop age-appropriate social relationships
:::c. Lack of emotional reciprocity

2. Impaired communication.
:::a. Delay or lack of age-appropriate verbal communication.
:::b. If speech development is age-appropriate, an impaired ability to initiate or sustain conversation.
:::c. Repetitive or idiosyncratic speech patterns.
:::d. Absence of, or significantly reduced engagement in, age-appropriate social play.

3. Repetitive, stereotyped, or "obsessive" behavior.
:::a. Abnormal preoccupation with a limited interest or interests.
:::b. Abnormal adherence to behavioral routines and rituals.
:::c. Repetitive mannerisms or movements.

===Autism and Atheism===

Autistic people lack the ability to relate to others and are unable to mentalize - they can not understand the mental state of others. This means they are unlikely to have a relationship with [[God]] on a personal level and often tend to be atheists. Being unable mentalize also means lacking the ability to think teleologically (to be able to see a purpose in things), so when autistic people do speak of God it is usually in terms of a set of rules rather than anything personified.<ref>http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/psyched/201205/does-autism-lead-atheism</ref><ref>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2039690/Atheism-autism-Controversial-new-study-points-link-two.html</ref>

==Interventions and Treatments==

*Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) - This is a behavioral intervention which applies the study of behavioral analysis, as well as the tools of this study, toward assisting behaviors of social significance in individuals of many different populations, including children with autism. <ref>http://www.centerforautism.com/getting_started/aba.asp</ref> Applied behavior analysis is used to increase positive behaviors, decrease interfering behaviors, maintain positive behaviors, teach new skills, and generalize new positive behaviors across many different settings, not just in a restrictive classroom or therapy setting. Therapists begin by observing the behaviors of the individual, focusing on skills and behaviors to reinforce or teach, and identifying interfering behaviors to be minimized. They then develop an intervention plan to reinforce the positive behaviors and skills, by using a system of rewards when the individual receiving the therapy exhibits the behavior that the therapist wants to observe. As the individual incorporates more positive behaviors, the therapist may decrease or change the reinforcement as necessary.

*Developmental, Individual difference and Relationship-based (DIR/Floortime) model - This is a relationship-based intervention, developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan, which focuses on developing a connection with the individual with autism, emphasizing the role his or her interests, emotions, and preferences play in developing an effective treatment. <ref>http://www.icdl.com/dirFloortime/overview/index.shtml</ref> This model emphasizes individual differences in children with autism, and requires caregivers and therapists to approach each child accordingly. It begins with understanding the child's developmental stage, understanding the ways in which the child understands and learns information and processes sensory stimuli, and developing relationships between the child and his or her caregivers and therapists, who tailor their affect and interactions to the child's needs. This model especially emphasizes the importance of parents and caregivers in the process of their child's treatment, because of their unique relationship to the child.

*Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped CHildren (TEACCH) - This approach was developed in the early 1970s by Eric Schopler and colleagues, and focuses on skil development, as well as fulfillment of human needs such as communication, social interaction, increasing feelings of safety and reducing anxiety, and engaging in productive and enjoyable activities.<ref>http://www.teacch.com/whatis.html</ref> The principles of the TEACCH method of intervention include: understanding the "culture" of autism (what characterizes individuals with autism, such as their thinking patterns and behaviors), developing an individualized approach to intervention for each individual, structuring the physical environment for effective learning, and using visual supports to assist in understanding and retaining routines, structures, and schedules, as well as to make individual tasks understandable.

==Homeschooling==

As with many other children with special needs, homeschooling autistic children can provide a special environment which allows them to florish.

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/weblinks/autism.htm

A large body of assistance is available for parents who wish to homeschool their autistic children, including [[homeschooling|here]] on Conservapedia.

