Reference to autism puzzling, disturbing

AS A former teacher of children with moderate learning disabilities, and a former special education administrator, I winced during the debate Wednesday between Senators Barack Obama and John McCain when the latter, emphasizing his empathy for such children, commented that he'd increase funding for autism research. I wondered: Is he obliquely referring to Governor Sarah Palin's youngest child, who has Down syndrome and who likely will need extra support in his schooling? Or is he conveniently choosing to emphasize a condition that he is more aware of as it has gained much press based on the rapid rise in diagnosis in the last decade? Surely, McCain could not confuse autism with Down syndrome. Yet sadly, that is what he appeared to do, as later in the debate, he cited Palin as one who could relate "better than most" to parents of autistic children and their educational funding needs.

I gave McCain a pass on the first comment, but must now ask: How well can he know Palin and her family to not know that there are major differences between autism and Down syndrome?

I don't expect McCain to know genetics or neurology, but perhaps he should understand more of the complexities of educating all children before he lectures on the benefits of education reform and the subsequent changes in funding, and restructuring at the local level, that he proposes.

ANNE MARIE FLYNN
Hopkinton