"But if you got rid of all the autism genetics, you wouldn't have science or art. All you would have is a bunch of social 'yak yaks'."
- Temple Grandin
Hey guys! The blog hasn't been updated in a while, I apologise for that but I've been super busy with essays and reports and frequent naps.
- Temple Grandin
Hey guys! The blog hasn't been updated in a while, I apologise for that but I've been super busy with essays and reports and frequent naps.
In the spirit of raising awareness of autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs), allow me to enlighten you as to what it's all about. I'll split it up into sections. That is how much I care about you all.
Types: ASD is an umbrella term that encompasses classic autism, autistic savantism, Asperger's syndrome - now removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual but still recognised by the many "Aspies" and their loved ones the world over - and PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified) and more.
Difficulty understanding facial expressions and body language.
May take figures of speech (e.g. "I laughed my head off") to be literal.
Non verbal (in classic autism).
Unusual speech pattern or echolalia (in ASDs).
Refers to self in third person.
Vocal or physical stims (such as humming, hand flapping or rocking).
Sensitive to certain textures, tastes, scents, sounds, colours, etc.
Overwhelmed by stimulus such as bright lights and loud noises.
Prone to meltdowns (periods of screaming, flailing and possibly engaging in self injurious behaviour to name a few whilst being unable to control themselves - usually triggered by a certain stimulus).
Set routine that invokes anxiety or meltdowns if disturbed.
One or more "special interests" - an obsession with something such as dinosaurs or trains. Often, they will be very knowledgeable about their interest(s).
Above average IQ (in ASDs).
Walking on tiptoes or having an otherwise unusual gait.
Motor skills don't develop as fast as their peers.
May have other conditions - ADHD, ODD and bipolar disorder, for example.
May take figures of speech (e.g. "I laughed my head off") to be literal.
Non verbal (in classic autism).
Unusual speech pattern or echolalia (in ASDs).
Refers to self in third person.
Vocal or physical stims (such as humming, hand flapping or rocking).
Sensitive to certain textures, tastes, scents, sounds, colours, etc.
Overwhelmed by stimulus such as bright lights and loud noises.
Prone to meltdowns (periods of screaming, flailing and possibly engaging in self injurious behaviour to name a few whilst being unable to control themselves - usually triggered by a certain stimulus).
Set routine that invokes anxiety or meltdowns if disturbed.
One or more "special interests" - an obsession with something such as dinosaurs or trains. Often, they will be very knowledgeable about their interest(s).
Above average IQ (in ASDs).
Walking on tiptoes or having an otherwise unusual gait.
Motor skills don't develop as fast as their peers.
May have other conditions - ADHD, ODD and bipolar disorder, for example.
It's important to note that no one with any ASD will display all of these signs. People with ASDs are as unique in their personalities and traits as anyone else.
Facts: It is thought that one or two out of every 1000 people are on the autistic spectrum worldwide.
It's more commonly diagnosed in boys.
Autism means 'alone' (translated from the Greek 'autos' which means 'self').
A controversy surrounding autism is the notion that vaccinations such as the MMR vaccine cause autism. This was based on the word of one Andrew Wakefield in 1998. It was based on fraudulent research and is COMPLETELY FALSE. Unfortunately, due to the endorsements of this viewpoint by celebrities, anti-vaxxers are refusing to vaccinate their children, leaving them open to life threatening diseases such as German measles. Non-vaccinated people must rely on herd immunity to stay healthy as they are not immune themselves.
Although ASDs undoubtedly come with their challenges, they can be incredible gifts too. 40 year old Stephen Wiltshire MBE was diagnosed as autistic at three years old. He is an amazing artist who draws detailed pictures from memory, his most famous picture being an 18ft sketch of the New York skyline after viewing it once on a short helicopter ride. He received his MBE for his services to art. This is an example of autistic savantism.
Stephen is not alone. Other presumed autistic savants include Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton and Bill Gates.
It's more commonly diagnosed in boys.
Autism means 'alone' (translated from the Greek 'autos' which means 'self').
Although ASDs undoubtedly come with their challenges, they can be incredible gifts too. 40 year old Stephen Wiltshire MBE was diagnosed as autistic at three years old. He is an amazing artist who draws detailed pictures from memory, his most famous picture being an 18ft sketch of the New York skyline after viewing it once on a short helicopter ride. He received his MBE for his services to art. This is an example of autistic savantism.
The most important message of Autism Awareness Day is acceptance. Respect your fellow humans, neurotypical or otherwise. Don't use words like "retard" or "spaz". Don't believe all the negative stereotypes you hear. A little understanding can go a long way!
Have a great day and enjoy your weekend!
