Funkonovo/Allison's autism Blog

Concept: What works for some doesn't work for all. Red square peg can't fit in round hole. Maybe it's just me, but I am greatly concerned about the motivation(s)  behind the NT movement to get autistic people employed and living independently.  It is every parent's hope to see their kids grow to be safe and content long after they are deceased. The government would love to see more disabled people paying taxes instead of relying on "handouts". For those autistic people requiring minor support who can cope with the MANY aspects of living in the everyday world, with its noise and confusion, speed and growing cultural apathy who can do a job, it is important and it matters they receive and have access to those supports. I am in no way against the personal betterment of each and every autistic individual to attain the best life possible-  for them. I am concerned that those who cannot ever support themselves given their autism, those like me,...

Really? Too many places I visit online are bringing up a troublesome sentiment: That having autism is  only  a way of thinking differently.  I notice that a majority of those expressing the sentiment are fully independent people with Asperger's Syndrome, now grouped under "autism spectrum disorder" in the DSM 5.  I don't like it when Autism Speaks claims to speak for me, and I don't appreciate some in the Neurodiversity movement doing so, either. If you experience very mild communication and sensory issues, that's great, but do remember that that is  your  experience, not the entire experience of those with autism. I would hate to see supportive services lost due to a public awareness campaign that says having ASD isn't a disability. Having ASD alone didn't get me services. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and premenstrual dysphoria (PMDD) did. I had to describe ho...

Autism awareness fact #1: Some people on the autism spectrum are sensory sensitive , sensory seeking or a combo of both. I am hyper sensitive in the area of auditory processing. Fireworks, dogs barking and fans humming may be excruciating to the autistic individual, prompting compensating devices such as earplugs or white noise. Scratchy tags or wool in clothing may prompt a rash to develop on their skin.  Autism acceptance idea #1: Recognize that we are not being "difficult". We are not trying purposely to inconvenience you when we scream at a loud noise or tear off the sweater you just bought us. Autism is a NEUROLOGICAL disorder involving, in part, the frontal & temporal lobes. These are areas responsible for impulse control and sensory input. We make accommodations EVERY DAY to function in a world that thrives on noise and distractions bombarding us on multiple fronts. It is not asking too much when we ask you to turn the music down, close the car window or to ...

Yes, it IS a disability! I honestly have to wonder if political correctness will be the death of us. Especially those of us with autism spectrum disorder if it is ever defined   solely   as a way of thinking differently, thus possibly nullifying services needed to survive. Autism is the only neurodevelopmental disorder that is constantly in conflict with causes, treatment options and self-identification. If you are totally self-sufficient, possibly married with (or without) kids, able to pay a mortgage or rent, manage a 401K along with feeding and dressing yourself, chances are you won't view your autism as a disability, but rather as ONLY a way of "thinking differently" or "processing at a different speed". Here is the problem I see if this   one-sided   perception becomes accepted as the norm: insurance companies won't have to cover treatment. It is hard enough to get insurance companies to accept autism as a valid medical diagnosis. I have...