Hi, I am a 16 year old girl who has been diagnosed with a high functioning autism spectrum disorder, and although I was diagnosed when I was 11, my parents didn't see fit to tell me until just a few months ago. Ever since I found out that I was the "lucky recipient" of an autistic spectrum disorder, I have been desperatly trying to find out any information I can about my disorder, and other related dissorders related to mine. I asked my doctor about it, and he gave me a pat on the head and a "There there, nothing to worry about" speech. I asked my parents and got a more sweaty, awkward "There there, nothing to worry about" speach. Ever since, I have turned to the internet to be my guide through my research (not the best alternative I know, but at least my computer won't pat my head).

Anyways, in my search through the cyber jungle we call the internet looking for some answers as to what is actually going on in my head (my "Holy Grail" if you will) I have been coming across some research into the promissing future of medications that one day may change the face of autism, the miracle pill. In all of my readings of such futuristic medications I have found myself growing more and more confused. What if there was a miracle pill that would make it all just go away? What if, for the price of a pill a day, I could look someone in the eye when I was talking to them? What if someone would give me an injection that would turn me from awkward nervous reck into crazy fun party girl? And the toughest question of all, would I take it?

My main issue with this is, I have never known a world without autism. If there was this miracle pill that would strip me of my autistic nature, would I be giving up a part of my soul as well? What is it like, to think and understand the world around me as others see it? When I see a painting on a wall, do I see it as others do? What do you see? What do you feel? These are all questions that leave me apprehensive at the thought of leaving autism behind. Because I fear that if I could, would I also be leaving a part of me with it? Tell me, oh wise and wonderful people of the forum, how do you feel about the subject of the "Miracle Pill"?

I think it's up to each person do decide for themselves. Some people take a DX and make it their own. It becomes part of who they are, and couldn't imagine living without it. Some people would happily rid themselves of their problem so they can more easily live normal lives. I supose it would depend on side effects, and how much autisum is interfearing with your life. I know that, at this point, were that an option, I would seriously consider it for my son (he's 7) since he has such a hard time of it right now.

I agree with Lady Lark

Selena:)

There was an interesting article on Autism in Scientific American recently, describing some new research in an intelligible fashion.

http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanID=sa006&colID=1&articleID=000B7F38-893D-152E-88E283414B7F0000

Well I sort of understood it.

We had threads like this on an aspergers site I follow. My original theory was treatment options (a magic pill) were not likely so the debate was pointless. But its possible a drug that works like oxytocin but with a long half-life and can be taken in a pill might greatly reduce alot of the core features of autism spectrum and without alot of negative side effects.

Oh I've used oxytocin nasal spray myself but it hard to say if it has any effect at all.
but some limited studies suggest it might.