==See Also==
*[[Evidence of Harm]]
*[[Asperger syndrome]]
*[[Symptoms of autism]]

==External Links==
#http://www.autismspeaks.org/
#http://www.autismdigest.com/
#http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/
#http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer
#http://www.autismlink.com/
#[http://www.opposingviews.com/questions/are-autism-and-vaccines-linked Opposing Views: Are Autism and Vaccines Linked?]
#[http://www.neurodiversity.com/main.html Neurodiversity - An Incredible Resource for Autism Related Information]
#http://homeschoolaustralia.com/index/specialneeds.html Homeschooling Australia's Autism Page

==References==
<references/>

[[category:psychology]]
[[category: medicine]]
[[category:autism]]

Autism

2013-04-24T03:35:15Z

ChapmanP: /* Physical Factors */ Based on a fraudulent study by ex-doctor Andrew Wakefield, who was paid $800,000 by ambulance chasers to write it.

'''Autism''' is a type of pervasive developmental disorder. It is characterized by difficulties with social interaction; difficulties with verbal communication, especially pragmatic language; difficulty processing nonverbal communication such as facial expression; intense, narrow interests; difficulty adjusting to changes in routine; and repetitive behaviors. Other signs include lack of eye contact, delayed or unusual play skills, hypo- or hyper-sensitivity to sensory stimuli, and anxiety.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/development-disorder?page=2</ref> It is usually detected by the time a child is four years old but in some cases, autism goes unnoticed into adulthood. There are many intelligent and talented autistic individuals.<ref>Temple Grandin, "Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism" amazon link http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307275655/ref=wl_it_dp/103-3432247-4184629?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1CWNFSEUCIXQL&colid=49VN3HJC5OQK</ref> The term '''autism''' was first used in 1912.

Diagnoses of autism has increased from 1:10,000 in 1988 to as high as 1 in 150 people,<ref>http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/faq_prevalence.htm</ref> and it has been rising. Four times as many boys suffer from autism as girls.<ref name="Clinic Stats">http://www.iupui.edu/~psycdept/autism/autism.htm</ref> Among boys, 1 in 94 has the disorder. In New Jersey, which has the highest rate in the nation, 1 in every 60 boys has autism and 1 in every 94 children is affected. There is a seizure disorder in about one-third of those who have autism.<ref name="Clinic Stats"/>

Autism is said to exist on a "spectrum;" that is, there is a wide range of how this disorder affects people. Other pervasive developmental disorders on the "autism spectrum" include [[Asperger syndrome |Asperger's Syndrome]], Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rett's Syndrome. There are many degrees of functioning in individuals with autism. Because of this, all individuals diagnosed with autism will not exhibit the same characteristics, or exhibit them to the same degree.

Autism was first identified clinically in 1943 by Dr. [[Leo Kanner]]. Dr. Hans Asperger also did some research into autism at about the same time and discovered Asperger's syndrome. As early as the 1990's, many intervention strategies, including Applied Behavioral Analysis ([[ABA therapy]]), were used to treat autism or mitigate its symptoms.

==How does autism develop?==

Although no one knows how autism develops, experts have focused on physical causes such as environmental toxins, the vaccine preservative [[thimerosal]], and the diet of both the mother (pre-birth and during breastfeeding) and child.
Some experts have speculated about [[genetic predisposition]].

Lisa Jo Rudy, mother of an autistic boy, wrote:
:Today, it is generally agreed that autism is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors -- and unrelated to "cold mothering." [http://autism.about.com/od/causesofautism/p/refrigerator.htm]

=== Physical Factors ===

The Autism Society says, "Researchers are investigating problems during pregnancy or delivery as well as environmental factors, such as viral infections, metabolic imbalances, and exposure to environmental chemicals." [http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_whatcauses]

There are claims that environmental toxins increase the risk of autism, just as they increase the risk of cancer. [[New Jersey]] has the highest rate of cancer in the nation, presumably due to a heavy concentration of environmental toxins, and it also has the highest rate of [[autism]]. Autistic patients are observed to have higher levels of metals and other toxins.

