We don't have a clear cause for autism beyond recognizing that genetics play a role.
We don't even have a clear picture of the scope; one reason rates appear to be increasing is simply that we've gotten better at recognizing symptoms in previously ignored populations. But... We are probably still ignoring symptoms in some significant populations.
It is completely understandable that, as we learn more and the scope of the problem becomes more apparent, folks are alarmed and clamoring for politicians to Do Something.
...it is less apparent that there is anything productive to be done, beyond continued efforts to better understand the situation.
We (as a society) and Kennedy in particular (within his own family), have ample experience with the harms wrought by efforts to Do Something when no effective solution exists.
Comments
No.
We don't have a cure for autism.
We don't have a prevention for autism.
We don't have a clear cause for autism beyond recognizing that genetics play a role.
We don't even have a clear picture of the scope; one reason rates appear to be increasing is simply that we've gotten better at recognizing symptoms in previously ignored populations. But... We are probably still ignoring symptoms in some significant populations.
It is completely understandable that, as we learn more and the scope of the problem becomes more apparent, folks are alarmed and clamoring for politicians to Do Something.
...it is less apparent that there is anything productive to be done, beyond continued efforts to better understand the situation.
We (as a society) and Kennedy in particular (within his own family), have ample experience with the harms wrought by efforts to Do Something when no effective solution exists.
This is what I'm talking about... Not knowing how to fix the problem should not exclude attempts to fix the problem. The logic is strange to me.