Theresa Burton

Myth I would like dispelled: People with autism cannot love.

I was once told by a professional that people with autism cannot love like we understand it. That their love will always be egocentric and once they receive no benefit from you they will cease to care.

In October I gave birth to my fourth son. My second oldest Sam is diagnosed with autism. Since I brought our youngest home (Benjamin), Sam has not only loved him unconditionally, but has shown his other brothers how to care for him. He bathes Ben, he feeds Ben, he plays and talks to Ben - and what is more amazing is whereas we are constantly reminding Sam to use his 'inside voice' at ALL other times, when he talks to Ben his tone and volume completely change. He understands the need to be gentle and sensitive to the baby, there isn't a day goes by he doesn't ask me how Ben is, even when he is at school.

If this doesn't show that individuals who are autistic can love unconditionally, nothing will.