=== Genetics ===

Some experts suspect that there is a genetic susceptibility to autism.<ref>http://healthland.time.com/2011/06/09/studies-new-clues-to-the-genetic-roots-of-autism/</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/08/11/autism-adhd-share-genetic-similarities/</ref><ref>http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-autism-20110815,0,3154651.story</ref><ref>Happé F, Ronald A. The 'fractionable autism triad': a review of evidence from behavioural, genetic, cognitive and neural research. Neuropsychol Rev. 2008;18(4):287–304</ref><ref>Freitag CM. The genetics of autistic disorders and its clinical relevance: a review of the literature. Mol Psychiatry. 2007;12(1):2–22. doi:10.1038/sj.mp.4001896. PMID 17033636</ref> The genetics of this condition are not fully understood; perhaps caused by complex interactions between multiple genes which would account for the "spectrum" like differences in the severity of many cases <ref> http://66.102.1.104/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=cache:7kMNqvTgRtoJ:www.ikhebeenvraag.be/mediastorage/FSDocument/52/Freitag-2.pdf+</ref><ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17764594</ref>

Simon Baron-Cohen, director of the Autism Research Centre at the [[University of Cambridge]] (U.K.) says that males and females are hardwired for different behavior, with boys tending to be stronger at mechanics, categorizing and systemizing information, mathematics, etc. and girls stronger at emotionalizing and empathizing. He has proposed that autism is merely an extreme version of the [[male brain type]], in which the (female) urge to empathize is nearly absent and the brain is almost entirely hardwired for the (male) tasks of systemizing.<ref>Baron-Cohen, Simon. ''The Essential Difference'', Basic Books 2003.</ref>

Leo Kanner in a 1949 paper identified "parental coldness" and a "lack of maternal warmth" in the parents of autistic children, leading to the term ''refrigerator mother''. The theory here is autism is caused by incomplete [[socialization]] during early childhood because of emotionally cold parents. The book ''Toxic Psychiatry'' by Peter Briggin notes that the frigid mother theory of autism was abandoned in recent years due to pressure groups.<ref>Briggin, Peter R. ''Toxic Psychiatry'', New York: St. Martin's Press, 1991.</ref>

Lenny Schafer, editor of the ''Schafer Autism Report'', rejects outright the current characterization of mild social retardation (such as "[[Asperger syndrome|Asperger's syndrome]]") as forms of autism. He notes that autism is a disability, and if a person is not disabled from participation in society by their condition, in such areas as being able to hold a job or communicate, including communication over the Internet, they are not autistic and should not be diagnosed as such. He accordingly rejects that there can be such a thing as autistic self-advocacy, as anyone who is truly autistic would not have that ability.<ref>http://www.sarnet.org/</ref> This view is highly controversial in the field, and has led to the development of the "autistic spectrum" to better characterize and diagnose autism and autism-like disorders.

''Wired'' magazine has referred to autism as a "geek syndrome", or essentially as a form of identity-politics-for-computer-nerds.<ref>http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aspergers_pr.html</ref>. Those favoring this interpretation of autism have coined new terminology, including "neurodiversity" for a population with and without autistic individuals , and using the term "neurotypical" for those without autism.

==Signs and Symptoms==

According to the DSM-IV, autism is characterized by the following:

1. A significant impairment is social interactions.
:::a. Impaired non-verbal communication.
:::b. Failure to develop age-appropriate social relationships
:::c. Lack of emotional reciprocity

2. Impaired communication.
:::a. Delay or lack of age-appropriate verbal communication.
:::b. If speech development is age-appropriate, an impaired ability to initiate or sustain conversation.
:::c. Repetitive or idiosyncratic speech patterns.
:::d. Absence of, or significantly reduced engagement in, age-appropriate social play.

3. Repetitive, stereotyped, or "obsessive" behavior.
:::a. Abnormal preoccupation with a limited interest or interests.
:::b. Abnormal adherence to behavioral routines and rituals.
:::c. Repetitive mannerisms or movements.

