Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Asperger's syndrome

2021-08-10T02:39:27Z

JohnTheRevelator: Pruning dead links

'''Asperger's syndrome''' (sometimes referred to as "High-Functioning Autism" or "HFA") is an umbrella term used to classify problematic behaviours similar to, but less severe than, those within the lower reaches of the [[Autism|autistic spectrum]]. As such, symptoms can vary widely in type and severity between individuals, though difficulties with social interaction<ref>Especially in the reading and understanding of non-verbal cues.</ref> and obsessive-compulsive routines are reasonably common diagnostic themes.

It was first described by an Austrian pediatrician and [[Nazi Party]] colluder Hans Asperger in 1944 (one year after [[Leo Kanner]]'s first paper on [[autism]]). In his paper, he discusses "a pattern of behaviors in several young boys who had normal intelligence and language development, but who also exhibited autistic-like behaviors and marked deficiencies in social, communication, and fine motor skills."<ref>http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/aswhatisit.html#DSM</ref> Research continues into the condition's underlying causes.

The term ''Asperger's syndrome'' was first used in a paper by British psychiatrist, Lorna Wing.

Other persons involved in studying Asperger's syndrome include Tony Attwood and Simon Baron-Cohen.

==Description of Asperger's syndrome==

Children with Asperger's syndrome tend to exhibit the following qualities:

- Difficulty socializing and understanding social cues. Asperger's sufferers may struggle to find friends, which is why a homeschooled environment away from bullies for education and a church environment for socialization can work wonders.<br>
- No significant loss of language skills (loss of language ability, especially in young children, is more a sign of classical [[autism]]).<br>
- Increased raw intelligence (especially in subjects dealing with absolutes, such as math).

Another list of defining characteristics:

* Insistence on sameness
* Impairment in social interaction
* Restricted range of interests
* Poor concentration
* Poor motor coordination
* Academic difficulties
* Emotional vulnerability<ref> [http://www.aspergersyndrome.org/Article.aspx?j=25 Autism Spectrum Connection]</ref>

==The case for homeschooling==

As with children with Autism (high functioning or otherwise), homeschooling is a valuable resource (along with the power of [[prayer]]) for helping the child grow and adapt to a society that struggles to accept them.

Rachael Evans wrote in [http://ezinearticles.com/?Home-Schooling-Your-Autistic-Child&id=303099 her Ezinezone article],

"While public schools are funded to handle children with special needs, these locations are not always the best arenas for autistic children. One of the reasons that home-schooling your autistic child is a good idea is because special education programs may lump autistic children in with others who have maladaptive behavioral problems.

Remember, autistic children have behavioral problems due to their developmental inability to properly function normally in social situations. If they are placed in with others who have emotional problems they may regress instead of progress. However, if home-schooled, parents can control the social influences that are likely to either help or hinder the progress of their child. They can keep them away from insensitive teachers, bullies, and have greater control of their education."

==DSM-5 Merge with ASD==
DSM-5 merged aspergers to a form of HFA (or High Functioning Autism) in with the rest of ASD.

<ref>http://EzineArticles.com/303099</ref>

==Resources for Parents of Autistic Children==

http://homeschoolaustralia.com/index/specialneeds.html - [http://homeschoolaustralia.com/index/specialneeds.html Homeschooling and Special Needs]

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/weblinks/autism.htm - [http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/weblinks/autism.htm Homeschooling Autistic Children]

== See also ==

*[[Atheism and autism|Atheism and high-functioning autism]]

== References ==
<references/>
[[Category:Medicine]]
[[Category:Syndromes]]
[[Category:Autism]]

Asperger's syndrome

2021-08-10T02:36:50Z

JohnTheRevelator: Noting Dr. Hans Asperger's ties with the Nazis. Nobody talks about it, but they should. This is a subject dear to my heart, and because of Hans' work, many disabled children were identified and murdered.

'''Asperger's syndrome''' (sometimes referred to as "High-Functioning Autism" or "HFA") is an umbrella term used to classify problematic behaviours similar to, but less severe than, those within the lower reaches of the [[Autism|autistic spectrum]]. As such, symptoms can vary widely in type and severity between individuals, though difficulties with social interaction<ref>Especially in the reading and understanding of non-verbal cues.</ref> and obsessive-compulsive routines are reasonably common diagnostic themes.

It was first described by an Austrian pediatrician and [[Nazi Party]] colluder Hans Asperger in 1944 (one year after [[Leo Kanner]]'s first paper on [[autism]]). In his paper, he discusses "a pattern of behaviors in several young boys who had normal intelligence and language development, but who also exhibited autistic-like behaviors and marked deficiencies in social, communication, and fine motor skills."<ref>http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/aswhatisit.html#DSM</ref> Research continues into the condition's underlying causes.

The term ''Asperger's syndrome'' was first used in a paper by British psychiatrist, Lorna Wing.

Other persons involved in studying Asperger's syndrome include Tony Attwood and Simon Baron-Cohen.

A Christian mother wrote this heart-warming piece on caring for a child with Asperger's: http://autismisok.com/blog/category/Christian-Autism-Stories.aspx

==Description of Asperger's syndrome==

Children with Asperger's syndrome tend to exhibit the following qualities:

- Difficulty socializing and understanding social cues. Asperger's sufferers may struggle to find friends, which is why a homeschooled environment away from bullies for education and a church environment for socialization can work wonders.<br>
- No significant loss of language skills (loss of language ability, especially in young children, is more a sign of classical [[autism]]).<br>
- Increased raw intelligence (especially in subjects dealing with absolutes, such as math).

