My older daughter has a son, Peter. He is on the autism spectrum. He is a delight. Peter sets goals for himself and sticks to them. The family recently got a rescue puppy. Peter agreed they should get a dog, but then would not go near the dog. He said he would be better with the dog for his 12th birthday. As he approaches that milestone, he has increased his contact with the puppy. My younger daughter works at Sandy Hook Elementary School. She survived the terrible shooting of December l4th. The media recently released the report of items found in the shooters house. Included was a book on Autism. I would not be so presumptuous to think that no one on the spectrum could ever have mental problems. I feel however, that the media has not been careful to point out that autism is not in itself a mental illness. I hope people will remember that for every troubled person there are more Peters.

Anonymous
Fishkill, NY