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Great tips on playing with toys with Autistic children
Inspiring Artists who have Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a spectrum of life-long conditions that are characterised by difficulties in areas such as social interactions, communication and imagination. In addition, it has been found that over 70% of poeple with ASD also have mental health problems. Taken altogether, these challenges can make day to day living daunting to those who are diagnosed with the condition. However, there are a lot of people with ASD who have found a way to flourish and not let their diagnosis bring them down. I have previously featured Dr. Temple Grandin, Pokemon creator Satoshi Tajiri and Paralympic gold medalist Jessica-Jane Applegate.
This post features four people with Autism who have extraordinary talents for painting and drawing. The stories of these artists have inspired many, including myself, to pursue life-long goals no matter what the challenges are.
STEPHEN WILTSHIRE
Stephen Wiltshire has been diagnosed with Autism at the age of three. The Human Camera, as he is now known, communicated through his drawings early in his life. He has been awarded with an MBE and is now a hugely successful artist. Some of his famous works are incredibly detailed panoramic drawings of famous cities around the world.
Stephen’s drawing of Manhattan:
RICHARD WAWRO
Richard is a British artist who was considered a Savant by many. Just like Stephen Wiltschire, Richard did not speak for the majority of his early childhood. He is known for his detailed wax-crayon-drawings such as the one below.
MARIA ILIOU
Maria is a Greek Autism advocate who has been the artist of greeting cards of the Autism Society of America in 2007-2009.
PING LIAN YEAK
Ping Lian Yeak is a young boy from Malaysia who copes with the pressures and challenges of daily life through painting and drawing.
More on Autism:
Vote for Miss Montana, Alexis Wineman
Communication difficulties in Autism
Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon Cooper: Asperger’s Syndrome’s Poster Boy?
Still unsure if Sheldon has Asperger’s?
The Autistic Me: A BBC Documentary
BBC4’s Growing Children: Autism
Autism in the classroom:
Guide to parents of students with ASD on coping with the first day back to school
Common signs of Autism in the classroom
First day back to school: Top tips for parents of children with Autism
Practical tips to make your classroom Autism-Friendly
Inspiring People with Autism:
Satoshi Tajiri (Pokemon creator)
More on Savants:
The Psychology of Savants: Memory Masters
The Einstein Effect: Is there a link between having Autism and being a genius?
How Social Networking Sites helped a girl with Autism ‘come out of her shell’: Carly Fleischmann’s story
Carly Fleischmann is a young woman with Autism and is unable to communicate verbally. When introduced to social networks such as Facebook and Twitter however, Carly began to develop more friendships, communicate with more people and feel more like she is a part of society (her own words- watch the video below).
More and more people with conditions that limit their ability to communicate face to face are turning into Social Networks and online blogs. On the internet, very few social skills are needed. For instance, we do not need to look people in the eye or read their facial expressions- two of the social skills which are most commonly lacking in people with Autism. In Carly’s case, social interactions are further limited by her inability to speak. Through the medium of the internet however, all of these barriers are eliminated. Now, she is actively blogging and in the process, helping people become aware of Autism and thus inspiring others who have the same situation as she was.
For more information about Carly Fleischmann, click these links:
More on Autism:
Vote for Miss Montana, Alexis Wineman
Communication difficulties in Autism
Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon Cooper: Asperger’s Syndrome’s Poster Boy?
Guide to parents of students with ASD on coping with the first day back to school
Inspiring People with Autism:
Inspiring people with ADHD: Michael Phelps
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common developmental condition there is. People who are affected by this condition find it difficult to stay focused on a task, avoid distraction- however minimal, to regulate what they say and do despite the consequences (impulsiveness). As a result, they usually get into trouble, particularly when in schools. A lot of students are often labelled as ‘naughty’, ‘disobedient’ and sometimes, impossible to deal with. However, there are a number of cases wherein the condition is managed through medication and other interventions.
One such case is that of Olympic sensation Michael Phelps. Phelps was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of nine after his teachers noticed his lack of focus on school tasks (amongst other things). He was prescribed a stimulant medication which according to his mother had worked wonders with him in school. Although after a few years, Michael stopped taking his medication.
