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Today
in the United States, one child in every 150 is diagnosed with
autism. That equates to one
child being diagnosed every 20 minutes with autism,
making it more prevalent than juvenile diabetes, cerebral
palsy and down's syndrome combined.
Today in New Jersey the overwhelming statistic is 1 child in every 94 is diagnosed with autism!
What
is autism?
According to Merriam-Webster, autism is defined as “a
variable developmental disorder that appears by age three and
is characterized by impairment of the ability to form normal
social relationships, by impairment of the ability to
communicate with others, and by stereotyped behavior patterns.”
Autism is a disorder that is not so simply explained
and so neatly packaged into one sentence.
Autism’s effects run such a wide range that a simple
definition could never completely encompass all aspects and
facets of this condition.
Autism is so wide spread these days that most
individuals living in the United States know someone, either
directly or indirectly through others, whose life has been
affected by autism.
We found this article by Lisa Jo Rudy, About.com
Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders and thought it
was written beautifully.
The Top 10
Terrific Traits of Autistic People
1) Autistic People Rarely
Lie:
We all claim to value the truth, but almost all of us tell
little white lies. All, that is, except people on the autism
spectrum. To them, truth is truth -- and a good word from a
person on the spectrum is the real deal.
2) People on the Autism Spectrum Live
in the Moment:
How often do typical people fail to notice what's in front of
their eyes because they're distracted by social cues or random
chitchat? People on the autism spectrum truly attend to the
sensory input that surrounds them. Many have achieved the
ideal of mindfulness.
3) People with Autism Rarely Judge
Others:
Who's fatter? Richer? Smarter? For people on the autism
spectrum, these distinctions hold much less importance than
for typical folks. In fact, people on the spectrum often see
through such surface appearances to discover the real person
4) Autistic People are
Passionate:
Of course, not all autistic people are alike. But many are
truly passionate about the things, ideas and people in their
lives. How many "typical" people can say the same.
5) People with Autism Are Not Tied to
Social Expectations:
If you've ever bought a car, played a game or joined a club to
fit in, you know how hard it is to be true to yourself. But
for people with autism, social expectations can be honestly
irrelevant. What matters is true liking, interest and passion
-- not keeping up with the Joneses.
6) People with Autism Have Terrific
Memories:
How often do typical people forget directions, or fail to take
note of colors, names, and other details? People on the autism
spectrum are often much more tuned in to details. They may
have a much better memory than their typical peers for all
kind of critical details.
7) Autistic People Are Less
Materialistic:
Of course, this is not universally true -- but in general,
people with autism are far less concerned with outward
appearance than their typical peers. As a result, they worry
less about brand names, hairstyles and other expensive but
unimportant externals than most people do.
8) Autistic People Play Fewer Head
Games:
Who was that woman, and why were you looking at her? I know I
TOLD you I didn't mind if you went out, but why did you
believe me? Most autistic people don't play games like these
-- and they assume that you won't either. It's a refreshing
and wonderful change from the Peyton Place emotional roller
coaster that mars too many typical relationships!
9) Autistic People Have Fewer Hidden
Agendas:
Most of the time, if a person on the autism spectrum tells you
what he wants -- he is telling you what he wants. No need to
beat around the bush, second guess, and hope you're reading
between the lines!
10) People with Autism Open New Doors
for Neurotypicals:
For some of us neurotypicals, having an autistic person in our
lives has had a profound positive impact on our perceptions,
beliefs and expectations. For me, at least, being the mom
of a son on the autism spectrum has released me from a
lifetime of "should" -- and offered me a new world
of "is."
We found this article by Lisa Jo Rudy, About.com
Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders and thought it was
written beautifully.
Read previous editions of the Living with
Autism column:
June 1, 2006 July
20, 2006
“Matty’s Friends” Wanted
“Matty’s
Cause” is looking for volunteers.
Yes, “Matty’s
Cause” is seeking “Matty’s
Friends.” The
requirements are as follows;
A.
Must have a big heart
B.
Must want to help
C.
Must be willing to work for free
D.
Must be a person (no dogs or cats please)
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