The Language of Autism Michelle S Alkon Adult

The Language of Autism Michelle S. Alkon Adult Services, AANE michelle. alkon@aane. org 617. 393. 3824 ext. 25 DDS Autism Training January 28 2016

Agenda: The Language of Autism • Context from Michael John Carley • If you’ve met one… • Nuances and Perspectives ©Asperger/Autism Network

Michael John Carley Online Presentation-Controversy, Stigma, and Inflexibility: Ethical Conundrums of the Autism/Asperger World released summer, 2011 31: 45 -34: 21 ©Asperger/Autism Network

If you’ve met one… • AS is a developmental delay. • People with AS learn explicitly what neurotypicals learn intuitively. • At age 18, adults with AS are still adults with the same rights (and responsibilities) as non-spectrum adults. ©Asperger/Autism Network 4

If you’ve met one… “When you’ve met one person with Asperger Syndrome— you’ve met one person with Asperger Syndrome!” Stephen M. Shore, Ed. D. Author, Professor, Musician, Adult on the Autism Spectrum ©Asperger/Autism Network 5

Asperger’s and Autism www. neurodiversityconsulting. org graphic comes from a presentation on the new DSM 5 diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorders prepared by Dr. Walter Kaufmann. ©Asperger/Autism Network 6

Disorder and Difference ©Asperger/Autism Network 7

Functioning The difference between high functioning and low functioning: High functioning may mean your child’s deficits are ignored and low functioning may mean that your child’s assets may be ignored. It is our job to educate and make the community aware of our child’s strengths. ©Asperger/Autism Network 8

Neurotypical ©Asperger/Autism Network 9

Perspective ©Asperger/Autism Network 10

Perspective ©Asperger/Autism Network 11

Perspective “ Nothing About Us, Without Us!” ©Asperger/Autism Network 12

Perspective “What would happen if the autism gene was eliminated from the gene pool? ” “You would have a bunch of people standing around in a cave, chatting and socializing and not getting anything done. ” Temple Grandin, Ph. D Author, Animal Behaviorist, Adult on Autism Spectrum ©Asperger/Autism Network 13

Resources • Neuro. Tribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman • Online Presentation-Controversy, Stigma, and Inflexibility: Ethical Conundrums of the Autism/Asperger World released summer, 2011/ Video of an April 12, 2011 Presentation at Columbia University, New York, NY • Autistic Self Advocacy Network: http: //autisticadvocacy. org/ (resource library) • Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism Kindle Edition by Barry M. Prizant • Autism Digest: Neurodiversity: A Balanced Opinion by Nick Dubin http: //autismdigest. com/neurodiversity/

About AANE The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) works with individuals, families, and professionals to help people with Asperger Syndrome and similar autism spectrum profiles build meaningful, connected lives. We do this by providing information, education, community, support, and advocacy, all in an atmosphere of validation and respect. AANE provides support and community to: • Adults and their families • Families of children and teens • Educators and professionals • Diverse leadership includes adults, family members and professionals • Advocate for appropriate quality services for people with AS profiles. 15