Comments on: What Is Autism?

By: Joy

Joy — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 10:00:14 +0000

I’ve struggled with this before and even my mom asked me what she could say if someone asks what it is. I just told her that she can say that it’s a disorder (sorry if that offends anyone) that affects communication and social function. If they ask more details I try to answer more questions.

By: fw2

fw2 — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:24:47 +0000

The shortest of short answers for us is (1) eldest - he has autism’s version of ADHD - if you’d seen the hypers this morning while we were at breaky (2) youngest - he has a severe communication delay.

Then depending on the “who, what, where, when, why and how”… we expand from there.

By: Marla

Marla — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 14:14:07 +0000

I do not like it when I continually get this, “Well, all kids do that!” or “Sounds typical to me.” Frustrates me to no end. I think, “Well, so much for another person trying to understand.”

By: Elissa

Elissa — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 09:19:53 +0000

Marita - we have this book too and we love it!! Someone recommended it to us when it was shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia awards. I think it’s a great idea to give instead of a lolly bag!

By: Marita

Marita — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 09:13:39 +0000

We’ve had so many questions from family and friends since Heidi was diagnosed that I get overwhelmed sometimes. It is great that they care enough to want to know more though.

We recently discovered a great book called “All cats have asperger syndrome” which I’ve purchased a bunch of copies of. Heidi’s birthday is is January and in lieu of lolly bags for her birthday party we are giving each family a copy of the book.

My 4 year old was struggling to understand why her sister did things in a different way and this book has been brilliant in helping her understanding.

http://www.amazon.com/All-Cats-Have-Asperger-Syndrome/dp/1843104814

By: Casdok

Casdok — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 08:04:37 +0000

As you know ive discussed this one in some of my earlier posts.
As C has got older i dont feel the need to explain so much. Telling someone hes autistic just confuses people as it is a varyable as NTs!
So he is just C!

By: Joanne

Joanne — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 07:33:58 +0000

Hmmm….I haven’t really even used the word autism yet. I say things like, “he doesn’t talk,” “he has special needs.” Maybe I’m avoiding having to give an explanation, so I say other things. I like the minimalist approach, but often find it lacking.

By: Jen P

Jen P — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 04:14:41 +0000

I’m interested myself to hear what others have to say about this. I was excited to be talking to a friend I hadn’t seen in 2 years and she already understood. How refreshing to not have to explain. But I still have people who are close to me and my boys who “don’t get it” still. Some are family…

The Super Doc uses the phrase a lot: “His brain is just wired differently.” She will usually say “It’s OK.” or “It’s not bad, just different.” Therefore, in my own afterthought of that, he requires more patience and understanding.