Another list of defining characteristics:

* Insistence on sameness
* Impairment in social interaction
* Restricted range of interests
* Poor concentration
* Poor motor coordination
* Academic difficulties
* Emotional vulnerability<ref> [http://www.aspergersyndrome.org/Article.aspx?j=25 Autism Spectrum Connection]</ref>

==The case for homeschooling==

As with children with Autism (high functioning or otherwise), homeschooling is a valuable resource (along with the power of [[prayer]]) for helping the child grow and adapt to a society that struggles to accept them.

Rachael Evans wrote in [http://ezinearticles.com/?Home-Schooling-Your-Autistic-Child&id=303099 her Ezinezone article],

"While public schools are funded to handle children with special needs, these locations are not always the best arenas for autistic children. One of the reasons that home-schooling your autistic child is a good idea is because special education programs may lump autistic children in with others who have maladaptive behavioral problems.

Remember, autistic children have behavioral problems due to their developmental inability to properly function normally in social situations. If they are placed in with others who have emotional problems they may regress instead of progress. However, if home-schooled, parents can control the social influences that are likely to either help or hinder the progress of their child. They can keep them away from insensitive teachers, bullies, and have greater control of their education."

==DSM-5 Merge with ASD==
DSM-5 merged aspergers to a form of HFA (or High Functioning Autism) in with the rest of ASD.

<ref>http://EzineArticles.com/303099</ref>

==Resources for Parents of Autistic Children==

http://homeschoolaustralia.com/index/specialneeds.html - [http://homeschoolaustralia.com/index/specialneeds.html Homeschooling and Special Needs]

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/weblinks/autism.htm - [http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/weblinks/autism.htm Homeschooling Autistic Children]

== See also ==

*[[Atheism and autism|Atheism and high-functioning autism]]

== References ==
<references/>
[[Category:Medicine]]
[[Category:Syndromes]]
[[Category:Autism]]

Autism

2021-08-10T02:32:47Z

[[File:Autismbrain.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|Autism affects the [[amygdala]], [[cerebellum]], and multiple other parts of the brain.]]
'''Autism''' is a type of pervasive developmental disorder. It is characterized by difficulties with social interaction; difficulties with verbal communication, especially pragmatic language; difficulty processing nonverbal communication such as facial expression; intense, narrow interests; difficulty adjusting to changes in routine; and repetitive behaviors. Other signs include lack of eye contact, delayed or unusual play skills, hypo- or hyper-sensitivity to sensory stimuli, and anxiety.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/development-disorder?page=2</ref> It is usually detected by the time a child is four years old but in some cases, autism goes unnoticed into adulthood. There are many intelligent and talented autistic individuals.<ref>Temple Grandin, "Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism" amazon link https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307275655/ref=wl_it_dp/103-3432247-4184629?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1CWNFSEUCIXQL&colid=49VN3HJC5OQK</ref> The term '''autism''' was first used in 1912.

Diagnoses of autism has increased from 1:10,000 in 1988 to as high as 1 in 150 people,<ref>https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/faq_prevalence.htm</ref> and it has been rising. Four times as many boys suffer from autism as girls.<ref name="Clinic Stats">http://www.iupui.edu/~psycdept/autism/autism.htm</ref> Among boys, 1 in 94 has the disorder. In New Jersey, which has the highest rate in the nation, 1 in every 60 boys has autism and 1 in every 94 children is affected. There is a seizure disorder in about one-third of those who have autism.<ref name="Clinic Stats"/>

Autism is said to exist on a "spectrum;" that is, there is a wide range of how this disorder affects people. Other pervasive developmental disorders on the "autism spectrum" include [[Asperger's syndrome]], Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rett's Syndrome. There are many degrees of functioning in individuals with autism. Because of this, all individuals diagnosed with autism will not exhibit the same characteristics, or exhibit them to the same degree.

Autism was first identified clinically in 1943 by Dr. [[Leo Kanner]]. Dr. Hans Asperger, in collusion with the [[Nazi Party]], also did some research into autism at about the same time and discovered Asperger's syndrome. As early as the 1990s, many intervention strategies, including Applied Behavioral Analysis ([[ABA therapy]]), were used to treat autism or mitigate its symptoms.

==How does autism develop?==
[[File:US autism 6 17 1996-2007.svg.png|thumbnail|200px|left|In the United States, reports of autism cases per 1,000 children grew dramatically from 1996 to 2007. It is unknown how much, if any, of that growth came from changes in autism's actual prevalence.<ref>
*Prevalence and changes in diagnostic practice:Fombonne E. The prevalence of autism. JAMA. 2003;289(1):87–9.
*Wing L, Potter D. The epidemiology of autistic spectrum disorders: is the prevalence rising? Ment Retard Dev Disabil Res Rev. 2002;8(3):151–61.</ref>]]
In 2011, Jonathan Rabinovitz published in ''Scope'', a publication of [[Stanford University|Stanford]] Medicine: "Autism has sometimes been described as a disease of industrialized high-technology societies."<ref name="Autism in Africa">[http://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2011/09/14/autism-in-africa/ Autism in Africa?], Jonathan Rabinovitz published in ''Scope'', a publication of [[Stanford University|Stanford]] Medicine, 2011</ref> For example, evidence suggest that environmental toxins are a causal factor of autism.<ref>[https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/autism-and-toxic-chemicals-are-pollutants-fueling-rising-prevalence Autism and Toxic Chemicals: Are Pollutants Fueling Rising Prevalence?]</ref> See also: [http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/basics/causes/con-20021148 Causes of Autism - Mayo Clinic].