===Autism and Atheism===

Autistic people lack the ability to relate to others and are unable to mentalize - they can not understand the mental state of others. This means they are unlikely to have a relationship with [[God]] on a personal level and often tend to be atheists. Being unable mentalize also means lacking the ability to think teleologically (to be able to see a purpose in things), so when autistic people do speak of God it is usually in terms of a set of rules rather than anything personified.<ref>http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/psyched/201205/does-autism-lead-atheism</ref><ref>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2039690/Atheism-autism-Controversial-new-study-points-link-two.html</ref>

==Interventions and Treatments==

*Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) - This is a behavioral intervention which applies the study of behavioral analysis, as well as the tools of this study, toward assisting behaviors of social significance in individuals of many different populations, including children with autism. <ref>http://www.centerforautism.com/getting_started/aba.asp</ref> Applied behavior analysis is used to increase positive behaviors, decrease interfering behaviors, maintain positive behaviors, teach new skills, and generalize new positive behaviors across many different settings, not just in a restrictive classroom or therapy setting. Therapists begin by observing the behaviors of the individual, focusing on skills and behaviors to reinforce or teach, and identifying interfering behaviors to be minimized. They then develop an intervention plan to reinforce the positive behaviors and skills, by using a system of rewards when the individual receiving the therapy exhibits the behavior that the therapist wants to observe. As the individual incorporates more positive behaviors, the therapist may decrease or change the reinforcement as necessary.

*Developmental, Individual difference and Relationship-based (DIR/Floortime) model - This is a relationship-based intervention, developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan, which focuses on developing a connection with the individual with autism, emphasizing the role his or her interests, emotions, and preferences play in developing an effective treatment. <ref>http://www.icdl.com/dirFloortime/overview/index.shtml</ref> This model emphasizes individual differences in children with autism, and requires caregivers and therapists to approach each child accordingly. It begins with understanding the child's developmental stage, understanding the ways in which the child understands and learns information and processes sensory stimuli, and developing relationships between the child and his or her caregivers and therapists, who tailor their affect and interactions to the child's needs. This model especially emphasizes the importance of parents and caregivers in the process of their child's treatment, because of their unique relationship to the child.

*Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped CHildren (TEACCH) - This approach was developed in the early 1970s by Eric Schopler and colleagues, and focuses on skil development, as well as fulfillment of human needs such as communication, social interaction, increasing feelings of safety and reducing anxiety, and engaging in productive and enjoyable activities.<ref>http://www.teacch.com/whatis.html</ref> The principles of the TEACCH method of intervention include: understanding the "culture" of autism (what characterizes individuals with autism, such as their thinking patterns and behaviors), developing an individualized approach to intervention for each individual, structuring the physical environment for effective learning, and using visual supports to assist in understanding and retaining routines, structures, and schedules, as well as to make individual tasks understandable.

==Homeschooling==

As with many other children with special needs, homeschooling autistic children can provide a special environment which allows them to florish.

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/weblinks/autism.htm

A large body of assistance is available for parents who wish to homeschool their autistic children, including [[homeschooling|here]] on Conservapedia.

==See Also==
*[[Evidence of Harm]]
*[[Asperger syndrome]]
*[[Symptoms of autism]]

==External Links==
#http://www.autismspeaks.org/
#http://www.autismdigest.com/
#http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/
#http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer
#http://www.autismlink.com/
#[http://www.opposingviews.com/questions/are-autism-and-vaccines-linked Opposing Views: Are Autism and Vaccines Linked?]
#[http://www.neurodiversity.com/main.html Neurodiversity - An Incredible Resource for Autism Related Information]
#http://homeschoolaustralia.com/index/specialneeds.html Homeschooling Australia's Autism Page

==References==
<references/>

[[category:psychology]]
[[category: medicine]]
[[category:autism]]

Talk:Autism

2013-04-24T03:27:13Z

ChapmanP: /* Autism and Atheism */

Talk:Atheism

2013-04-24T03:12:52Z

ChapmanP: /* Autism */

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== 13 recent grim events for Darwinism and atheism ==

[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/08/13-grim-events-for-darwinism-that.html 13 recent grim events for evolutionary belief and atheism]
<br /><br />
[[File:Death.png|right|100px]]
{{clear}}

== Reddit atheism ==
/r/atheism

/R/atheism has become an echo chamber for hate speech against Christians and Conservatives in the United States. Currently, it has become a place for the Secular Student Alliance to raise funds to ban God from the public square, particularly schools, and promote left wing politics. I need help constructing a page about /r/atheism. I have added it to /r/reddit, but because of its size I think it warrants its own page.

