Monday, January 26, 2015

All Grown Up Monday - I Know What Causes Autism by Carrie Cariello

Several of my friends have posted this recently.
I nearly didn't read it because I thought I knew what it would say.
And, indeed, the first part, though beautifully written, is what I expected. But the middle part takes me right to the heart of my feelings, and the last part is downright poetic. There's a link here so you can go to her blog for the rest and order her book if you like.
I Know What Causes Autism



Last week I was surfing the Internet and came across a headline proclaiming autism and circumcision are linked. I couldn’t help myself. I laughed out loud.
In no certain order, I have read the following explanations for autism over the years:
Autism is caused by mercury.
Autism is caused by lead.
Autism begins with poor maternal bonding.
Certain pesticides may trigger autism.
Plastics.
Gluten aggravates autism spectrum disorder.
People with autism should eat more strawberries.
Too much automotive exhaust is a leading cause of autism.
Chemicals found on non-stick cookware may trigger autism.
The one about maternal bonding is sort of painful for me. The truth is, I did have a hard time bonding with infant Jack. The little guy shrieked and whined and cried for a solid year. He started sleeping through the night at six weeks, and stopped at three months.
I was exhausted, and Joe and I were fighting constantly; bickering and arguing and long screaming matches. For the first time, I could feel my marriage slipping away from me like sand through my fingers.
And my first child, Joey—sweet, uncomplicated, good-natured Joey—was a year old at the time. His easy nature only highlighted his new brother’s fussiness.
But I am certain there is no one on earth more bonded to this boy now, and guess what? He still has autism.
I am happy to announce that I do know what caused Jack’s autism, and without further ado, I’d like to tell you.
Wait for it.
It’s kind of a big deal.
Jack has autism because, as his 5-year old brother Henry says, he was bornd-ed with it.
Drum roll, please.

Read the rest of Carrie Cariello's post and find out more about her book, What Color is Monday?
 here


No comments:

Post a Comment