Autism is NOT a Neurotype

8/1/2014

Much of this is not my reality but it is the reality of many people whom I call friend. So please, I want you to read this with as must seething anger as I feel when I type it:

Despite what Hollywood would have you believe, autism isn't always a visionary version of genius, a different processing unit, or the quirky side of normal.

Autism IS a neurodevelopmental brain disorder. Autism can make people's lives very scary and confusing. Autism can and does hurt children and their families.

Here are some terms that many live with:

Self-harm
Developmental delay
Non-verbal
Agression
Disconnection
Head banging
Adult diapers
Intense Behavioural Intervention
Elopement
Little to No Awareness of Danger

There are many more.

Autism IS NOT A NEUROTYPE that should be celebrated. When you posit such bullshit you tell the world that we do not need research, therapy and medical attention for autism. It is both irresponsible and dangerous.

20 Comments

CourtneyBarnum link

8/1/2014 04:20:06 am

I disagree. While I see why some do NOT celebrate it, and I support them fully, I see why some do. Some don't mind being different. Some feel their struggles have made them stronger. Don't get me wrong. There are days I despise Autism, but there are also days I do embrace it. My son's quirks make him who he is. My quirks make me who I am. To me, that is worth celebrating. <3

Katie

8/4/2014 02:32:17 am

Pardon me; you believe the children who are in diapers, non-verbal, self-harming, and unable to express why they are in pain probably like it?

It's one thing to realize something has made you stronger (a child's suicide...a divorce...betrayal...). It's another thing to celebrate it.

Lisa Smith

8/11/2014 01:16:06 am

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Should a blind person not seek eyesight if there is a surgery to give them sight? Should a paralyzed person not seek surgery and therapy to help them walk again if possible? After all, these disabilities make them who they are??? Think again. I'm pretty sure my son would rather NOT have autism. He'd like to be able to communicate better and he hates the adult diapers too. Give me a break. Autism needs a cure if there is one out there.

8/11/2014 02:12:41 am

So sorry you have to deal with this, Lisa. Did you see my other comments on possible help? I think perhaps I saw you on Facebook...will send you a message.

John Slegers link

11/4/2014 07:50:28 pm

Autism brings out the extremes in human attributes. No two people are more different from another than two individuals on opposite side of the Autistic spectrum. Hence, one's individual experiences with Autism should never be generalized to reflect those of everyone.

Many people with Autism do not consider themselves disabled at all. In fact, I know a non-Autistic person who adopted Autistic problem solving strategies from his best friend (who has Asperger's), arguing that "the Autistic approach" to is often more efficient than "the non-Autistic approach". I've also met several couples with an Autistic partner who argue that they communicate more and better than most "normal" couples.

A lot depends, however, on how much an individual is locked into themselves and well they're able to compensate for the lack of an intuitive filter when processing sensory data and/or information. While some are desperate for a cure, for others the mere notion of a cure is as offensive as the notion of curing homosexuality or left-handedness.

Your experiences with Autism just reflect your experiences with Autism and are not representative for the entire Autistic community. If we want to support the Autistic community as a whole, it's important to recognize and respect both sides and stop fighting each other over who has the proper understanding of Autism.

Kristi link

8/1/2014 04:49:38 am

I agree with Courtney above. I think there has to be room for both at the table. I don't think anyone who chooses to celebrate parts of their kids autism (because what choice do we have) means we say their lives aren't hard. It also doesn't mean we don't want research. What it means, to us, is that our kids are good and valid as is. I don't understand why it has to be all of one or the other? I think that's hurtful and creates devision where we need support and love.

Lauren

8/1/2014 06:05:10 am

I'm with you on this Shanell, My Son suffers daily because of his Autism, He can't communicate, is non verbal, no awareness of dangers, bangs head and self harms to name a few and I will not and can not celebrate this. I despise when people tell me that there 'NT niece' didn't talk till she was 3, I'm sure your kid will be just fine. It's not the same and life for us is hard, with little answers. This does not mean I don't celebrate my son for the boy he is and the achievements that he makes, although very small and gradual! I think it paints a very one sided picture of Autism and seems to be only the 'quirky' (I hate this word, personal opinion) side that gets shown through the media. It is dangerous to do that and needs to change. That's why I love your blog and stories of Kate and your family, It's your reality and not some I heart autism BS. I love and celebrate my Son, not his Autism.

8/4/2014 02:35:07 am

So sorry for your challenges. My family went through these things too. Please look into CD Autism (Kerri Rivera's Healing the Symptoms Known As Autism)...he could need more treatment for his gut even if it seems you've "done it all." This is relatively recent and has helped my adult sister greatly with her aggression and screaming, as well as many others who have self-injured (one used to destroy property as well).

The facebook group is CD Autism.

Wish you the best.

8/4/2014 02:35:14 am

8/4/2014 02:37:05 am

Yes, you are completely right.

I hope CD Autism (facebook group) and Kerri Rivera's Healing the Symptoms Known As Autism may be able to help you, as they have my family. (See other comment below.)

