Autism is not a disease, don't try to cure us - for blog

Are People With Autism An Endangered Species?

Are People With Autism Endangered?

The Autism Right To Life Debate – it’s raging now that “cures” and embryo therapy are being developed in earnest. There will come a time in the not too distant future when we’ll have the medical technology to “fix” embryos with genetic markers for Autism Spectrum Condition.

What implications does this have? In terms of population management. Medical ethics. Fetal rights. And the possible loss of autistic traits in our gene pool.

Comments

2 responses to “Are People With Autism An Endangered Species?”

  1. Alexander Mann Avatar
    Alexander Mann

    The loss of autistic traits is unrealistic, as nearly everyone human experiences the spectrum and breaks out of their autistic world; retaining different degrees of ‘Autism’.

    A social world would naturally would want to reduce the impact of ASD.

    1. Mark D Swartz Avatar

      Hi Alexander, thank you for replying.

      You make quite a contentious statement here, I have to say. Two of them actually. First you claim that “nearly everyone human experiences the spectrum and breaks out of their autistic world; retaining different degrees of ‘Autism’.” I’m not sure what you mean by that. Are you saying that most every embryo goes through a period of being autistic? And then retains a degree of autism throughout their lives? Maybe it would help if you clarified what your definition of “autism” is.

      Secondly you say “A social world would naturally would want to reduce the impact of ASD.” Earlier in a Tweet you sent me, you suggested that the way to define human beings is whether they are social or not. Do you really mean this? What about all the brilliant, talented people who prefer their solitude?

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