Living on the Edge with Autism Ann Memmott

Autism Basics • • Men and women – equal numbers 1 in 30. A

Non-autistic Autistic Brain: What’s going on? Wiring gets too hot in social/sensory situations. Not

Different sensory system One example: What you may see…. . and what I see

Nightmare Noise Cannot filter out noise to listen to just one thing or one

Language Misunderstandings You need to pull your socks up!” “ “Thou Art in Heaven”

So what’s it like? The Myths People like you have no soul, no empathy

Slides: 7

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Living on the Edge with Autism Ann Memmott Vice Chair – All Party Parliamentary Group on Autism – Advisory Board Author of Cof. E autism guidelines Trustee of Berkshire Autistic Society Autistic, faceblind, arthritis, cancer survivor

Autism Basics • • Men and women – equal numbers 1 in 30. A million in the UK Any age, any background, any IQ Brain design difference, from before birth. Not a mental health condition. • Loyal, honest, dedicated, accurate, caring. • 30% self-identify as LGBT+

Non-autistic Autistic Brain: What’s going on? Wiring gets too hot in social/sensory situations. Not designed for it. Temporary random behaviour – epilepsy? Needs to literally cool down somewhere quiet

Different sensory system One example: What you may see…. . and what I see if I’m under bright fluorescent lighting.

Nightmare Noise Cannot filter out noise to listen to just one thing or one conversation. Echoing makes it hard to hear. Can hear outside noise clearly.

Language Misunderstandings You need to pull your socks up!” “ “Thou Art in Heaven”

So what’s it like? The Myths People like you have no soul, no empathy People like you are dangerous People like you will spoil our worship People like you are troublemakers People like you cost too much I don’t have time to deal with autistic people Oh good, free labour, and we’ll take your ideas. What, you’re gay as well? Get out! It hurts. So deeply. And it is so scary. How do we truly welcome autistic Christians?