:create a [[Reddit atheism]] article if you want. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]]

== Ayn Rand was an atheist and is a major inspiration to the libertarian right and the Tea Party, why is she being ignored? ==

There have been atheist right-wingers like [[Ayn Rand]] who is an inspiration to the libertarian right such as the Tea Party. She rejected the concept of God and religion for being in her view totalitarian and for not placing freedom and responsibility in the hands of individuals. You cannot place Ayn Rand's atheism in the same category as communist totalitarian atheism for instance. People have different reasons for being atheists - people who have gone to a church where a corrupt pastor has led the church may become atheist because they were totally aggravated with the experience of religion as preached by the corrupt pastor. So why are atheism and all atheists being pigeonholed as being akin to communist totalitarians? Why is Ayn Rand's libertarian version of atheism ignored?--[[User:TheQuestioner|TheQuestioner]] 12:10, 3 August 2012 (EDT)
::Is she being ignored? See [http://conservapedia.com/Atheism#Other_well_known_proponents_of_atheism this section] of the article. By the way, have you ever heard of the [[fallacy of exclusion]]? [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] 20:14, 12 September 2012 (EDT)

== Biggest blow to hit world [[atheism]] ==

[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/08/worlds-biggest-atheist-population-about.html World's biggest atheist population about to see a big decline]

[[File:China location.png|200px|right]]
{{clear}}

== First Amendment ==

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Why are we persecuting Atheists at the same time violating the First Amendment to the Constitution? I'm an Atheistic Libertarian, by the way, but Conservapedia should be used to promote Conservatism, not to violate the rules our country was founded on.

It's funny how I can't get a single reply on one of the most popular articles on Conservapedia... Where's Andy Schlafly to criticize my grammar!? Where is he to answer my question!? One single, reasonable answer to my question to why your persecuting Atheism and violating the First Amendment.
:Apparently, you're not reading the news on a daily basis, as there is always some atheist clown making an attack on Christians, God, the Bible, and any institutions supporting it. There is no Christian persecution of atheists; it's the other way around. And we're going to highlight it in this website. [[User:Karajou|Karajou]] 19:57, 27 December 2012 (E
::Sure. Because the Christians on this site are totally not attacking atheism at all. I have been reading this site for a while, and I cannot believe how much inherent bias it has, and how it censors anyone who disagrees with them. This article in particular is absurd. What sort of "trustworthy" encyclopedia would put something like this. [[User:RaymondZ|RaymondZ]] 10:23, 22 February 2013 (EST)
:I'd say you misread the first amendment. With even a cursory glance at it, the only thing that can violate the first amendment is a law passed by Congress; no argument or discussion can violate it.[[User:williagz|williagz]] 9:29, 12 February 2013
::I exactly what way did I supposedly "misread" the First Amendment? Be specific. [[User:Karajou|Karajou]] 09:40, 12 February 2013 (EST)
:::Simply, the first amendment only sets out several kinds of laws that Congress cannot make - thus, only Congress can violate the first amendment. You say "Conservapedia should be used to promote Conservatism, not to violate the rules our country was founded on," but Conservapedia is not calling for Congress to make any laws about atheism. Thus, how can Conservapedia be trying to violate the first amendment? That was meant for the original poster, btw, who does not seem to be you, Karajou.[[User:williagz|williagz]] 16:04, 12 February 2013
::::Answer the question, williagz. You made an accusation. [[User:Karajou|Karajou]] 17:00, 12 February 2013 (EST)
:::::Like I said, it was an accusation at the original poster: MrSnowman. Not at you. I've explained his fault twice now.[[User:williagz|williagz]] 17:07, 12 February 2013 (EST)

Look, there's a lot of ongoing dispute between Faith and Christianity, but all your doing is favoring Christianity over Atheism. Just answer me this, Is it or is it not a violation of the First Amendment.