His mother actively searched for ways of helping Michael manage his condition in everyday life. When teachers complained about Michael’s inability to do certain things, Mrs. Phelps always asked what the teachers are doing to help him instead of telling off her son. Michael’s love for swimming was further encouraged by his mother, who went to his swim meets since he was a young kid to cheer him on. These times were also used by his mother to teach him some important values in life like sportsmanship and self-discipline. The effects of these efforts were showcased worldwide on every Olympic games held since 2004. Now known as the greatest Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps has won a total of 22 medals, including 4 golds and 2 silvers in the 2012 London Olympics.
It can be seen once again that if individuals are given the right attention, treatment and intervention, along with being surrounded by people with the right attitude, anything is possible.
For more information on ADHD, click HERE
For more information on Michael Phelps, click HERE
Inspiring People with Autism:
‘Inspiring people with Autism (2)’: Jessica-Jane Applegate
My ‘Inspiring people with Autism’ posts features people who have achieved amazing feats despite being on the Autism Spectrum. I am sharing these to show everyone that anything is possible; to remove the stigma surrounding Autism.
The second installment of these posts features British Paralympic gold-medalist Jessica-Jane Applegate. She’s a 15-year old girl who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome which is a mild form of Autism. Jessica won the women’s 200m Freestyle despite being behind for the most part of the final race. Watch:
Here’s her interview with Channel 4’s after she won:
More on Autism:
Vote for Miss Montana, Alexis Wineman
Communication difficulties in Autism
Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon Cooper: Asperger’s Syndrome’s Poster Boy?
Still unsure if Sheldon has Asperger’s?
The Autistic Me: A BBC Documentary
Autism in the classroom:
Guide to parents of students with ASD on coping with the first day back to school
Common signs of Autism in the classroom
First day back to school: Top tips for parents of children with Autism
Practical tips to make your classroom Autism-Friendly
Inspiring People with Autism:
Satoshi Tajiri (Pokemon creator)
More on Savants:
The Psychology of Savants: Memory Masters
The Einstein Effect: Is there a link between having Autism and being a genius?
The image used in this post was taken from this website.
‘Inspiring people with Autism’ (1): Temple Grandin
Dr. Temple Grandin is a person with High-Functioning Autism noted professor and animal scientist, famously known for her invention of the squeeze machine, which helps SOME individuals with Autism to calm down. She also invented cattle -processing facilities that cause the least amount of harm to animals (if any).
Here’s one of many documentaries about Dr. Grandin entitled ‘The Woman Who Thinks Like A Cow’:
For more information on Dr. Temple Grandin, click on the links below:
Temple Grandin’s profile on TED
Dr. Temple Grandin’s official website
More on Autism:
Vote for Miss Montana, Alexis Wineman
Communication difficulties in Autism
Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon Cooper: Asperger’s Syndrome’s Poster Boy?
Still unsure if Sheldon has Asperger’s?
The Autistic Me: A BBC Documentary
BBC4’s Growing Children: Autism
Autism in the classroom:
Guide to parents of students with ASD on coping with the first day back to school
Common signs of Autism in the classroom
First day back to school: Top tips for parents of children with Autism
Practical tips to make your classroom Autism-Friendly
Inspiring People with Autism:
Satoshi Tajiri (Pokemon creator)
More on Savants:
The Psychology of Savants: Memory Masters
The Einstein Effect: Is there a link between having Autism and being a genius?
(The photo above was taken from TIME.com)
Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon Cooper: Asperger’s Syndrome’s Poster boy?
Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) is a form of Autism that is in the mild end of the autism spectrum.
Similar to other forms of autism, AS is characterized by deficits in social communication, social interaction and imagination, but usually have average or above average IQ levels. People with AS always think literally, have little to no clue about facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures. They find other people difficult to ‘read’ (Theory of Mind), hence may view others’ actions as confusing and also fail to behave in socially appropriate ways. Most conversations with them are one-sided, with them leading and rarely taking your opinions. Finally, they stick to their routines and have a special interest that they may excell on.
