Let's compare and contrast!

[conuly]

Some of these traits are traits of autism and some of them are traits of cancer. Let's see if you can spot the difference!

This is a disease which is marked by excessive growth, aka tumors. Answer: Cancer. Hard to tell, but the word "tumor" gives it away.

This is a neurological difference/disability which is marked by either gaze aversion or staring. Answer: Autism. People with cancer generally will look you in the eye for the appropriate amount of time.

This can develop later in life. Answer: Cancer. It should not be possible to become autistic later in life.

This can kill you. Answer: Cancer. Contrary to popular belief, autism does not snatch children, nor does it kill them.

Congratulations. You now know the difference between autism and cancer. There will be a quiz later.

Comments

Re: Autism can kill, apparently, but in a very roundabout way ;))

[eofs.livejournal.com]

If it looks like a duck, and it quacks like a duck...

Re: Autism can kill, apparently, but in a very roundabout way ;))

[conuly]

Then it's a kid dressed up like a duck and going quack.

It's nonsense to use the same term for multiple conditions just because they superficially appear the same.

Re: Autism can kill, apparently, but in a very roundabout way ;))

[staircase-wit.livejournal.com]

What a coincidence! Medical Quackery (http://www.autism-watch.org/about/bio2.shtml) is the first thing that I think of when I hear autism compared to cancer, and/or chelation.

Quack!

The whole cancer comparison is realy tiresome to me, and I suspect to people like me, who are more than likely going to deal directly with cancer. My mother had it in her uterus. My uncle and grandfather had it in their colons. My aunt has it in her breast(s). I don't use cancer as a metaphor, and I never compare it with any other disease.