People with autism

I was pleased to see that Garrett Gray, a little boy with autism who loves dogs, will receive a service dog with help from friends and family (BDN, April 25). It was also heartening to read about Lynn and Robert Boulier, whose hard work with animals is so helpful to many people.

However, since part of the article seemed to be focusing on education and support for people with autism, I found it sad that, as usual, the media have portrayed all children with autism as rather pathetic, certainly unhappy, and generally to be pitied. You do a disservice to the many people with autism as well as to those who love and support them with this largely inaccurate view.

First and foremost, no person should be described primarily according to his or her greatest life challenge. People with autism are just that: people first of all – people who happen to have autism. Your article mentioned “autistic children” no less than five times.

Further, the article painted all people with autism using the same brush. Children with autism do not all have a special relationship with animals. Children with autism do not all know that they have to “cope” with their autism – some actually like the way they are. All children with autism do not have a lack of self-esteem and, although the article was correct in stating that autism affects the functioning of the brain, the dominant signs cited were largely incorrect. I have two children with autism and neither throws tantrums or prefers to be alone. And neither of them likes dogs. But they are happy, healthy, and they love their lives.

People with autism are individuals, who would be greatly served if you would run another article that addresses the misconceptions reinforced by this one.

Beth Woodbury

Lincoln