Other recent articles under: Special Needs as of Jan 16, 2012
Topic: Special Needs
Special Needs
An article about people with special needs (Autism, Down Syndrome, Aspergers, ADHD etc.) and the effects of the over generalization of these people on their education. by Modern Socialist
(liberal)
Monday, January 16, 2012
Like everything there are myths and generalizations about people on the autism spectrum. I've heard tons of these. And since I have a brother with Aspergers and a cousin with Autism, I do not understand why people could say things like this.
First and foremost. People on the spectrum are not intelligent. Someone said to me "people with autism are all dumb." This couldn't be more false. My brother is extremely smart, knows all the presidents, vice presidents, and what years they were in office. He knows a variety of other impressive things. He's my source of knowledge. My cousin needs a lot of help studying for more conventional knowledge but is able to learn what he's interesting. He knows a lot about fans, lemons and clocks. Because of the help and programs he needs. He had some trouble with teachers who seemed to be dumber than him in school, but that stopped with outside intervention.
A common generaliztion is that all people with autism have savant skills. This is not true. Although they may be smart, it doesn't mean they're a savant.
People with autism can't have friends is another myth. Everyone I know on the spectrum has good friends. Myth disproved.
Another generalization is that people on the autism spectrum wan't to spend most of their time alone. Although some people (even off the spectrum) do prefer to be alone. Some people like to do their own thing at one point. I prefer to be alone when writing an article. People with autism have things they like to do alone and things they like to do with other people. Does that sound any different to you?
Another myth is people on the spectrum don't understand family situations. I was reading a book with someone and when a character's mother got arrested he said the character "couldn't be upset because people with autism don't understand family." I found this statement horrid. I don't see where he could have got this from.
The last myth I'll mention (although there are many others) is people on the spectrum don't have a sense of humour. They might not find a lot of jokes funny, but could find something else extremely funny. You might not even understand why it's funny. In the exact same way they don't know why your joke is funny. Everyone has a different sense of humour.
Myths, disproved. Generalizations, disproved. Cure for autism, forget about it. If you want that, say goodbye to some of your favorite music, the best technology and amzing innovations in science.
The views expressed
in this article are those of Modern Socialist only and
do not represent the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates.
Modern Socialist is solely responsible for the contents
of this article and is not an employee or otherwise affiliated
with Nolan Chart, LLC in his/her role as a columnist.
