SEC - S17W6 | "Saving humanity"

_{edited By Canva}

If we had the power to eradicate any one of those diseases (just one) which one would you prefer to see go away? Describe your opinion.

If I had the power to eradicate a disease, I would without hesitation choose to see autism disappear. This decision is deeply influenced by my personal and professional experience, especially because my wife works as a speech therapist and frequently interacts with autistic children and their families. I was able to closely observe the daily challenges that these families face, and the burden that this represents on all levels: emotional, social, and financial.

From an emotional perspective, families dealing with autism often live in a state of constant tension. They have to manage the crises, unpredictable behavior, and communication difficulties of their autistic loved one, which can be exhausting in the long term. On a social level, there is also the isolation that these families can feel. Ordinary activities, like going to a park or attending a family event, can become major logistical challenges.

Financially, the costs associated with supporting an autistic family member are often high. Specialized therapies, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or behavioral interventions, are essential but can be expensive and are not always covered by insurance or public health systems. Additionally, one parent may need to reduce their working hours or give up their career to care for their child, which can significantly impact family income.

In choosing to eliminate autism, my goal would be to free individuals and their families from these constraints and allow them to live less restrictive and more spontaneous lives. While I recognize and celebrate the unique perspectives that autistic people bring to the world, I am also deeply aware of the struggles they and their families face daily. My wish to see this disease eradicated comes from a place of compassion and hope for a future where fewer families face these overwhelming challenges.

Have you known people who have suffered from that disease?

I personally know people who have suffered from autism, which has given me a much deeper and more nuanced perspective on what it actually entails. In particular, my aunt's child, who is autistic, opened my eyes to the multiple challenges that this condition can cause on a daily basis.

Observing the daily life of my autistic cousin was an eye-opening experience for me. The challenges he faces vary greatly, from difficulty interpreting social cues, which can make interactions with others particularly complicated, to very specific routine and environmental needs, which must be meticulously respected. to avoid disturbing it. For example, a minor change in his schedule or an impromptu visit can trigger an intense stress response for him.

In addition to the individual challenges my cousin faces, seeing the impact on his family also touched me greatly. My aunt must constantly plan and organize her home life around her son's needs, which often limits her own personal and professional opportunities. She spends a significant amount of time coordinating with therapists, teachers and other professionals to ensure her son receives the support he needs, which is both costly and time-consuming.

All of this led me to understand that living with autism is not only a series of logistical challenges, but also an ongoing emotional ordeal for the person and their family. This requires great strength, a lot of patience, and a constant ability to adapt. Seeing the efforts my aunt made and the progress my cousin made, I also learned to appreciate the small victories and moments of joy that accompany daily successes. This has given me a more comprehensive and empathetic perspective on what it means to live with autism, and why it is crucial to provide adequate support to these individuals and their families.

Do you think the world would be a much better place if that disease did not exist?

I really think the world would be different, and maybe even better in some ways, if autism didn't exist. Indeed, the negative impacts it has on the lives of families and individuals are undeniable. Without autism, many parents would not be forced to navigate the complex maze of specialized care and adapted education systems. These procedures are not only time-consuming but can also be a source of stress and constant anxiety.

On the other hand, children would have more typical interactions with their environment. This means they could more easily participate in social, academic, and community activities without the barriers that autism can present. Communication would be less complex, social bonds would form more naturally, and life experiences would perhaps be less marked by frustration and misunderstanding on both sides.

However, it is also true that many autistic people make unique and valuable contributions to society. Their way of seeing the world can often lead to extraordinary innovations and creations, enriching culture and science with perspectives that neurotypicality could not offer. For example, some autistic individuals have exceptional abilities in areas such as art, technology, and complex problem solving, which can lead to significant advances in these areas.

This is why it is an extremely complex subject. On the one hand, eradicating autism could reduce suffering and daily challenges for many families which is a fundamental human consideration. On the other hand, it could also deprive the world of some unique perspectives and talents that have their own irreplaceable value.

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Thank you very much for reading, it's time to invite my friends @pelon53, @nahela, @steemdoctor1 to participate in this contest.

Best Regards,
@kouba01