"Environmental" in this case has nothing to do with parenting necessarily--we're talking about environmental toxins... I was talking about toxic waste in the ground water and such before... this seemed to be a promising avenue for research but I'm not sure in the last year or two where it's gone...
yes. well i know there has been research/speculation on certain immunizations being a possible cause. but yes, toxins. i misunderstood what was said.
my son is on the spectrum to a lesser degree, it sounds, than your cousin. one doctor said it was closer to pdd (pervasive development disorder), the educators who tested him, and who now work with him at early learning classes say autism. but yes, the earlier the diagnosis the better chance of mainstream.
i learn more from my son than i do most adults. he sees things differently, experiences things in a very unique way. he does make eye contact, and his verbal skills are good (though there is a lot of question as to whether he is using words to communicate, or just apeing what he hears. he can do spot on impersonations).
they do like to wander off (i.e. your cousin sneaking out the windows), and often this seems to be due to being lost in thought.
misunderstandings and prejudice is difficult, even at his young age. intelligence is often questioned, and people talk to him as if he is stupid, or talk loudly in his face as if he has hearing issues, or something of that nature (which, tbh, just scares the life out of him to get so into his personal space).
dr. temple grandin has some interesting things to say on the subject, and has written/spoken on the connection with animals.
(thank you for sharing about your cousin, btw)
