What Is Autism?
What Is Autism?
The technical answer to this question is somewhat longwinded and can be rather complicated to explain to someone who knows little about the condition.
And it was interesting to see recently on one of the message boards that we like to visit, that there was a discussion based around how you might explain your child’s condition to someone.
So… What Is Autism?
This question has always been a really tough one for us. Whilst we ourselves understand what Autism is, and how it relates to Jack, we find it really difficult to put it into a short succinct explanation that people understand and can connect with.
We usually start with the social stuff, as this is what people see when they meet Jack. We try to explain that Jack sees the social world through different eyes to many people, and that ‘typical’ social settings often make him anxious and quite irritable or stressed. But for some people even this simple explanation never seems enough - we still have people look at us like they don’t understand.
Then if we ever need to go on to explain sensory issues, or other symptoms to people, it’s an even bigger challenge.
Some people associate their own ‘typical’ child’s behaviour to Jack’s by saying things like “oh yes, my child throws tantrums too when they’re tired”, or “my child doesn’t like shopping much either”, or “my child can be fussy about what they eat”. But do they really ‘get it’???
So we continue to try and refine our definition and explanation, and when people do understand, it’s like a breath of fresh air to us.
Just maybe, one day we won’t even have to explain…..
But until then, if anyone can help with a short and succinct ‘lay persons’ version of what autism is, we’d really appreciate some input.
December 22nd, 2007 at 4:14 am
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.
December 22nd, 2007 at 7:33 am
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.
December 22nd, 2007 at 8:04 am
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!
December 22nd, 2007 at 9:13 am
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
December 22nd, 2007 at 9:19 am
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!
December 22nd, 2007 at 2:14 pm
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.”
December 23rd, 2007 at 4:24 pm
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.
S.
December 24th, 2007 at 10:00 am
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.