Different minds grow awareness: understanding the autism spectrum
Illustration by Jennymarie Jemison / Medicinal Media
by Danielle Winston
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Growing up with an older nonverbal autistic sibling, I discovered at a young age that autism in films rarely came close to representing people on the spectrum. Like an unsolved mystery of human nature, my sister seemed to exist in a world I wasn’t privy to, rocking repeatedly while listening to opera tunes, rarely if ever looking me in the eye.
“Autism is mistakenly seen through a lens of deficits rather than differences,” according to Doctor Roseann Capanna-Hodge, who has worked with autistic children and adults for over 30 years in supporting nervous system regulation. New research shows that neurodevelopmental disorders are related to “differences in the brain’s communication centers, not deficits in specific regions,” says Capanna-Hodge, adding that, “Behaviors like limited eye contact or repetitive movements are misread as disinterest or lack of engagement,” but are actually expressions of focus or self-regulation.
Australian comedian and actor Hannah Gadsby has bravely contributed to shifting the autism-awareness needle. Ever since becoming a household name with their multi-award-winning 2018 Netflix standup special Hannah Gadsby: Nanette, Gadsby’s been transparent about being diagnosed with autism in their late 30s. Gadsby views autism as a positive, helping them understand their processing system and outlook on life. In their subsequent special, Hannah Gadsby: Douglas, Gadsby says having autism “feels like being the only sober person in a room full of drunks. Basically, it's like everyone is operating on a wavelength you can't quite key into.”
Before Gadsby, it was unusual to uncover such vulnerability from celebrities regarding autism. In 2013, when actor Daryl Hannah revealed she’d been diagnosed as a child with Asperger's Syndrome, it came as a surprise to many that someone so publicly glamorous and successful could have privately had a very different existence. Hannah has said she avoids crowds and premieres, and finds interviews so painfully difficult, she once had to turn down an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show with her Steel Magnolias cast because her anxiety was too intense.
Co-founders of Ed Asner Family Center (EAFC) Matt Asner, son of the actor Ed Asner, and his partner, Navah Asner, say, “It’s a misconception to think one autistic individual is the same as another.” The Asners credit their three autistic sons as the inspiration behind the center, “each as different as night and day.” Not only did their sons bring the couple closer together, they also gave the Asners their mission in life. The center for special needs children and adults is rooted in personal experience and a shared vision, “to create a world where everyone is embraced and valued for their unique abilities.”
With in-person and online options, EAFC’s programs include camps, support groups, enrichment activities, as well as one-of-a-kind adult programs, like TEAFC Academy, an arts and media-centered full-day initiative for adults; and The Dating Spectrum, which aims to make learning fun, as participants discuss dating, companionship, relationships, and more, with interactive and visual examples.There are also monthly social gatherings, where participants can mingle and practice their new skills.
Expand your autism knowledge with these resources:
“Temple Grandin: The Autistic Brain” — World-renowned scientist, speaker, and author of numerous bestsellers discusses her latest book, The Autistic Brain. In this fascinating hour-long talk, Dr. Grandin sheds light on what autism is — and isn’t. She dives into the likelihood that Albert Einstein and Steve Jobs may have both been on the spectrum, conflicting attitudes on autism, decades of research, and neurological and genetic approaches to understanding autism over the years. Grandin is quoted as saying, “If I could snap my fingers and be nonautistic, I would not. Autism is part of what I am.”
“Meditation for Autism: Body Mind Relaxation” — Meditation teacher Jason Stephenson’s 10-minute calming meditation helps achieve calm and balance, linked to the breath and senses. Dr. Capanna-Hodge says that a stressed nervous system is common with autistic people, and calming the brain helps them become more regulated and may “lead to more comfortable social interactions and improved sensory processing.”
Friendship Circle’s “36 Autism Facebook Pages You Should Like” is a robust list overflowing with groups to explore. You’ll find everything from “Autism Mothers” and “Girls and Autism: Parenting Girls on the Autism Spectrum” to pet therapy with “Dogs for Autism.”
Self-regulation and the neurodivergent brain — Doctor Capanna-Hodge’s podcast discusses the nuances of the neurodivergent brain. Discover insights about the challenges of alternate processing, including social skills, learning, and cognition.
“Exploring the Role of Siblings in Autism” — This is an hour-long presentation from Spark for Autism that focuses on families with an autistic sibling in the mix and concerns and challenges they may face. Also by Spark, check out “Caregiver Stress in Families.”
Liv Label Free Youtube channel — Autism advocate and eating-disorder survivor Livia Sara has a video channel, podcast, memoir (Rainbow Girl), and cookbook (Nourishing Neurodiversity). She offers insights on her life, struggles, and resilience.
As autism continues to be widely discussed and researched, more cases are being identified, which hopefully will translate to greater overall understanding. Research out of the University of Portsmouth found that early self-awareness of autism has the potential to yield greater emotional well-being. When interacting with people on the spectrum, be mindful to treat them how you’d want to be treated yourself. “Take time to learn, listen, and converse,” the Asners say, adding that we should “Assume intelligence. Always.”