Aren't most Autistic children just the result of bad parenting?

Answer 1

Is this supposed to be a joke?

Answer 2

Haha. Certainly not my friend. When autism was first discovered as a mental disability in 1943, a theory evolved based on the idea that autism was a direct result from mothers not giving their baby a sufficient amount of nurturing attention and love.
However, that theory is severely outdated and disproved in the medical community. Research now indicates that autism is a neuro-developmental disorder linked to individual chromosome defects. Pinpointing exactly which chromosome(s) are involved remains a source of heavy study, research, and, debate.
There is no "cure" for autism. However, the wonders of medicine have allowed for the creation and use of certain drugs which can help stabilize the manifestations of inappropriate social behavior and provide academic assistance.
On another note, medicine is not the primary answer for providing autistic individuals with the best life possible. The real and best source for this should be located in the parents and family; perhaps even the community.
Here are some links to websites which may help further illuminate information on this fascinating subject.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism

http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=WhatIsAutism

Good luck with your quest for knowledge

Answer 3

I consider myself and my husband to be good parents . My son is high functioning autistic. It wasn't something that we saw developing during his toddler years, we could tell that he was unique from the time he was born. He was so serious, didn't hold eye contact, screamed if you touched his hands and feet. We voiced our concerns and were told that he was just a "difficult personality" by our pediatrician. When he was 3 we finally had him evaluated at our local Children's Hospital who diagnosed speech delay (he spoke his own language of pure babble even though we spoke in full sentences with no baby talk at home) and sensory integration disfunction. He started speech and occupational therapy and we worked with him at home. But we still did not have an autism diagnosis. It wasn't until he was 6 that autism evaluation was finally recommended. My son is 11 now and about to enter 5th grade. He is extremely intelligent (an A-B student) and has a few good friends. All of his classmates like him and treat him as just one of the guys although he'll resist too much interaction. He's well-mannered and very well-behaved. Gets dressed, makes his bed and gets his own breakfast every morning. He's an amazingly attentive big brother to his three younger siblings. He will always be a little "quirky" to those people in the outside world who care to judge him but he has a heart of gold and is one of the most incredible and thoughtful gifts that God ever gave us. Now, do you think he "caught" autism from poor parenting?

Answer 4

People that are Autistic cannot help themselves! You should not look down upon them or their parents. I believe that the parents of autistic children have to be very strong in heart and will. They have a really hard job. They can't just give up or ignore their child. I commed them.

Answer 5

You know what, as a parent of an autistic child, I am assuming that you are asking the question not because you are seriously looking for an answer, but to get a rise out of parents like me. Therefore, I will not answer the question, but thank you for the two points.

Answer 6

Actually...NO!
Austism is the result of or classified as a Neurodevelopmental disorder. Which means that it manifests itself through a child by having abnormal social interaction, communication ability, different pattersn of interests, and different patterns of behavior. Many have said that it is the result of genes while others have said that it occurs through medicines that the child goes through when the child is in the womb. No where does it say that the results are through bad parenting.

Answer 7

Autistic children is almost like Downs Syndrome. It's in the genetics - and it has NOTHING to do with how you parent.

Answer 8

I don't know who told you that but I would give it an emphatic no!!
The truth is nobobdy knows exactly what causes autism. There is a lot of speculation about older vaccines that contained mercury could be a cause. It also could be diet, some kids with autism whose parents remove all foods with dye in them from their diet have fewer symptoms of autism. Be careful when you assume bad parenting, you don't know all the factors involved especially with a diagnosible condition.

Answer 9

NO! Autism is a disease. I work at a physicians' office and we see many autistic children who have outstanding parents.

Answer 10

I foudn this entirely offensive. I have a sister with autism, it isn't a result of anything, she was BORN THAT WAY. My mother did not drink, smoke, or anything whilst pregnant.
And if this is a joke, it isn't funny at all.

Answer 11

I would admire your willingness to look completely ignorant and inhumane simply to get a rise out of people. However, I find all the questions you have posed quite offensive and wonder why you chose to squander time with farcical inquiries. But thanks anyway for the points :)