I’m a well seasoned autism mom and am often asked questions about autism. since autism spectrum disorders are complex, I still stumble over my answers, so have recently turned to a clarifying source: individuals who are on the autism spectrum.

I asked Kerry Magro, a young man on the autism spectrum, to share his most frequently asked questions and comments. He’s passionate about raising awareness about what it is like to have autism, and his insights are illuminating:

1) People with autism cannot live a normal life.

In today’s society we label “normal” as “ordinary” or “no issues”. Life is about accepting challenges and being able to continue to grow as a person. can autistic individuals live a normal life? Yes definitely. do they need too? Not at all.

2) I couldn’t love someone with autism, they are just too different.

To deny someone of love based on a disability is to deny yourself the ability to divulge your life and your cultures. The world is full of diverse individuals, all who deserve love. It’s impossible to live life without being loved.

3) People with autism only have the capability of being loved and being in love with those who are also autistic.

This is a common misconception, but it’s far from the truth. many individuals with autism have difficulty expressing love but they do love, and not only others on the autistic spectrum. I was once told by a girlfriend when she broke up with me that, “I think you should be around people more like yourself.” it is my mission to raise awareness in this area!

4) Autism or not, people are people, all with distinct characteristics that make them unique.

Amen! no one case of autism is ever the same. I’d rather be “unique” than “normal” any day of the week.

5) Isn’t autism a disease that could be spread through vaccines in flu shots?

There is still no way of telling what causes autism, but scientific studies have ruled out the connection between vaccines and the onset of autism. at present, most researchers think autism is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It’s quite possible that different people’s symptoms have different causes. Autism is a neurological disorder that can be treated, not cured, and it is not a disease.

6) do more white children have autism than black children?

According to the CDC, Autism Spectrum Disorders occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, yet are on average 4 to 5 times more likely to occur in boys than in girls. however, we need more information on some less studied populations and regions around the world.

7) is autism only a communication disorder?

Autism causes developmental problems in the areas of social interaction, speech, language and communication, and behavioral functions.

Different individuals show different traits on the autism spectrum. for me most of my sensitivity/ traits were in regards to difficulty dealing with sensory issues especially touch and sounds.

none of us are perfect at communication so doesn’t that mean there is a little autism in all of us?

No one is perfect at communicating and no one is perfect at having a social life. still, it should be acknowledged that people with an autism spectrum disorder have to work harder than most every single day to learn appropriate social and communication skills.

I’d like to know: (Laura talking)

a) which questions are you frequently asked about having autism?

b) What questions do you have about autism?

c) as a parent, which questions about autism do you find the most difficult to answer?

Kerry Magro is a recent graduate of Seton Hall University,where he majored in Sports Management. He’s writing a self help book based on his own experiences with autism called, “Autism: The College Spectrum”. Kerry also is a staffer for Autism Speaks and writes on their official blog. you can email him at kerrymagro@gmail.com and follow him on Facebook and/or twitter

Got autism questions? need resources? Email me here citybights@sfgate.com and I will do my very best to help.

FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.

In case you wondered, I’m happy to talk to your group.GO HERE to learn more.

Read the first three chapters of A REGULAR GUY: GROWING UP WITH AUTISM here.

Posted by: Laura Shumaker (Email) | August 06 2011 at 03:33 PM