(CLICK HERE FOR MORE VIDEOS SHOWING SHELDON HAS ASPERGER’S)
Anyone who is familiar with the show ‘Big Bang Theory’ will know that all of the characteristics mentioned above describe Dr. Sheldon Cooper, played by Jim Parsons (pictured). In the show, Sheldon is a top physicist who works in a university and hangs out with his friends Leonard (who is also his roommate), Raj and Howard. Being a physicist is an ideal job for people with AS due to the literality of the subject (as supposed to social sciences). Most of Physics are underpinned by mathematical equations which are perfect for AS-affected individuals, as supposed to, say Sociology or Psychology which are founded on researching human-beings in ways that Sheldon will find repulsive.
Sheldon also does not understand sarcasm (see video below). To be able to get sarcasm requires abstract thinking, knowledge of varying tones of voice and a firm grasp of the social situation one person is in. Sheldon does not possess any of these- Leonard actually ended up putting a ‘sarcasm sign’ for him to understand. As seen in the video clip below, Sheldon struggles to understand the consequences of his actions and also Penny’s and Leonard’s emotions.
Also, he is incapable of ‘faking’ his emotions in order to avoid hurting other people’s feelings. In the video below, Sheldon does not agree that Raj is getting featured in Time Magazine’s 30 under 30 issue. As a result, he insulted Raj. His friends then decided to invite Raj to dinner. Notice how Sheldon asks how he can fake his happiness. Children who have AS are often given social stories which teaches them how to behave appropriately in different social situations.
Sheldon also voices his dislike in a change in his routines. The first video below shows Sheldon explaining why he sits in a specific spot in the couch and what difference it made when he tried to sit on a different space. In the second video, the group decided to eat Thai food instead of pizza, which Sheldon is used to. He explained how he likes consistency and in order to accept ‘anything can happen thursday’, he persuades the others to go to the comic book store. Getting others to agree to what they want is a common tactic employed by people with AS.
Although there was no mention that Sheldon was diagnosed with Aspergers’ Syndrome and even Sheldon reasoned that ‘his mother had him tested’, all signs point to AS. We should note however, that even though Sheldon may have AS, he is managing to live significantly comfortably. He has picked a profession that suits his condition and most importantly, allows him to excel. He has surrounded himself with people who not only tolerates him, but teaches him how to behave in particularly difficult situations. His friends mostly agrees to what he likes, and even though they usually find being with him a challenge, they still see the positive side of him.
I believe that Sheldon’s situation in the Big Bang Theory shows us a good example of living with and being around people with Asperger’s Syndrome. It shows both the fun side and the difficult side of being with individuals with AS. Granted, not every episode shows the gang’s good side in terms of dealing with Sheldon, but never the less, it shows that people with AS can be brilliant and at the same time, a good friend to be with. Whether they purposely did it or not, I think the makers of the show is doing a good job.
For more info on Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and other ASDs, visit http://www.autism.org.uk
😉
More on Autism:
He flaps his hands and screams a lot but he doesn’t mean to annoy you
Optimum Outcomes for people with Autism
DSM 5 and its implications to ASD diagnosis
Diagnosing Autism: What you need to know
Vote for Miss Montana 2012, Alexis Wineman
Communication difficulties in Autism
Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon Cooper: Asperger’s Syndrome’s Poster Boy?
Still unsure if Sheldon has Asperger’s?
The Autistic Me: BBC Documentary
Temple Grandin: The world needs all kinds of minds
Autism in the classroom:
Guide to parents of students with ASD on coping with the first day back to school
Common signs of Autism in the classroom
First day back to school: Top tips for parents of children with Autism
Practical tips to make your classroom Autism-Friendly
Inspiring People with Autism:
Jessica-Jane Applegate (British Paralympian)
Satoshi Tajiri (Pokemon creator)
More on Savants:
The Psychology of Savants: Memory Masters
The Einstein Effect: Is there a link between having Autism and being a genius?
Understanding and Embracing Diversity 
