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Autism

Autism DIY

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Importance of Autistic Individuals to Attempt Tasks Independently

Understanding the Unique Cognitive Load in Autism

Autistic individuals often develop and learn at a slower pace compared to neurotypical individuals. This isn’t due to a lack of ability, but rather because we have twice the cognitive work to do. We process the same information as neurotypical individuals, but we also have to sort through an abundance of extra data simultaneously. Imagine trying to complete an 80 MB download on a slow internet connection, while others only have to handle a 10 MB download on a high-speed connection. This analogy captures the essence of our cognitive processing challenges.

The Double Cognitive Load

Anyone would become irritable or fussy if they were expected to perform tasks at the same rate as others while doing twice the amount of work. This expectation doesn’t consider the slower processing speed necessitated by our need to sift through more information. It’s crucial to understand that our brains are wired differently, rerouting connections for efficiency, but this still leaves us with an extensive amount of extra data to manage. The slower internet connection in our analogy represents these additional short connections that, while rerouted for efficiency, still demand more processing power.

The Complexity of Instructions

Neurotypical instructions often utilize top-down processing and contain extra words with varying visual meanings. For us, this means we have to decode these words, find the corresponding visual images in our heads, and then make sense of them. Verbal language frequently falls short in conveying the precise images and concepts in our minds. This translation from visual pictures to words and sentences involves significant brain work, leading to quicker fatigue.

The Value of Autonomy

Given these challenges, it’s often easier and more effective to let autistic individuals figure things out on their own, provided it’s safe to do so. This autonomy allows us to approach tasks in a way that aligns with our unique cognitive processes, reducing the frustration and cognitive overload caused by trying to follow instructions that don’t cater to our needs.

Computer Analogies in Autism

Think of our brains as computers. Neurotypical individuals might handle tasks with a 10 MB download on a high-speed connection, while we manage an 80 MB download on a much slower connection. The additional data we process is akin to sorting through an extra large dataset, which inherently takes more time and resources. Our brains have many short connections, similar to a network that’s constantly rerouting for efficiency. This network still has to handle the vast extra data, slowing down the overall processing speed.

When given verbal instructions, we translate these into visual pictures in our minds. This is like converting a text-based command into a detailed visual interface, which is an additional layer of complexity and work. It’s not that we can’t do it; it’s just that it requires more time and energy. (Tasks of this nature cause intense rage deep within my soul)

Conclusion

Understanding the cognitive load and processing challenges faced by autistic individuals is crucial. Allowing us the space and time to figure things out independently, when safe, acknowledges our unique needs and strengths. It’s essential to adapt communication and instructional methods to be more explicit and less reliant on implied steps, reducing the cognitive burden and supporting more efficient learning and task completion.

By appreciating the complexities of our cognitive processes and providing the necessary accommodations, we can foster an environment that respects and harnesses our abilities, ultimately leading to better outcomes and well-being.

The Importance of Routines and Self-Care

Understanding the cognitive load and processing challenges faced by autistic individuals highlights the importance of having routines and reducing overstimulation. Routines provide a predictable structure that can help mitigate the overwhelming nature of processing excessive sensory information and implied steps in communication.

Engaging in self-care is crucial because it allows autistic individuals to manage their sensory inputs and cognitive load effectively. By maintaining routines and prioritizing self-care, we can create an environment that reduces stress and cognitive overload, enabling us to function more efficiently and comfortably.

This article underscores why it is so essential for autistic individuals to have established routines and to take steps to reduce overstimulation. We already have a lot to process and manage; adding unnecessary complexity only exacerbates our challenges. By being mindful of these needs, we can improve our well-being and overall quality of life.

Editorial

Words and Pictures

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Beyond Words: Understanding and Respecting Autistic Communication Styles

It’s crucial to understand that autistic individuals often think and process the world in fundamentally different ways than non-autistic individuals. For many autistics, thinking in pictures or using visual and sensory experiences is a natural and efficient way to navigate life. This visual thinking is not inferior; it’s simply different.

When therapies and interventions insist that autistic individuals must use words and communicate in ways that are more comfortable for non-autistics, it can feel oppressive and disrespectful. It’s as if the unique, natural ways in which autistic minds work are being dismissed or devalued.

Historical Context of Forced Assimilation

Throughout history, there have been numerous instances where dominant groups have imposed their ways of life on others, often with devastating consequences. For example, during the era of colonialism, indigenous populations were often forced to abandon their languages, traditions, and ways of life in favor of the colonizers’ customs. This resulted in a loss of cultural identity and significant psychological trauma for many indigenous communities.

A more recent example is the forced assimilation policies in the United States and Canada, where indigenous children were taken from their families and placed in residential schools. These schools aimed to “civilize” the children by erasing their native languages and cultures. The long-term impact of these policies has been profound, contributing to intergenerational trauma and the erosion of indigenous cultures.