In 2013, the ''Washington Times'' said about the causes of autism: "The causes of autism are not understood, and recent studies have found associations between childhood autism and multiple births, preterm births, low birthweights, maternal obesity, having a full sibling with autism and having older parents."<ref>[https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/oct/16/rate-of-autism-rises-in-us-hits-plateau-in-uk/?page=all Autism rates rise in U.S., plateau in U.K.]</ref>

Although there have been no formal epidemiological studies, the evidence suggests that autism is rare in the economically developing continent of Africa and mainly exists within elite families.<ref name="Autism in Africa"/><ref>[http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/11/out-of-africa-a.html Out of Africa and Into Autism: More Evidence Illuminates the Somali Anomaly in Minnesota], By Mark F. Blaxill, AgeofAutism.com website (I don't agree with the anti-vaccine portion of the article)</ref> In addition, the traditional [[Africa]]n diet is healthier than many Western World invividuals' diets and Africa has some of the lowest obesity rates in the world.<ref>
*[https://www.forbes.com/2007/02/07/worlds-fattest-countries-forbeslife-cx_ls_0208worldfat.html World's fattest countries]
*[http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/030612p26.shtml Traditional African diets are healthier than Western diets], Today's Nutrition</ref> Furthermore, Africa is a religious continent with high birth rates.

=== Low rate of autism among the Amish ===

The American Amish have a low autism rate which may be due to their healthy and simple lifestyle, their genetic makeup or both.<ref>
*[https://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/12/04/4-healthy-habits-to-steal-from-amish.html 4 healthy habits to steal from the Amish], Fox News Health, December 04, 2014
*"[http://www.internalmedicine.osu.edu/genetics/article.cfm?id=5307 Amish Have Lower Rates of Cancer, Ohio State Study Shows]". Columbus, OH: Ohio State University Medical Center. January 1, 2010. Retrieved January 6, 2010.
*Puffenberger, EG; Jinks, RN; Wang, H; Xin, B; Fiorentini, C; Sherman, EA; Degrazio, D; Shaw, C; Sougnez, C; Cibulskis, K; Gabriel, S; Kelley, RI; Morton, DH; Strauss, KA (Dec 2012). "A homozygous missense mutation in HERC2 associated with global developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder". Human Mutation 33 (12): 1639–1646
*Jackman, C; Horn, ND; Molleston, JP; Sokol, DK (Apr 2009). "Gene associated with seizures, autism, and hepatomegaly in an Amish girl". Pediatric Neurology 40 (4): 310–313.
*Alarcón, Maricela; Abrahams, Brett S.; Stone, Jennifer L.; Duvall, Jacqueline A.; Perederiy, Julia V.; Bomar, Jamee M.; Sebat, Jonathan; Wigler, Michael; Martin, Christa L.; Ledbetter, David H.; Nelson, Stanley F.; Cantor, Rita M.; Geschwind, Daniel H. (10 January 2008). "Linkage, Association, and Gene-Expression Analyses Identify CNTNAP2 as an Autism-Susceptibility Gene". American Journal of Human Genetics 82 (1): 150–159</ref> Due to their high levels of physical activity, the Amish have low rates of obesity.<ref>
*[https://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/12/04/4-healthy-habits-to-steal-from-amish.html 4 healthy habits to steal from the Amish], Fox News Health, December 04, 2014</ref>

David N. Brown indicated: "In March 2006, Drs. Kevin Strauss, Holmes Morton and others documented 9 autistic Amish children, which could raise the autism rate of the Lancaster Amish community Olmsted supposedly investigated to almost 1/5,000 which is still a fraction of the US average of 1/68."<ref>Puffenberger, EG; Jinks, RN; Wang, H; Xin, B; Fiorentini, C; Sherman, EA; Degrazio, D; Shaw, C; Sougnez, C; Cibulskis, K; Gabriel, S; Kelley, RI; Morton, DH; Strauss, KA (Dec 2012). "A homozygous missense mutation in HERC2 associated with global developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder". Human Mutation 33 (12): 1639–1646</ref><ref>Jackman, C; Horn, ND; Molleston, JP; Sokol, DK (Apr 2009). "Gene associated with seizures, autism, and hepatomegaly in an Amish girl". Pediatric Neurology 40 (4): 310–313.</ref><ref>Alarcón, Maricela; Abrahams, Brett S.; Stone, Jennifer L.; Duvall, Jacqueline A.; Perederiy, Julia V.; Bomar, Jamee M.; Sebat, Jonathan; Wigler, Michael; Martin, Christa L.; Ledbetter, David H.; Nelson, Stanley F.; Cantor, Rita M.; Geschwind, Daniel H. (10 January 2008). "Linkage, Association, and Gene-Expression Analyses Identify CNTNAP2 as an Autism-Susceptibility Gene". American Journal of Human Genetics 82 (1): 150–159</ref>

=== Maternal obesity ===

Case Adams, N.D. declared:
{{cquote|Recent research from the University of California at Davis has found autism to be linked with the accumulation of toxins within fat cells. This finding corresponds with previous research linking autism to immunosuppression, toxin antibodies and environmental exposures for the mother, which links to toxicity and immunosuppression.

The new research, led by Paula Krakowiak, PhD candidate, analyzed 1,000 children and found that autism was 67% more likely among children from obese mothers.<ref>[http://www.realnatural.org/moms-obesity-autism-linked-to-toxins/ Autism Linked to Toxin Exposure During Pregnancy]</ref>}}

=== Other physical Factors: Additional information ===

The Autism Society says, "Researchers are investigating problems during pregnancy or delivery as well as environmental factors, such as viral infections, metabolic imbalances, and exposure to environmental chemicals." [http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_whatcauses]

There are claims that environmental toxins increase the risk of autism, just as they increase the risk of cancer. [[New Jersey]] has the highest rate of cancer in the nation, presumably due to a heavy concentration of environmental toxins, and it also has the highest rate of autism. Autistic patients are observed to have higher levels of metals and other toxins.

