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Summary

The web content discusses the concept of neurodiversity, focusing on autism and dyslexia, and emphasizes that autism is not an illness but a different way of brain functioning, as well as the challenges and accommodations for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Abstract

The article "Autism (What Be This Ism?)" delves into the realm of neurodiversity, particularly highlighting the experiences of individuals with autism and dyslexia. It clarifies that autism is not a disease or illness but a distinct mode of brain function, as per the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. The piece underscores that an ASD diagnosis is not a barrier to achieving personal goals, as exemplified by a comedian's successful career. It also presents scenarios where a parent takes proactive steps to manage their child's sensory sensitivities in public spaces like a charity shop. The article concludes with a series of related links to other essays on social issues and perceptions.

Opinions

  • The author suggests that society should view autism as a different way of processing the world rather than as an illness.
  • There is an implication that public spaces and services could be more accommodating to the needs of neurodiverse individuals, particularly in managing sensory inputs like music and lighting.
  • The author conveys that neurodiversity, including conditions like dyslexia and autism, should not limit an individual's potential or participation in society.
  • The use of humor and personal anecdotes, such as the comedian's story and the dialogue between characters, serves to humanize and normalize the experiences of neurodiverse individuals.
  • The article advocates for a more inclusive approach to neurodiversity, encouraging understanding and acceptance rather than seeing it as a deficit or barrier.

Autism Autism (What Be This Ism?)

Photo: 20th Century Fox. 1st Person: I think you mean ‘Rain Man.’ Me: What’s a ‘Rain Man’?

Being neurodiverse I can relate….

1st Person: Wait. You’re autistic?

Me: No. Dyslexic.

1st Person: Hardly autism is it mate?

Me: Mmm, slighty neurodiversist.

So…. Great… Dyslexia. Bad short-term memory. It’s gone.

Anyway….

So, what is autism?

“Autism is not an illness. Being autistic does not mean you have an illness or disease. It means your brain works in a different way from other people.” — nhs.uk

Being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder doesn’t have to be a barrier to doing stuff you want to do, as this comedian shows.

Tenuous link over, now a scenario: A parent of a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder is off to their local charity shop with their child in tow.

Question: What might the parent say, whilst caring for their child?

The Answers:

(A). To the shop assistant, before letting their child enter the shop, “You need to turn this music off. They’ve got a thing about loud music and it messes with their head.”

(B). To their child, before both entering the shop, “You need to put your ear defenders on. The loud music in the shop will mess with your head.”

(C). To the shop assistant, before letting their child enter the shop, “You need to dim these lights if you can. They’ve got a thing about bright lights and they mess with their head.”

(D). To their child, before both entering the shop, “You need to put your special sunglasses on. The bright lights in the shop will mess with your head.”

(E). To the shop assistant, after they’ve both spent some time in the shop, “No need to thank us. They’ve got a thing about stock-taking and making sure things are in order. Your massive selection of DVDs was in a mess. You’re welcome.”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Special thanks to my girlfriend Hen.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

World Autism Day
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Neurodiversity
Diversity
Charity Shop
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