I wish you the best.

Marlowe

8/1/2014 07:50:20 am

Very well said, thank YOU!

Veronica

8/1/2014 09:09:48 am

I have mixed feelings. I definitely agree that if we allow the media to portray autism as Not A Big Deal, then autistic people, of all functioning levels and abilities, will not get our needs met and the research, therapy, and medical attention is ignored, as you said.

However, as an autistic person, I have to find something to cherish and celebrate about myself. If all I portrayed to the world were my meltdowns or sensory difficulties or stims, they'd be missing out on other big parts of me. As Kristi said well, there needs to be room for both of the opinions voiced here, and any others that might yet be unheard.

Anna

8/2/2014 02:15:12 pm

While I definitely agree that Hollywood has a habit of glamorizing...well, everything, and that can be problematic, I don't believe that by embracing autism, one is blithely ignoring its challenges or rejecting services that help manage and navigate those challenges. I agree very much with Veronica. Surely it's possible to embrace autism and celebrate neurodiversity while still researching, pursuing/providing therapy, etc. I believe the danger lies in hating autism and trying to eradicate it entirely (which I'm not saying you're doing, just to be clear). It can be a slippery slope from there to self-hatred when autism is part of what makes you who you are. I don't see that acknowledgment as celebrating autism, per se - I see it more as celebrating diversity and acceptance, both of the self and of others.

Naomi

8/3/2014 11:33:20 am

I know the heart this was said from. I have it myself. I understand some derive benefit from autism - I see it in my other two boys. But, in the boy that Drives my life's work, Autism's benefit cannot been seen for the challenges it brings. Not yet, even though he's a teenager. In fact, puberty has brought a whole new set of problems. Aggression, strength, height, cycling mood. It is unfair to say that autism is JUST a different way of thinking. It must be said that with the new thinking comes new challenges. Challenges that the world must start to understand and accommodate. With great gifts comes great responsibilities. But in this case the only ones with the responsibilities seems to be the Autist and the caregivers.

8/4/2014 02:33:55 am

Naomi, so sorry for your challenges. My family went through these things too. Please look into CD Autism (Kerri Rivera's Healing the Symptoms Known As Autism)...he could need more treatment for his gut even if it seems you've "done it all." This is relatively recent and has helped my adult sister greatly. Wish you the best.

Vicki

8/4/2014 02:20:21 am

Add in seizures, insomnia, and high risk for SUDEP for my daughter (hers is caused by a rare chromosome disorder), plus medical anomalies. She suffers. To celebrate or minimize her condition is ridiculous! Would we celebrate cancer? Diabetes? No! It's stealing her, I'm sure she'd love to not struggle and suffer. I'd sure love it if she (at 11 years old) could say "I need to pee" or even "hi mom". I love HER with every fiber of my being, I do not love her disabilities, I do NOT love to watch her struggle and suffer. "Makes her who she is." Bullshit! It steals more of her every damn day. I admire her strength and will to live, that she's a fighter, etc...but severe autism just sucks!

sara

8/4/2014 12:21:37 pm

WORD! All of those terms apply to my son. It's heartbreaking & at times down right terrifying. I don't celebrate autism yet I have no choice but to accept it

8/11/2014 01:19:51 am

I've been following since your flight sitting next to Eric and love a lot of what you have to say. You hit the nail on the head with this post. I've addressed the same before in my blog. Take a look. It's short but sweet. http://quirks-and-chaos.blogspot.com/2013/02/celebrate-autism.html

11/4/2014 07:40:03 pm

Just like men and women have their own strengths and weaknesses, Autism is a neurotype that comes with both strengths and weaknesses that are different from those of the general population.

Autism brings out the extremes in human attributes. No two people are more different from another than two individuals on opposite side of the Autistic spectrum. Hence, one's individual experiences with Autism should never be generalized to reflect those of everyone.

Some adults with Autism are so disconnected from their environment they're unable to talk, unable to connect with others and have the mental capacity of a 2-year-old. Others make up the world's greatest artists, scientists and engineers. For the first, Autism is almost exclusively a curse (a disabling factor). For the latter, it is often almost exclusively a gift (an enabling factor).

While some are desperate for a cure, while for others the mere notion of a cure is as offensive as the notion of curing homosexuality or left-handedness. If we want to support the Autistic community as a whole, it's important to recognize and respect both sides and stop fighting each other over who has the proper understanding of Autism.

Britt

4/14/2016 03:01:36 pm

As someone who works in a medical facility I can tell you that we never call them diapers. Diapers are for infants and babies. Adults wear briefs that offer their outer clothes protection from urine among other things. Saying that adults wear diapers is an example of infantilization. They are adults. Another problem I had with your article is Autism is neurotype and you are completely wrong. You need to do some serious research before posting this trash. Autistic people are human beings and they deserve our love, support and our acceptance. You are a horrible person for writing this.

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I talk about Autism, a lot

Autism is NOT a Neurotype

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