=== Genetics ===

Some experts suspect that there is a genetic susceptibility to autism.<ref>http://healthland.time.com/2011/06/09/studies-new-clues-to-the-genetic-roots-of-autism/</ref><ref>https://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/08/11/autism-adhd-share-genetic-similarities/</ref><ref>https://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-autism-20110815,0,3154651.story</ref><ref>Happé F, Ronald A. The 'fractionable autism triad': a review of evidence from behavioural, genetic, cognitive and neural research. Neuropsychol Rev. 2008;18(4):287–304</ref><ref>Freitag CM. The genetics of autistic disorders and its clinical relevance: a review of the literature. Mol Psychiatry. 2007;12(1):2–22. doi:10.1038/sj.mp.4001896. PMID 17033636</ref> The genetics of this condition are not fully understood; perhaps caused by complex interactions between multiple genes which would account for the "spectrum" like differences in the severity of many cases <ref>http://66.102.1.104/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=cache:7kMNqvTgRtoJ:www.ikhebeenvraag.be/mediastorage/FSDocument/52/Freitag-2.pdf+</ref><ref>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17764594</ref>

Simon Baron-Cohen, director of the Autism Research Centre at the [[University of Cambridge]] (U.K.) says that males and females are hardwired for different behavior, with boys tending to be stronger at mechanics, categorizing and systemizing information, mathematics, etc. and girls stronger at emotionalizing and empathizing. He has proposed that autism is merely an extreme version of the [[male brain type]], in which the (female) urge to empathize is nearly absent and the brain is almost entirely hardwired for the (male) tasks of systemizing.<ref>Baron-Cohen, Simon. ''The Essential Difference'', Basic Books 2003.</ref>

Leo Kanner in a 1949 paper identified "parental coldness" and a "lack of maternal warmth" in the parents of autistic children, leading to the term ''refrigerator mother''. The theory here is autism is caused by incomplete [[socialization]] during early childhood because of emotionally cold parents. The book ''Toxic Psychiatry'' by Peter Briggin notes that the frigid mother theory of autism was abandoned in recent years due to pressure groups.<ref>Briggin, Peter R. ''Toxic Psychiatry'', New York: St. Martin's Press, 1991.</ref>

Lenny Schafer, editor of the ''Schafer Autism Report'', rejects outright the current characterization of mild social retardation (such as "[[Asperger syndrome|Asperger's syndrome]]") as forms of autism. He notes that autism is a disability, and if a person is not disabled from participation in society by their condition, in such areas as being able to hold a job or communicate, including communication over the Internet, they are not autistic and should not be diagnosed as such. He accordingly rejects that there can be such a thing as autistic self-advocacy, as anyone who is truly autistic would not have that ability.<ref>http://www.sarnet.org/</ref> This view is highly controversial in the field, and has led to the development of the "autistic spectrum" to better characterize and diagnose autism and autism-like disorders.

''Wired'' magazine has referred to autism as a "geek syndrome", or essentially as a form of identity-politics-for-computer-nerds.<ref>https://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aspergers_pr.html</ref> Those favoring this interpretation of autism have coined new terminology, including "neurodiversity" for a population with and without autistic individuals, and using the term "neurotypical" for those without autism.

==Signs and Symptoms==
[[File:Simon Baron-Cohen.jpg|right|thumbnail|200px|The [[autism-spectrum quotient]] is a questionnaire published by [[Simon Baron-Cohen]] and his coworkers at the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge, UK. The questionnaire consists of fifty questions and aims to determine whether adults of average intelligence have symptoms of autism or one of the other autism spectrum conditions.<ref>Woodbury-Smith MR, Robinson J, Wheelwright S, Baron-Cohen S (2005). "[http://docs.autismresearchcentre.com/papers/2005_Woodbury-Smith_etal_ScreeningAdultsForAS.pdf Screening adults for Asperger Syndrome using the AQ: a preliminary study of its diagnostic validity in clinical practice]" (PDF). J Autism Dev Disord 35 (3): 331–5.</ref>]]
According to the DSM-IV, autism is characterized by the following:

1. A significant impairment is social interactions.
:::a. Impaired non-verbal communication.
:::b. Failure to develop age-appropriate social relationships
:::c. Lack of emotional reciprocity

2. Impaired communication.
:::a. Delay or lack of age-appropriate verbal communication.
:::b. If speech development is age-appropriate, an impaired ability to initiate or sustain conversation.
:::c. Repetitive or idiosyncratic speech patterns.
:::d. Absence of, or significantly reduced engagement in, age-appropriate social play.

3. Repetitive, stereotyped, or "obsessive" behavior.
:::a. Abnormal preoccupation with a limited interest or interests.
:::b. Abnormal adherence to behavioral routines and rituals.
:::c. Repetitive mannerisms or movements.

