Re: [Autismlist] expectations for persons with "low-functioning autism?"
Alright I'm game. How can you be smart and have mental retardation too?
Tom
--- On Mon, 11/10/08, Janna Hoskin <janna@...> wrote:
From: Janna Hoskin <janna@...> Subject: Re: [Autismlist] expectations for persons with "low-functioning autism?" To: autismlist@yahoogroups.com Date: Monday, November 10, 2008, 10:34 AM
Oh, this girl talks. She doesn't read (but loves to be read to and memorizes her favourite books). As I said, she has mental retardation. I didn't say she wasn't smart.
There is a difference.
-Janna (posted a note to the autismfc group as well, in response to Art)
On Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 11:29 AM, Tom Smith <qim@...> wrote:
Hi Janna,
It's understandable you having these doubts but many of us who have FC'd our tails off in bygone times have no doubt that what Ben says here is on the mark. Autism (LFA) is a distinct condition and that's why so many were able to conclude that all autisitics were retarded at one time. If the evidence changes, as it has for those who FC'd extensively, it follows one can reasonably assume on the basis of autism being a distinct condition that all autisitics are in fact very bright.
I also had an autistic client who refused to type. By that time I had FC'd with enough of them to know he was refusing not based on low intelligence, but simply because he didn't want to communicate for whatever reasons. He lived with the auties I was FCing with and they confirmed he was VERY bright through FC.
I currently work with a girl who has autism and mental retardation, as well as some seizure activity.
While I do not doubt that she is smart, she does not have "superior intelligence," and she does not read or show any interest in using the computer. I do think that FC should be attempted in many cases, but such a blanket statement is ridiculous.
-Janna, who also worked with a boy who was a HFA and had mental retardation
On Sun, Nov 9, 2008 at 10:54 PM, Arthur Golden <golden@shani. net> wrote:
and read through message #1737 (including a message each from Char Brandl and Tom Smith) and join in a public open discussion about the question I posed of:
expectations for persons with "low-functioning autism?"
Please note that my 36 year-old son Ben, nonverbal with "low functioning autism" facilitated his answer of:
"All LFAs without exception have superior intelligence and it will be agreat tragedy if they are not allowed to show it
through full support FC."
You are invited to go to: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/autismfc/message/1733 and read through message #1737 (including a message each from Char Brandl...
I currently work with a girl who has autism and mental retardation, as well as some seizure activity. While I do not doubt that she is smart, she does not have...
Janna, Thank you for expressing your personal opinion, which I presume is largely based on your own experience and is in reply to the very limited information...
Hi Janna, It's understandable you having these doubts but many of us who have FC'd our tails off in bygone times have no doubt that what Ben says here is on...
Oh, this girl talks. She doesn't read (but loves to be read to and memorizes her favourite books). As I said, she has mental retardation. I didn't say she...
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I was wondering the same thing. Are we maybe dealing with a difference in terminology between Canada and the U.S.? Or do you mean she tests in the retarded...
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I meant to have people join in the public open discussion on the autismfc group, but instead I have started an interesting discussion here on the autistlist...
The reason my message on autismfc didn't go to the full group is that I'm not a member. I'm not about to join a group just to post *one message*, but I felt...
Janna, How about this? We like you and value your insights! Besides, the list is usually pretty quiet and you can always ignore the chatter that doesn't...
Janna, I often ask myself the same question, but I hope you will stay.?Everyone needs to keep an open mind?and respect the ideas and perspective of other...
I just sent this email to Janna Hoskin: Janna, I think it is very important that everyone who wishes to help persons with autism try to work together and help...
Relax Janna, we all love you and have appreciated your work and participation here. As for why you are here, you sense as we all do how loving and important...