This from one of our subscribers... " I wanted to comment on the autistic child and breastfeeding. I believe it is imperative that the child continue to breastfeed, from the child's point of view. I have an autism spectrum disorder and physical contact for me can be very difficult. I wasn't breastfed and didn't have a lot of touch while growing up, because of my family situation, not because of me. I can hold my babies in large part because I am breastfeeding them and that has enabled me to make a physical connection from the beginning of their lives. They also aren't a "threat". Autistic people can shut out disturbing stimuli but they should learn to do it by reaching out to people, not just retreating. I only post this anonymously because there is still a lot of misunderstanding on what autism is, and what it entails. Some of us are verbal, but with limitations on that. " Kathleen B. Bruce, BSN, IBCLC co-owner Lactnet,TLC, Indep. Consultant Williston, Vermont mailto:[log in to unmask] LACTNET Archives http://library.ummed.edu/lsv/archives/lactnet.html