4. Bedwetting is particularly prevalent in children who have autism spectrum.<ref>[https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10882-012-9308-y Behavioral Treatment of Bedwetting in an Adolescent with Autism], Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, June 2013, Volume 25, Issue 3, pp 313–323</ref>

==Interventions and Treatments==

*Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) - This is a behavioral intervention which applies the study of behavioral analysis, as well as the tools of this study, toward assisting behaviors of social significance in individuals of many different populations, including children with autism.<ref>http://www.centerforautism.com/getting_started/aba.asp</ref> Applied behavior analysis is used to increase positive behaviors, decrease interfering behaviors, maintain positive behaviors, teach new skills, and generalize new positive behaviors across many different settings, not just in a restrictive classroom or therapy setting. Therapists begin by observing the behaviors of the individual, focusing on skills and behaviors to reinforce or teach, and identifying interfering behaviors to be minimized. They then develop an intervention plan to reinforce the positive behaviors and skills, by using a system of rewards when the individual receiving the therapy exhibits the behavior that the therapist wants to observe. As the individual incorporates more positive behaviors, the therapist may decrease or change the reinforcement as necessary.

*Developmental, Individual difference and Relationship-based (DIR/Floortime) model - This is a relationship-based intervention, developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan, which focuses on developing a connection with the individual with autism, emphasizing the role his or her interests, emotions, and preferences play in developing an effective treatment.<ref>http://www.icdl.com/dirFloortime/overview/index.shtml</ref> This model emphasizes individual differences in children with autism, and requires caregivers and therapists to approach each child accordingly. It begins with understanding the child's developmental stage, understanding the ways in which the child understands and learns information and processes sensory stimuli, and developing relationships between the child and his or her caregivers and therapists, who tailor their affect and interactions to the child's needs. This model especially emphasizes the importance of parents and caregivers in the process of their child's treatment, because of their unique relationship to the child.

*Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped CHildren (TEACCH) - This approach was developed in the early 1970s by Eric Schopler and colleagues, and focuses on skil development, as well as fulfillment of human needs such as communication, social interaction, increasing feelings of safety and reducing anxiety, and engaging in productive and enjoyable activities.<ref>http://www.teacch.com/whatis.html</ref> The principles of the TEACCH method of intervention include: understanding the "culture" of autism (what characterizes individuals with autism, such as their thinking patterns and behaviors), developing an individualized approach to intervention for each individual, structuring the physical environment for effective learning, and using visual supports to assist in understanding and retaining routines, structures, and schedules, as well as to make individual tasks understandable.

==Homeschooling==

As with many other children with special needs, homeschooling autistic children can provide a special environment which allows them to flourish.

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/weblinks/autism.htm

A large body of assistance is available for parents who wish to homeschool their autistic children, including [[homeschooling|here]] on Conservapedia.

==Autism and atheism==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and autism]]

In 2011, the University of Boston published a study on the correlation between [[atheism]] and high-functioning/mild autism.<ref>[http://csjarchive.cogsci.rpi.edu/proceedings/2011/papers/0782/paper0782.pdf Religious Belief Systems of Persons with High Functioning Autism], Catherine Caldwell-Harris, Caitlin Fox Murphy and Tessa Velazquez at the Department of Psychology - Boston University); Patrick McNamara (Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine)</ref><ref>[https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2039690/Atheism-autism-Controversial-new-study-points-link-two.html Is atheism linked to autism? Controversial study points to relationship between the two], ''Daily Mail'', 20 September 2011</ref>

On September 19, 2011, the ''Discover Magazine'' website had an article indicating that there were empirical results showing a positive correlation between atheism and high functioning autism and the article declared:
{{cquote|This is why the empirical results on the [http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2011/09/atheism-as-mental-deviance/ correlation between atheism and high functioning autism] are important...

...some people were angry that I seemed to suggest that atheists were antisocial weirdos. Well, [http://www.gnxp.com/blog/2007/08/religiosity-and-personality-how-are.php there is some data to back that up].<ref>[http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2011/09/what-atheism-and-autism-may-have-in-common/ What atheism and autism may have in common] By Razib Khan, September 19, 2011</ref>}}

==Autism and vaccinations: is there a link?==
On April 29, 2019, in a speech on the floor of the [[Louisiana]] State Senate, [[John Milkovich]], a strongly pro-life [[Democratic Party|Democrat]] from [[Shreveport]], flatly declared that [[vaccination]]s are linked to autism. In his remarks, Milkovich recalled that “autism did not exist” when he was growing up in [[Montana]]: "Did you know tissue from aborted babies is now used in vaccines. Did you know that vaccines use [[aluminum]], which is shown to be a neurotoxin? Did you know vaccines in America [are] preserved often with [[mercury]], which is beyond neurotoxic?”<ref name=autism>{{cite web|url=https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/politics/article_0c13f5ea-6ad7-11e9-876a-b3|title=Louisiana senator links vaccines, autism on Senate floor; officials say 'myth' causes measles resurgence|author=Sam Karlin|date=April 29, 2019|publisher=''The Baton Rouge Advocate''|accessdate=April 30, 2019}}</ref> Dr. Joe Kanter, the assistant state health officer, disputed Milkovich's claim as "a myth." Kanter said that the issue of autism and vaccination has been “incredibly well studied”, and no correlation has been found.<ref name=autism/>

==See also==

*[[Evidence of Harm]]
*[[Asperger syndrome]]
*[[Symptoms of autism]]
*[[Autism Society of America]]

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
#http://www.autismspeaks.org/
#http://www.autismdigest.com/
#http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/
#http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer
#http://www.autismlink.com/
#[http://www.opposingviews.com/questions/are-autism-and-vaccines-linked Opposing Views: Are Autism and Vaccines Linked?]
#[http://www.neurodiversity.com/main.html Neurodiversity - An Incredible Resource for Autism Related Information]
#http://homeschoolaustralia.com/index/specialneeds.html Homeschooling Australia's Autism Page

[[Category:Psychology]]
[[Category:Medicine]]
[[Category:Autism]]

Medicare for All

2021-08-10T02:16:15Z

JohnTheRevelator: More specificity. Most Democrats even hate Medicare for All, only the most socialist members of the Democratic Party support it. More old-gaurd dems like Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer do not.

