Aspergers or Autism Diagnosis for your child?
What do Temple Grandin, Albert Einstein, and Glenn Gould all have in common? They are all undoubtedly geniuses. All probably or certainly have or had Asperger’s syndrome.
Temple Grandin , a diagnosed autist and very articulate about her condition, was able to empathise with the terror animals feel when shunted in poorly designed equipment at slaughter houses. Temple stated that Aspergians were more able to understand how animals feel than neurotypicals. Temple is now the world’s leading authority on humane ways of designing the pathways in to these facilities.
Einstein was a great physicist and widely believed to be the world’s smartest human, discoverer of the special theory of relativity. However he did not concern himself much with social norms. His wife would pack his suitcase with underwear, socks and so forth when he went to a conference. When he returned, she always found that he had never changed his clothes.
Glenn Gould, the brilliant musician, liked to wear full winter gear at concerts, including a winter hat , even in mid-summer. (Aspergians are often unusual enough in their behaviours to be considered eccentric, but by adulthood, their extreme focus helps some of them be very successful).
Not that all people with Asperger’s are necessarily brilliant (but a lot of them are). Many can be encouraged to find a way to use their often quirky and extremely focused interests in a career choice which will help them achieve success. All of them can be taught to acknowledge and accept their own specific strengths . This can be balanced with help with their own specific weaknesses, such has interpreting body language and facial expressions.
This is where you, the parent, come in. You already are probably advocating for social skills groups and reward programs. You may be teaming up with other parents to learn how to advocate and to navigate the school system to get the best outcome for your child. As a Special Needs teacher I dealt with children with all manner of issues. The parents who were the most informed tended to have children with the best outcomes. I’d like to suggest 5 books which offer insights into your child’s thinking.
Dibs in Search of Self by Virginia M. Axline is the book I have heard recommended most often by Special Education teachers and consultants. The hero of the book, a child with special needs, is unable to talk or play. This is the true story of how he escaped from his own prison, discovering who he was. Helpful in understanding the child’s point of view.
Beautiful Mind, by Sylvia Nasar, is the biography of a particularly brilliant and also very socially challenged Mathematical Genius and Nobel Laureate, John Nash. His painful experiences with Aspergers’ and also his later-life mental illness made this a difficult book (for me) to read. This book has also been made into a movie.
A book published this year which offers inspiration and uplift for parents of kids of any age with Autism or Asperger’s is Chicken Soup for the Soul, Raising Kids on the Spectrum: 101 Inspirational Stories.
In Between Their World and Ours, by Karen Zelan, a children’s therapist, offers insights into the minds of autistic children, and how it is possible to gradually learn to understand how they experience life, especially social relationships.
Be Different: Adventures Of A Free-range Aspergian With Practical Advice For Aspergians, Misfits, Families & Teachers, by John Elder Robison is particularly helpful and easy to read. John was not diagnosed until age 40 (around the same time as his teenaged son) by which time he had become a successful business owner, inventor and father. He overcame bullying, a disastrous school career, and loneliness, and created his own life. His message? Follow your own unique interests. Developing your unique strengths is more important than overcoming your weaknesses. Make a point of learning the skills which don’t come naturally, like mirroring other’s facial expression and interests. Find what you love and find a way to make a living at it.
Happy Reading!
Christine Nightingale, B.A., R.M.,C.H.
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