The Pain of Autism.(Letter to the Editor)

Our Sept. 8 cover story on autism prompted heartfelt responses from parents and professionals who faulted us for whitewashing the disorder. "My son can't communicate or play," wrote one."He'll be dependent forever."

How Our Brains Work

Thanks for the stories of kids with autism ("Boys, Girls and Autism," Sept. 8). You highlight this as a spectrum disorder and note that autistic people have unique abilities and the potential to be contributing members of society. This is true for those on the higher- functioning end of the autism spectrum, such as those you depicted, and for most of those who are more severely affected. Autism, increasing at an alarming rate of 10 to 17 percent a year, is one of the fastest- growing disabilities: about 50 new U.S. families will learn today that their child has some form of autism. Autism takes both an emotional and a financial toll on families. The annual estimated cost of treatment is $90 billion; it could increase to more than $300 billion a year over the next decade. The U.S. government acknowledges it as a health crisis of epidemic proportion, with no known causes or cures. Scientists agree that there is a genetic component to autism, but factors like infectious, neurologic, immunologic and environmental insults may also play important roles.

Robert L. Beck, President

Autism Society of America

Bethesda, Maryland

I was told my autistic son couldn't learn math, that he wouldn't ever have a "regular" job, and that I should let the state care for him. I'm glad I didn't listen. Today he holds down a full-time job and is preparing for college courses in Web-page design. The public needs to hear more about what our kids can do, and less about how they can't be like everyone else.