Scientific Insights into Neurodiversity

Research into neurodiversity underscores the importance of respecting different cognitive styles. Studies have shown that autistic individuals often have enhanced visual and spatial skills, which can be a significant advantage in various fields, such as art, engineering, and computer science (Grandin, 2006). Dr. Temple Grandin, a prominent autistic advocate, has written extensively about how her visual thinking has been instrumental in her success.

Forcing autistic individuals to conform to non-autistic communication styles without considering their natural preferences can be seen as a form of compliance training rather than genuine support. It’s akin to saying, “You must fit into our mold, or you’re not acceptable,” which can be deeply harmful and invalidating.

The Need for Mutual Respect

True inclusivity and support should be about finding a middle ground where both neurotypical and neurodivergent ways of thinking and communicating are respected and valued. Instead of demanding that autistics change to fit into a non-autistic world, we should seek to understand and integrate autistic communication styles. This approach fosters mutual respect and acknowledges the richness that diverse ways of thinking bring to our world.

The philosophy of neurodiversity advocates for the recognition and respect of different neurological conditions as natural variations of the human genome. This perspective encourages society to accommodate these differences rather than trying to “fix” or “normalize” them (Singer, 1998).

Conclusion

Imposing non-autistic communication methods on autistic individuals without mutual compromise echoes the dark chapters of history where conformity was enforced at the expense of cultural and individual identity. By recognizing and valifying neurodiverse communication styles, we move towards a more inclusive and empathetic society.

References:

  • Grandin, T. (2006). Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism. Vintage.
  • Singer, J. (1998). Odd People In: The Birth of Community amongst People on the Autistic Spectrum: A Personal Exploration of a New Social Movement based on Neurological Diversity.

Editorial

The Spoken Word

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The Complexity of Thought

For an autistic individual, thoughts can be multidimensional, co-occurring like floors in a building, each with its unique pattern and pace. When multiple “floors” are active, the mental process becomes incredibly complex, akin to an intricate dance of ideas, each moving to its rhythm. This rich internal landscape often involves dissecting concepts to find underlying patterns or connections at speeds that outpace the regular flow of conversation. The intensity and speed at which these thoughts develop can make slowing down to communicate verbally a strenuous, sometimes unfeasible task.

Moreover, the precision of language often falls short. Words can seem too rigid or blunt to encapsulate the full spectrum of an autistic person’s feelings or observations. Emotions might be felt physically; thoughts often manifest as pictures rather than words. In such instances, traditional language isn’t just inadequate—it feels cumbersome, an unnecessary filter imposed by a world that operates differently.

The Disconnection from Social Dependencies

Unlike non-autistic thinking, which relies heavily on social cues and shared environmental contexts, autistic thinking can be deeply introspective and original, not necessarily hinged on the social fabric. This independence from social constructs can make autistic thoughts seem alien to non-autistic individuals. For example, where a non-autistic person might enjoy a forest scene, an autistic individual might experience it on multiple sensory levels simultaneously, appreciating nuances and stimuli that are invisible to others.

The Unspoken Beauty of the World

Sometimes, the beauty and depth perceived by an autistic individual are too profound for words. The unfiltered sensory input from nature can be overwhelmingly beautiful, perceived with an intensity that words cannot convey. The magic of experiencing the world without sensory filters is a unique aspect of autism that many non-autistics may find challenging to conceptualize.

The Burden of Misunderstanding

A significant barrier to communication for many individuals with autism is the frequent misunderstanding of their thoughts and intentions. When asked, “What are you thinking?” translating complex, multi-layered visual and sensory thoughts into language is daunting enough. However, the challenge is compounded exponentially by non-autistic individuals’ misinterpreting these communications. Often, what is communicated is not what is heard, leading to a gross misrepresentation of the original thought or feeling.

This frequent misunderstanding can be intensely frustrating. Autistic individuals typically do not engage in the subtleties of social communication that non-autistics might—there are no hidden agendas, no malice, or subtle insinuations in their words. Like many others on the spectrum, my brain does not work quickly enough with language to weave complex social games or implications. Every misinterpretation or assumption others make about supposed subtexts or unspoken messages that do not exist only adds to the frustration.

Such experiences can be highly agitating, leading to a preference for silence rather than risking further misunderstanding. This frustration is not unique to me but is a common sentiment among many non-verbal or minimally verbal autistic individuals. The continual misinterpretation and the effort to correct it can be exhausting, diminishing the desire to interact.

Understanding this can help bridge the communication gap: recognizing that the autistic way of processing and expressing thoughts is different—not deficient—can lead to more effective and respectful communication. It is crucial for non-autistics to listen more carefully and to resist the urge to read between the lines where there is nothing to be read. Patience and a genuine effort to understand can transform these interactions, making them less stressful and more rewarding for autistic individuals struggling to share their unique perspectives.