Just felt it's worth mentioning that many American laws favor religious people, like with marriage. The right to file jointly and tax benefits is well enough for me to consider the law favoring religious people in a significant way. I think that's what bothers the non-obnoxious atheists. There's most certainly a group who thinks others shouldn't be allowed to follow "ludicrous beliefs" or something but a religion or religious act shouldn't have benefits with the state in a nation that has religious freedom in its constitution. --[[User:MrSnowman|MrSnowman]] 11:22, 15 January 2013 (EST)
::Once the religion of evolutionism is pulled out of the public school, the religion of atheism will collapse like a pancake. And it is inevitable that this will occur.[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/08/darwinists-start-thinking-unthinkable.html] Michael Ruse, evolutionist science philosopher admitted, “Evolution is a religion. This was true of evolution in the beginning, and it is true of evolution still today.”[http://creation.com/15-questions]
:But atheists can and do get married and reap those same benefits. I don't see your point.[[User:williagz|williagz]] 19:57, 27 December 2012

::Biblical creation belief is rapidly on the rise in the world and beginning to have a discernible effect on Western nations and it is inevitable that Darwinism will be defeated and atheism will become an even smaller squeak in American society.[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbmAn3M8r0I] Even in secular France, evangelicalism is the fastest growing religion plus young earth creationism is growing in America according to the latest Gallup survey.[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/06/down-with-evolutionary-belief-down-with.html]

::By the way, why did the Founding Fathers of America install a paid chaplain shortly after the United States was founded? "When the Senate first convened in New York City on April 6, 1789, one of its first orders of business was to appoint a committee to recommend a candidate for chaplain. On April 25, the Senate elected the Right Reverend Samuel Provoost, Episcopal Bishop of New York, as its first chaplain".[http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/Senate_Chaplain.htm] [[User:RobTurkel|RobTurkel]] 16:26, 15 January 2013 (EST)

::No discussion on this site amounts to new laws being made. Thus, no discussion on this site is a violation of the first amendment. [[User:williagz|williagz]] 16:10, 12 February 2013

==A problem with the definition of atheism stated==

if atheism is defined as the "Denial of the existence of God", it begs the question, which god? This definition seems to presume the existence of a monotheistic god, which not all theists believe in. For example, Hindus and to an extent, Muslims, believe in a different god than Christianity. So if "God" means the monotheistic Judeo-Christian god, then doesn't this definition mean that Hindus are atheists? This would also mean that pagans, Hindus, and those who believe in several gods are all atheists. I think this is a huge problem with the definition you've stated, so I think that should be revised. Just my two cents on the matter, I mean, it doesn't really make sense to call a Hindu or a pagan an atheist, does it? [[User:KatieKomori|KatieKomori]] 17:52, 13 March 2013 (EDT)
::The article demonstrates that the leading Western World philosophers have been influenced by Christianity and that is why the leading encyclopedias of philosophy use our definition. So the current definition is staying. Plus, both Christianity/Islam are monotheistic and both are Abrahamic religions although they believe something different about the history of God/Isaac. If you take the populations of Christainity/Islam that far outweighs the percentage of atheists or Hindus in the world. One thing for certain, we are not going to use a internet atheist dumbed down definition of atheism. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] 18:32, 13 March 2013 (EDT)
::::So this is like a majority rules thing? I think that definition is far too limited in scope. I mean, does any of what is said in this article even apply to Hindus or pagans or Wiccans? Because based on the definition, this article is indeed meant to address them as well, and even addresses deists--people who don't believe in a specific god or perhaps don't even subscribe to the idea that there's just the on god. Also, this is just a side note, but why is there so much wanton contempt for atheism on this site? [[User:KatieKomori|KatieKomori]] 08:30, 14 March 2013 (EDT)
:::::I think it's fear. Fear of the very plausible possibility that we are all alone in the universe and that there is no afterlife. It takes courage to consider that possibility objectively, at face value. Hence the obsessive attention atheism receives on this website. By endlessly attacking atheism and atheists, many high profile users don't define themselves by what they are (Christians), but by what they are not. [[User:Onestone|Onestone]] 13:09, 14 March 2013 (EDT)
:::::::Onestone, fear? What is there to fear? What proof and evidence do atheists have that atheism is true? Christianity has all the evidence. See: [[Christian apologetics]]. In addition, it is atheists who are the fearful ones. See: [[Atheism and cowardice]]. Lastly, you offered no proof and evidence that this website endlessly attacks atheism. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] 15:21, 28 March 2013 (EDT)