[[File:Medicare for All.png|right|250px|thumb|The chart brings into perspective the comparative cost of Medicare for All.]]
'''Medicare for All''' ('''H.R. 676, 116th Congress''') is a [[communist]] proposal introduced by a far-left splinter of the [[Democratic party]] into Congress in February 2019 with 100 sponsors after the calamitous failure of the [[Patient Protection and the Affordable Care Act]].

To meet the estimated costs of Medicare for All, U.S. [[greenhouse gases|carbon emissions]] would have to be increased five-fold over the next ten years to avoid rationing.

Many union workers pay little or no premiums for their health insurance. Medicare for all will take away their private coverage and jack up their taxes.

==Modern origins==
Medicare for All originated as item 6 in the [[far left]] [[Occupy Wall Street]]<ref>Occupy Wall Street was organized groups of protesters who littered city parks and streets across the nation with human waste while protesting [[capitalism]] and were denied use of restrooms by businesses they were seeking to destroy.</ref> list of demands. It reads: {{Quotebox|"Medicare for all American citizens or another [[single-payer]] healthcare system, adjusted by a means test (i.e. citizens who can afford it may opt-out and pay their own health insurance or opt-in and pay a means-tested premium). The Medicaid program, fraught with corruption and fraud, will be eliminated except for the purpose of providing emergency room care to [[indigent]] [[non-citizen]]s who will not be covered by the single-payer program."}}
[[Gross Domestic Product]] is the aggregate sum total of every individual and business's [[Gross income]], which in 2019 amounted to $19 Trillion; Rep. [[Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez]], Sen. [[Bernie Sanders]], and House Speaker [[Nancy Pelosi]]'s proposal for Medicare for All is estimated to cost $32 Trillion.

Medicare for All is a prime objective to save the planet from [[greenhouse gases]] and get to net-zero carbon emissions by banning cars before the year 2030 under the [[Democrats]] [[Green New Deal]].

==Incremental nationalization==
:{{See also|Incrementalism}}
Obamacare was designed to fail with the hope that after it crashed and burned, Americans would willingly accept [[Socialism]].

The [[Congressional Budget Office]] was widely off in its projections that 22 million Americans would lose their health insurance if the [[individual mandate]] were repealed. Only 2.5 million more people are expected to go without insurance in 2019 due to its repeal, according to the latest report, and that number is expected to decline in the years ahead.<ref>https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/government-report-reveals-cbo-was-was-scandalously-off-in-obamacare-estimates</ref><ref>https://www.dailysignal.com/2019/02/22/9-years-after-obamacare-passed-agency-finds-numbers-were-wildly-off/</ref>

==Sponsors==
These Democrats introduced legislation to allow their constituents to [[steal|loot]] their fellow citizens.<ref>https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/676/cosponsors</ref> Many are members of the [[Congressional Progressive Caucus]]. The [[Socialist]] proposal disregards fundamental [[property]] and [[human rights]].

