Senator Noynoy Aquino is Not Autistic

"Is He Autistic?" distracts us from focusing on pertinent issues and instead plays upon laymen's ignorance and fears.

Mental disorders are diagnosed and classified using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV).

Autism is an apparent, ascertainable condition subject to easy diagnosis by any physician or trained psychologist. The diagnosis of autism requires a total of 6 symptoms including at least two symptoms of qualitative impairment in social interaction, at least one symptom of qualitative impairment in communication, and at least one symptom of restricted and repetitive behavior.

In other words, autism is both observable and obvious.

From a medical standpoint, Senator Noynoy Aquino does not in any way suffer from autism.

He does suffer as a victim of inuuendo and personal attacks based on psuedo medical imaginings meant to discredit him and distract the electorate.

Not that autism automatically excludes anyone from public office. Thomas Jefferson was known to have exhibited a number of symptoms pointing to some form of autism ( Ledgin, Norm. Diagnosing Jefferson: Evidence of a Condition that Guided his Beliefs, Behavior, and Personal Associations.). President Thomas Jefferson is the principal author of the Declaration of Independence.

Autism as an issue is a sham. It is unworthy of serious discussion.

We must instead focus upon the qualities of our presidential candidates that will result in peaceful, revolutionary transformation. Former and present leaders who displayed legal brilliance, a variety of talents, and unprecedented hard work all failed to unite us Filipinos into becoming a productive force. We need an honest President with a clear mind and a clean heart who will rally us from all this hopelessness, violence and corruption.