TO THE EDITOR:
I was honored that Rhode Island Catholic chose to write about the success of St. Pius X School in educating our students who are on the autism spectrum.
However, after seeing the term “learning disabled” above and below my son’s picture and throughout the article, I feel compelled to offer a different viewpoint for the sake of other parents and educators of children on the autism spectrum.
My wife and I disclosed to our son last summer that he has autism. It was not presented as a disability in any way, but as a gift from God. Currently in the United States, one in every 54 boys is diagnosed with autism, many of whom are high functioning, as my son is. He has a high IQ, is a talented artist and actor, and has a natural ear for music (not to mention that he has the entire Amtrak Northeast Corridor schedule memorized!). His accommodations are relatively few. The words “learning disabled,” although one might argue are technically or clinically correct, I feel carry a negative connotation. If anything, I would characterize my son Peter as academically, emotionally, physically, and most importantly spiritually empowered, not disabled.
There is very strong speculation that many figures in history may have been on the autism spectrum. Although many reports are technically inconclusive due to the lack of a comprehensive history, many of them have significant evidence to at least point towards the diagnosis. This list includes Albert Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton, Michelangelo, Mozart, Thomas Jefferson, Hans Christian Anderson, Emily Dickinson, Vincent van Gogh, and many others. Perhaps if they were diagnosed today, they might be labeled as “learning disabled.” How many of you would ever think of these people as disabled in any way?
Henry Fiore
Autism Consultant/Principal of St. Pius X School, Westerly