===House===
<div style="column-count:4;-moz-column-count:4;-webkit-column-count:4">
*Rep. [[Jared Huffman]] [D-CA-2]
*Rep. [[Barbara Lee]] [D-CA-13]
*Rep. [[Katherine Clark]] [D-MA-5]
*Rep. [[Wm. Lacy Clay]] [D-MO-1]
*Rep. [[Steve Cohen]] [D-TN-9]
*Rep. [[Elijah Cummings]] [D-MD-7]
*Rep. [[Elliot Engel]] [D-NY-16]
*Rep. [[Raul Grijalva]] [D-AZ-3]
*Rep. [[Sheila Jackson Lee]] [D-TX-18]
*Rep. [[Ted Lieu]] [D-CA-33]
*Rep. [[Eleanor Holmes Norton]] [D-DC-At Large]
*Rep. [[Mark Pocan]] [D-WI-2]
*Rep. [[Lucille Roybal-Allard]] [D-CA-40]
*Rep. [[Tim Ryan]] [D-OH-13]
*Rep. Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [D-VA-3]
*Rep. [[Jose Serrano]] [D-NY-15]
*Rep. [[Mark Takano]] [D-CA-41]
*Rep. [[Marcy Kaptur]] [D-OH-9]
*Rep. [[Hakeem Jeffries]] [D-NY-8]
*Rep. [[John Lewis]] [D-GA-5]
*Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]
*Rep. [[Bennie Thompson]] [D-MS-2]
*Rep. [[Janice Schakowsky]] [D-IL-9]
*Rep. [[Bonnie Watson Coleman]] [D-NJ-12]
*Rep. [[Peter Welch]] [D-VT-At Large]
*Rep. [[Grace Napolitano]] [D-CA-32]
*Rep. [[Robert Brady]] [D-PA-1]
*Rep. [[Matt Cartwright]] [D-PA-17]
*Rep. [[Chellie Pingree]] [D-ME-1]
*Rep. [[Brenda Lawrence]] [D-MI-14]
*Rep. [[John Garamendi]] [D-CA-3]
*Rep. [[Zoe Lofgren]] [D-CA-19]
*Rep. [[Earl Blumenauer]] [D-OR-3]
*Rep. [[Robin Kelly]] [D-IL-2]
*Rep. [[Yvette Clarke]] [D-NY-9]
*Rep. Nolan, Richard M. [D-MN-8]
*Rep. [[Emanuel Cleaver]] [D-MO-5]
*Rep. [[Alcee Hastings]] [D-FL-20]
*Rep. [[Judy Chu]] [D-CA-27]
*Rep. [[James McGovern]] [D-MA-2]
*Rep. [[Hank Johnson]] [D-GA-4]
*Rep. [[Jarrold Nadler]] [D-NY-10]
*Rep. [[Pramila Jayapal]] [D-WA-7]
*Rep. [[Michael F. Doyle]] [D-PA-14]
*Rep. [[Alma Adams]] [D-NC-12]
*Rep. [[Joyce Beatty]] [D-OH-3]
*Rep. [[Al Green]] [D-TX-9]
*Rep. [[Mark DeSaulnier]] [D-CA-11]
*Rep. [[Gwen Moore]] [D-WI-4]
*Rep. [[Danny Davis]] [D-IL-7]
*Rep. [[Bobby Rush]] [D-IL-1]
*Rep. [[Alan Lowenthal]] [D-CA-47]
*Rep. [[Jamie Raskin]] [D-MD-8]
*Rep. [[Ro Khanna]] [D-CA-17]
*Rep. [[Jackie Speier]] [D-CA-14]
*Rep. [[Dwight Evans]] [D-PA-2]
*Rep. Butterfield, G. K. [D-NC-1]
*Rep. [[Marcia Fudge]] [D-OH-11]
*Rep. [[Karen Bass]] [D-CA-37]
*Rep. Higgins, Brian [D-NY-26]
*Rep. [[Suzanne Bonamici]] [D-OR-1]
*Rep. [[Gregory Meeks]] [D-NY-5]
*Rep. [[Carolyn Maloney]] [D-NY-12]
*Rep. [[Adriano Espaillat]] [D-NY-13]
*Rep. [[Nanette Diaz Barragan]] [D-CA-44]
*Rep. [[Nydia Velazquez]] [D-NY-7]
*Rep. Payne, Donald M., Jr. [D-NJ-10]
*Rep. [[Frederica Wilson]] [D-FL-24]
*Rep. [[Tulsi Gabbard]] [D-HI-2]
*Rep. [[Peter DeFazio]] [D-OR-4]
*Rep. [[Kathy Castor]] [D-FL-14]
*Rep. Green, Gene [D-TX-29]
*Rep. Price, David E. [D-NC-4]
*Rep. Cicilline, David N. [D-RI-1]
*Rep. [[Jimmy Panetta]] [D-CA-20]
*Rep. Brown, Anthony G. [D-MD-4]
*Rep. [[Andre Carson]] [D-IN-7]
*Rep. [[John Sarbanes]] [D-MD-3]
*Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]
*Rep. [[Grace Meng]] [D-NY-6]
*Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46]
*Rep. [[Diana DeGette]] [D-CO-1]
*Rep. McNerney, Jerry [D-CA-9]
*Rep. [[Debbie Dingell]] [D-MI-12]
*Rep. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ-7]
*Rep. [[David Loebsack]] [D-IA-2]
*Rep. Polis, Jared [D-CO-2]
*Rep. [[Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan]] [D-MP-At Large]
*Rep. [[Ed Perlmutter]] [D-CO-7]
*Rep. Gonzalez, Vicente [D-TX-15]
*Rep. [[D. Adam Smith]] [D-WA-9]
*Rep. [[Linda Sanchez]] [D-CA-38]
*Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-13]
*Rep. Lawson, Al, Jr. [D-FL-5]
*Rep. [[Eric Swalwell]] [D-CA-15]
*Rep. [[Jim Cooper]] [D-TN-5]
*Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-5]
*Rep. [[Maxine Waters]] [D-CA-43]
*Rep. [[Darren Soto]] [D-FL-9]
*Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-6]
*Rep. Visclosky, Peter J. [D-IN-1]
*Rep. Sires, Albio [D-NJ-8]
*Rep. [[Theodore Deutch]] [D-FL-22]
*Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33]
*Rep. [[Adam Schiff]] [D-CA-28]
*Rep. [[Nita Lowey]] [D-NY-17]
*Rep. Bishop, Sanford D., Jr. [D-GA-2]
*Rep. [[Jimmy Gomez]] [D-CA-34]
*Rep. [[Brad Sherman]] [D-CA-30]
*Rep. Vela, Filemon [D-TX-34]
*Rep. Langevin, James R. [D-RI-2]
*Rep. [[Donald Beyer]] [D-VA-8]
*Rep. [[Lois Frankel]] [D-FL-21]
*Rep. [[Donald Norcross]] [D-NJ-1]
*Rep. Johnson, Eddie Bernice [D-TX-30]
*Rep. Jones, Brenda [D-MI-13]
</div>

===Senate===
<div style="column-count:4;-moz-column-count:4;-webkit-column-count:4">
*Sen. [[Tammy Baldwin]] [D-WI]
*Sen. [[Richard Blumenthal]] [D-CT]
*Sen. [[Cory Booker]] [D-NJ]
*Sen. [[Kirsten Gillibrand]] [D-NY]
*Sen. [[Kamala Harris]] [D-CA]
*Sen. [[Martin Heinrich]] [D-NM]
*Sen. [[Mazie Hirono]] [D-HI]
*Sen. [[Patrick Leahy]] [D-VT]
*Sen. [[Edward Markey]] [D-MA]
*Sen. [[Jeff Merkley]] [D-OR]
*Sen. [[Brian Schatz]] [D-HI]
*Sen. [[Jeanne Shaheen]] [D-NH]
*Sen. [[Tom Udall]] [D-NM]
*Sen. [[Elizabeth Warren]] [D-MA]
*Sen. [[Sheldon Whitehouse]] [D-RI]
</div>

