Autism

[kitchen_kink]

This article, exploring the "difference model" of autism (as opposed to the disease model), seems like one of the more important things I've read in a really long time.

In a synthesized voice generated by a software application, [Amanda Baggs, a severe autistic,] explains that touching, tasting, and smelling allow her to have a "constant conversation" with her surroundings. These forms of nonverbal stimuli constitute her "native language," Baggs explains, and are no better or worse than spoken language. Yet her failure to speak is seen as a deficit, she says, while other people's failure to learn her language is seen as natural and acceptable.

Comments

[rezendi.livejournal.com]

There's a fascinating book called Animals in Translation by Temple Grandin, herself autistic, which (sort of in passing, but at some length) touches on much the same thing.

[anotherjen.livejournal.com]

I watched the video. It is indeed amazing.

[zarex.livejournal.com]

It's definitely interesting, but I'm not sure I would agree that it is "no worse" than spoken language. I mean, the purpose of language is to have others understand what you're thinking, isn't it? Her "communicating" with her environment may be satisfying or fulfilling to her, but if no one else can understand it, how is it effective as language?

It appears more of an OCD type of behavior to me.

But interesting nonetheless.

thanks

[artemisedge.livejournal.com]

for posting that. i don't read Wired usually, but that was a great article. One I've tried to pass on, as well.