Denis Leary’s Take On Autism

October 19, 2008 / 11:46 am • By Dr. Melissa Clouthier

Denis Leary’s Take On Autism
Well, Leary is getting attention.

Posted in Read This
Tags:

  • Mr. Chuckles

    Doc-

    I have a serious question for you (no, this is not a setup).

    I read in your profile that you are the parent of a child with autism. Several of the parents in my school district have autistic children as well. I’m not going to touch the issue of whether or not they have autism – I’m not remotely qualified to give an answer. I do have concerns however about how we are going to fund the education that is required for these kids. Don’t get me wrong – I think that this is very burdensome for the parents who deal with this, but I keep reading about school districts either getting sued or going bankrupt from judgements against them. Time (you may not like the mag, but whatever) ran a piece about this about a year ago, predictably with no conclusions or suggestions. Our school district is very small, however we are a blue ribbon district and we attract a lot of folks to this area because of it. We are getting a lot of folks moving here with special needs kids as well, especially those with autism. How does your district handle the influx of these kids? Our district recently had to pay out about $250K to a parent and the rumor is that it was to settle a suit related to inadequate teaching for an autistic child (the terms were not disclosed).

    I’m just curious about how you think this issue will be solved, given the concerns on both sides of this issue. I can see where these parents need help, but where do we draw the line? I’m not trying to bait you, I just wanted some perspective from someone who has a child with this issue.

  • http://melissaclouthier.com Dr. Melissa Clouthier

    My answer is very atypical of parents with autism, so keep that in mind. I am for a complete tax credit so parents can educate their kids in the way they see fit. Of course, I’m for that solution for all children, not just autistic ones :) .

    Now, since that won’t happen. I think that school districts need experts in the field. Also, any resources spent early will diminish the resources needed as the kid hits adulthood.

    But you’re right. It is an issue. My big problem with the many schools is the laziness with any child outside the norm–and that’s all of them, in one way or another. There is just a general incurious nature about how to reach children.

    It’s always been this way. We all remember with profound fondness the few teachers who made a difference in our lives. Parents want that teacher every year. Not going to happen. And the way schools are set up, there are no incentives for it to happen more often.

  • Mr. Chuckles

    Doc,

    Thanks for your response on this issue. I would agree that experts in the field would be a good idea. In our district they are simply expecting the teachers to take up the slack. I’m not sure how this will be paid for, but it seems like a good idea.

    I may not agree with you on much, but I think you have some good insight here.

    P.S., Leary is a tool…