That question requires you prove God doesn't exist in an attempt to shift the burden of proof to the atheist. Considering how impervious this God is to any form of scientific detection and requires some of vague "spiritual" detection, by the very nature of God or the nature of God's construction as a concept renders that impossible. No one can disprove God in that manner. Say for example i say "i know and believe the Flying Spaghetti Monster is lord and master over my endocrine system beacause my heart tells me so" what proof and evidence would you have to disprove that? The website does attack atheism in a constant manner as you have no obviously been reading the site or your own work i suspect [[user:Conservative]]. This site links it to a host of different attacks:

http://conservapedia.com/Atheism#Atheism_and_suicide http://conservapedia.com/Atheism,_uncharitableness_and_depression http://conservapedia.com/Atheism_and_obesity (there are other studies that suggest religious people are more prone to obesity, but of course you cherry pick your studies) http://conservapedia.com/Sports_performance:_Religious_faith_vs._atheism http://conservapedia.com/Atheism_and_sadism http://conservapedia.com/Atheism_and_rape http://conservapedia.com/Atheism,_pederasty_and_NAMBLA http://conservapedia.com/Atheism_and_Mass_Murder http://conservapedia.com/Atheism_and_slavery http://conservapedia.com/Atheism_and_satanic_deception http://conservapedia.com/Atheism_and_moral_depravity http://conservapedia.com/Atheist_leaders_and_immoral_relationships t this is pretty much almost every article within Conservapedia about atheism attempts to show atheism in a negative light.

Regardless of if these are "true" as i suspect you will point out, the purpose of these articles is to paint atheists in a negative light in order to promote theism (or perhaps dare i say specifically Christianity). So this can be interpreted as an "attack" on atheism in order to point people into the direction of Christianity. --DavidS 13:33, 30 March 2013 (EDT)

== North Korea and Laos ==

Hello can you please refer to the articles: [[Religion and Atheism in North Korea]] and [[Religion and Atheism in Laos]] --[[User:Alex00|Alex00]] 15:24, 28 March 2013 (EDT)

== Suggested fixes ==

The page has been locked, so I can't edit, but a couple of suggestions:

1) I think the author means that atheism is ''inversely'' proportional to eduction, not ''indirectly''.

2) Probably worth clarifying that 'according to the University of Cambridge' bit. The University of Cambridge is a big place, and hasn't ever really expressed any opinions of its own, except regarding the wearing of gowns after sunset, so this really should be clarified as the 'Investigating Atheism' project at the Cambridge University Faculty of Divinity.

--[[User:DHouser|DHouser]] 12:59, 14 April 2013 (EDT)

== Atheism and education ==

Regardless of our political persuasion, it's important to show both sides of the story. Despite the 4 citations referencing how atheism is inversely proportional to education, they all reference the smaller study by Nick Spengel. There is more research showing the inverse, actually, and it's important to mention that in the article regardless of your opinion of atheism, if you want to be taken seriously. Check out these contradictory links.
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/camelswithhammers/2009/10/why-do-atheism-rates-correlate-with-education-levels/
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/news/high-iq-turns-academics-into-atheists/402381.article
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2011/apr/11/aetheists-research-scientists
http://scienceblogs.com/tfk/2011/02/22/does-higher-education-cause-at/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2009/oct/05/atheist-religion-education-demographics-class
http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/god-and-country/2009/07/16/pew-survey-a-huge-god-gap-between-scientists-and-other-americans
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2009/oct/08/atheism-religion-class-science
http://spq.sagepub.com/content/73/1/33

-antibias

== Autism ==

Can somebody please make this page editable or add, under the mental health section, something about autistic kids all being atheists? See [[Autism#Autism_and_Atheism|autism and atheism]] [[User:WilcoxD|WilcoxD]] 23:01, 23 April 2013 (EDT)
:No, this article is [[User:Conservative|Conservative]]'s private property, as you should be able to tell just by looking at the state of it. Nobody else is allowed to edit it. He will be along shortly to explain this, right before calling you an atheist and challenging you to debate SchlockOfGoat.--[[User:ChapmanP|ChapmanP]] 23:12, 23 April 2013 (EDT)