The Beauty of Autism
Value in Diversity
There isn't just one way to think and perceive the world
You would have a bunch of people standing around in a cave, chatting and socializing and not getting anything done.”
-Temple Grandin
Know the differences
Diagnostic features
- Abnormal or impaired development in social interaction & communication
- Lack of interests/activities, nonverbal behavior
- Failure to develop peer relationships
Rett's Disorder:
Diagnostic features
- Deceleration of head growth
- Loss of previously learned hand skills
- Severely impaired receptive language development skills
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder:
Diagnostic features
- Significant loss of previously aquirred skills
- Abnormal functioning in social interaction & communication
- Apparent normal development for at least 2 years after birth
Asperger's disorder:
Diagnostic features
- Lack of social or emotional reciprocity
- Stereotyped motor mannerisms
- No clinically significant delay in motor coordination
However under the DSM-5 there is only one term for various disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
A: A complex disorder of brain development that affects an individuals behavior, social skills, and communication skills.
A: Around 1 in 68 American children (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), estimated 1 out of 42 boys & 1 out of 189 girls are diagnosed.
What are the characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders?
A: ASD has two "core" areas that usually present themselves, social communication challenges and repetitive/restrictive behaviors. (Ex. Difficulty maintaining eye contact, repetitive behaviors like tapping or flapping, sensory issues, or difficulties with self-regulation).
Play
Play for me is where the thinking drifts off in floating clouds above
Where I can be me in unity of peaceful things, I love.
Entertaining self in the world of play emitted from life’s exposure
Allowing words and thoughts to be created by me the great composer
Oblivious to those around me as if they don’t exist
Playing with my inner thoughts of things I cannot resist
Lining them up in playful order comes a pattern to my eyes
When one comes and alters the purpose of my visions simply dies
For me pleasure comes from the way my play is to be
Sit quietly and observe what I am learning about me
Patterns. Patterns everywhere cause my adrenaline to consume me
Patterns are my favorite play, creating it in ways it was meant to be
Allowing myself to be alone to discover what my play is meant to bring
For inside myself this play of mine brings me happy things.
Written by Sondra Williams