Researchers from the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, MD found that girls may present less severe symptoms of autism spectrum disorder than boys, causing them to be diagnosed with the condition later.
“The researchers identified differences in symptoms between boys and girls. They found girls struggled more with the ability to interpret social cues, while boys were more likely to demonstrate “severe mannerisms,” including repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping. Boys were also more likely than girls to have limited interests.
Older boys aged 10-15 were more likely than girls of the same age to struggle with social cues, however, and have difficulties with language in social situations.”
Read the full article from Medical News Today HERE
Below is a video of Jake Barnett in 60 Minutes. He is a Maths and Science genius and he also has Asperger’s Syndrome. I first knew of Jake Barnett through reading his mother’s book, The Spark, which is about the ups and downs that their whole family experienced mainly due to Jake’s Asperger’s. Most of his first teachers did not understand him. His family, especially his mother, fought long and hard to get the best education for Jake. Kristine (Jake’s mother) knew what Jake needed. She knew that Jake’s ceiling is much higher than what professionals have told them. Through the family’s hard work, Jake has ‘come out of his shell’.
I can’t remember the last time I bragged about people following me on Twitter, but it’s Dr. Temple Grandin!! I’ve admired Dr. Grandin’s work for a very long time and she has has been one of my inspirations throughout my adult life, so you can’t imagine my excitement when she follwed me!
Today’s Daily Prompt: What change, big or small, would you like your blog to make in the world?
I want my blog to add to the growing sources of information about Autism. A lot of people with Autism are misunderstood since much of the popular beliefs about the condition is influenced by the media and out-dated studies. While a lot of these sources are correct and positive, they often fail to account for the differences between individuals with Autism.
Having worked with, taught and befriended people with Autism, I have become aware that Autism manifests differently. Each individual with Autism has his/ her own set of strengths and areas of needs that are unique to them. This reality tends to confuse people with little or no experience of Autism- ‘how can they have the same diagnosis but be completely different from each other?’ To be honest, I don’t know why this is the case. Nevertheless, what I found useful was to get to know each individual and respond to their needs and strengths accordingly.
By sharing my opinions, what I have read, listened to or watched, maybe I could increase people’s awareness, understanding and acceptance of Autism.
There are a lot of definitions of Autism around in books and on the internet. But none, including mine, has captured the whole essence of Autism- from its nuances to the best available research evidence and observational data- better than Nick Walker’s.
Yes. It’s another book about Asperger’s Syndrome/ Autism.
Yes, it is a positive one.
I know, not everyone with Autism/Asperger’s are the same.
Yes, I recommend it.
It’s about a parent who accepted that her child is different but rejected others’ advise to allow this difference to become debilitating. This is about a parent and child’s amazing journey in life where they allowed Autism to be a part of their lives. They accepted it, lived with it, and saw its positive side.
Seinfeld recently revealed that he thinks he is on the Autism Spectrum in an interview with Brian Williams on NBC’s ‘The Nightly News’. When asked about why, he said that he is ‘never paying attention to the right things, basic social engagement is really a struggle. I’m very literal. When people talk to me and they use expressions, I don’t know what they’re saying‘.
While his revelation may seem positive because of his acceptance of this possibility, I believe that his explanation of the ‘markers’ shows how limited his understanding of Autism is. Sure, he did not shy away from admitting that he may have Autism – a way of saying that having Autism is not a bad thing, but his description is deeply problematic.
His description is a negative one- it included what could be wrong or what one may see as ‘dysfunctional’ in people with Autism. I have always believed that while it is important to acknowledge what people cannot do, it is more important to highlight and focus on what they CAN DO. In addition, the seemingly negative things that he outlined can be seen as positives. ‘Never paying attention to the right thing’ all depends on what one thinks ‘right things’ are. In my experience, people with Autism are exeptionally brilliant at focusing on fine details – the ones that people without Autism cannot see.
Social engagement is not always a struggle. Again, this depends on who is interacting with the person with Autism. Having an open mind goes a long way. Also, I have met people with Autism who have more confidence in public speaking than me.
Being literal, or not understanding sarcasm or implied meaning in language may be seen as a weakness, but trust me, this skill can be taught. The same goes with expressions.
My other issue with Seinfeld’s description is the lack of acknowledgement that people with Autism differ from one another. If you’ve met one person with Autism, you’ve met one person with Autism.
While it may seem like I am attacking Jerry Seinfeld, please be assured that I am not. I just want to explain the improtance of being aware of the complexities and the positives of having Autism. More often, I speak with people who only know how to describe Autism by outlining the negative behaviours and the things they cannot do. I think it’s time to stop that trend. I want us to focus on what they can do and what is great about having Autism.
I am not Kelli Stapleson – a brilliant piece written by a mom with unconditional love for her child
What can be done for adults with Autism? – there are not a lot of studies, provisions or help available for grown ups with Autism. The system seems to forget that kids with Autism grow up to be adults with Autism. What can be done?
Understanding and Embracing Diversity 