To be fair, some Democrats did back away from the [[communist]] plot to destroy America. <ref>https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/healthcare/house-democratic-sponsorship-of-medicare-for-all-has-fallen</ref> Notably Rep. [[Jim Clyburn]], D-S.C., the House Majority Whip; Rep. [[Anna Eshoo]], D-Calif., chairwoman of the Energy and Commerce's Health Subcommittee; and Rep. [[John Yarmuth]], D-Ky., chairman of the House Budget Committee. So-called "mainstream" Democrats are said to oppose the communist takeover of healthcare,<ref>https://thefederalist.com/2019/11/06/its-not-just-republicans-mainstream-senate-democrats-oppose-medicare-for-all/</ref> however it should be noted many of the same Democrat Senators voted for forced collectivization under Obamacare.

==See also==
*[[Justice Democrats]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://thehill.com/opinion/healthcare/452802-bernie-sanderss-dream-is-another-countrys-unhealthy-reality Bernie Sanders's dream is another country's reality], by Dr. Jill Gamberg
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6-51_J8Qfw&feature=push-u-sub&attr_tag=XvpU4eE1wK6NSliX%3A6 Wuhan patient unable to get medical treatment curses at government incompetence] during [[Coronavirus]] emergency
{{communism}}
[[Category:Socialism]]
[[Category:Marxist Terminology]]
[[Category:Misnomers]]

Theory

2021-08-10T01:54:48Z

JohnTheRevelator: John von Neumann's Game Theory arguably falls under naturalistic science, as human behavior is generally natural. Lumping von Neumann in with Marx seems a bit insulting to such a brilliant man.

In science, a '''theory''' is a well-tested explanation of facts: "A [[model]] or [[framework]] (made up of a body of [[principle]]s) to explain phenomena." [http://www.economyprofessor.com/economictheories/aa-theory.php]

In a context of biological [[evolution]], Pope [[John Paul II]] wrote:
{{QuoteBox|A theory is a metascientific elaboration, distinct from the results of observation but consistent with them. By means of it a series of independent data and facts can be related and interpreted in a unified explanation. A theory's validity depends on whether or not it can be verified, it is constantly tested against the facts; wherever it can no longer explain the latter, it shows its limitations and unsuitability. It must then be rethought.<ref>Pope John Paul II, [http://www.cin.org/jp2evolu.html Message to Pontifical Academy of Sciences] October 22, 1996.</ref>}}

If a theory or point of view is treated only as doctrine to be validated, and not one to be challenged, it is not within the realm of science.<ref>{{cite book
|author=Randal Hedtke
|title=Secrets of the Sixth Edition
|publisher=Master Books
|place=Portland, Oregon
|year=2010
|pages=57
|isbn=978-0-89051-597-6
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P0VpUOh9S3oC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Hedtke+the+secrets+of+the&hl=en&sa=X&ei=ebewUeb-Csfx4QTX84GYBA&redir_esc=y#v=snippet&q=doctrine%20to%20be%20validated&f=false}}</ref>

The term "theory" is often used outside of the realm of [[natural science]], such as in [[music theory]], [[number theory]], or [[Marxism|Marxist theory]]. In this usage, theory is used to refer to an area of study.

== See also ==
*[[Theory and practice]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==See also==
*[[scientific theory]]
[[Category:Methodology of Science]]
[[Category:Science]]

Transgender

2021-08-10T01:43:47Z

JohnTheRevelator: Increasing the clarity of a statement. Previously sounded like "third gender" has only been found in India and America, while it has been found in multiple places throughout history, just like most ideas. The Caucuses mountains for instance, in sworn c...

'''Transgender''' has two common definitions; both of them are forms of [[gender confusion]]:

# Similar to [[transsexual]], but without having had a sex-change operation.
# As a synonym for transsexual.

61-98% of young people outgrow their [[gender confusion]] if allowed to progress naturally.<ref>Ristori J, Steensma TD. Gender dysphoria in childhood. Int Rev Psychiatry. 2016;28(1):13-20.</ref>

The term "transgender" is not to be confused with a whole host of "gender identities" (which [[the left]] see as separate from biological [[sex]]) under the umbrella of '''genderqueer''', which includes, besides transgender:

* Bigender (both man and woman)
* Agender (neither man nor woman)
* Genderfluid (alternating between genders)
* Third gender (found in, among other places, [[India]]n culture, some [[Native American]] cultures, and also invented by modern-day people)

Reputable scientific & social organizations which affirm the validity of transgender people include the American Psychological Association, the American Medical Association and the American Psychoanalytic Association. This shows leftist bias in these organizations.

Transgenders often adopt the opposite sex's [[gender]] role through cosmetics, grooming, mannerisms, [[cross-dressing|clothing]] and a name change.

==Links to homosexuality==
The link between seeking a sex change and [[sexual orientation]] is hotly disputed in the political arena of Western countries, where sex changes have had the most attention and debate. Some transgendered individuals consider themselves homosexual and some are heterosexual.

==See also==
* [[Transgender activism]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*Richardson, Bradford (February 28, 2018). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/feb/22/transgender-movement-rejected-growing-body-researc/ Growing body of research rejects transgender movement]. ''The Washington Times''.
*Shupe, Jamie (March 10, 2019). [https://www.dailysignal.com/2019/03/10/i-was-americas-first-non-binary-person-it-was-all-a-sham/ I Was America’s First ‘Nonbinary’ Person. It Was All a Sham.] ''The Daily Signal''. Retrieved April 15, 2019.

[[Category:Sexuality]]