Autism: Is It An ‘Obsession’ Or Just A Preferred Interest?

Joel knows a lot about dinosaurs. His parents are told that he must put a stop to this obsession so he can focus on other subjects. Marcy can sing every Joni Mitchell song but speaks only a few words. She is put in a class for lower-functioning children and taught menial labor skills. My son, Neal, loves bees. He actually picks them up, examines them and then puts them back onto a flower without getting stung. Well-meaning educators and therapists work tirelessly to refocus these children s interests into more appropriate activities. Time and time again, I ve witnessed kids with special needs kicking and screaming when they fail to comply with the norm, and they are coerced away from their preferred interests. As adults, they are taught to sweep floors in a fast food restaurant or stack boxes in a warehouse (not that there is anything wrong with sweeping or stacking). Get The Autism Answer on Paperback FREE CLICK HERE In this Sunday s The New York Times, writer Amy Harmon shed light o
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