12 Great Quotes about Asperger s and Autism€œ12 Great Quotes about Asperger’s and Autism” ...

“12 Great Quotes

about Asperger’s

and Autism”

www.dailyaspergerstips.com

www.dailyaspergerstips.com

Quote 1: Remember it’s just 1

Person

“If you’ve met one person with

autism, you’ve met one person with

autism,”

Dr. Stephen Shore

Expect you’ve heard this before.

But it’s SO true.

Autism isn’t 1 thing.

It’s a whole range . . . they don’t call it Autism SPECTRUM

for nothing.

Each child and adult is totally unique.

Some great at math.

Some aren’t.

Some stim.

Some don’t.

Some become college professors.

Some don’t.

Some like art.

Some don’t.

The list of “somes” never ends.

Sure there’s likely shared things, hence the diagnosis such as:

* Not liking change.

* Sensory issues.

* Black and white thinking.

* Social communication challenges.

* Intense interest in subjects.

(To name a few probable common things).

But anyone who thinks autism is a single thing is mistaken.

It’s essential for us all to remember.

And to remind others too.

Because a child is NOT autism.

They are a child.

Called Mat, Chris, Joe, Caroline, Wendy or Jane.

With dreams.

With ambitions.

With thoughts, hopes and fears.

Like all of us.

Part of the same world we live in – with a little

differently wired brain.

And the world would be a duller place without this difference.

(Which I believe should be celebrated.)

‘Tis enough philosophizing for today.

And talking of philosophy.

If you’d like more in depth musings on all things Asperger’s

and Parenting join me at The Parenting Asperger’s Community:

http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/public/1908.cfm

To difference,

Dave Angel


Quote 2 – Bullies Need to

Get Off The Bus

“We need to embrace those

who are different and the

bullies need to be the ones

who get off the bus,”

Caren Zucker, co-author of “In

a Different Key”

This message is in tribute to all who’ve been bullied.

The statistics bear the sad facts:

The vast majority (maybe all?) kids with ASD get bullied.

Why?

Certain kids at school look for difference.

Then use this difference against their victims.

And kids with ASD can stand out a little.

Maybe it’s how they physically carry themselves, how they

speak, what they speak about, their brutal honesty, or not

understanding social niceties.

Sad but true.

What can you do as a parent?

BE THERE.

Sure there’s preventive stuff too. Social skills training can

play a part. And building a relationship where they can, and

will, confide in you too.

But perhaps your #1 job is to provide that safe haven.

Unconditional love. A calm'ish' home. A place your child can retreat

to when they need to rest and recuperate.

School is long and tiring for kids with ASD.

So much concentration. So much to remember. So much to endure.

Throw in bullies and it can be just SO emotionally draining.

Home is where they recharge.

Gather energy for another day.

So keep providing that for them.

And if you need help yourself (as it can be just as tiring for a

parent to go through all this) then come and join our online

discussion group. . .

Brew yourself a coffee. Get out your phone. And open up our

Facebook page. You can read about other parents like you, and how

they cope with day to struggles. You can chat with other parents

like you, and ask questions too. We’ve got members all round the

world so there’s normally someone around at all times. It’s your

safe space in the world – if you want it. Interested?


To providing haven,

Dave Angel


Quote 3 – Wise Words from The Grand

Old Man of Asperger’s

"It seems that for success in science or art, a

dash of autism is essential."

Hans Asperger

The grand old man himself.

Declaring the positives of Asperger’s.

And you know what he may have had a point. Just feast your eyes

on this list of people diagnosed with Asperger’s in the music

biz:

Gary Numan (Solo artist)

Craig Nicholls (Lead singer of The Vines)

Susan Boyle (Singer)

Travis Meeks (Singer in Days of The New)

Ladyhawke (Rock singer)

James Durbin (American Idol)

Adam Young (producer for Owl City)

Dan Bull (UK rapper)

Aleksander Vinter (Electronic artist from Norway)

Johnny Dean (Lead singer of UK group Menswear)

Bap Kennedy (Irish Singer/Songwriter)

and our very own Jermaine Gardner (piano talent extraordinaire)

Many more too. Just a quick list.

What I love about Hans’s quote is the positive.

Yep as a parent it can be so tough. But there are amazing talents

within your child (doesn’t have to be of the *superstar* type

either – can be any number of skills and abilities).

And when you keep supporting your child and giving them the love

they need . . . it helps them grow and fulfill their potential.

I know it can be a tough road to ride alone.

So you may need some help . . .

We’re here for you 100%. Join us at The Parenting Asperger’s

Community for all the parenting help and support you need:


To talented aspies,

Dave Angel


Quote 4 - The Creator of Stone

Spears

"Who do you think made the first stone

spears? The Asperger guy. If you were to

get rid of all the autism genetics, there

would be no more Silicon Valley."

Temple Grandin

Many people diagnosed with Asperger’s (or displaying many traits of

. . .) driving Silicon Valley.

The likes of Bill Gates (Microsoft) and Mark Zuckerburg

(Facebook) often rumored.

But whether they are or aren’t diagnosed isn’t really the

point here. More about the marriage of tech and ASD.

For many reasons people on the spectrum do well with tech.

They are logical thinkers.

Computers and tech are the ultimate logical machines.

No time or need for social niceties or complex emotions in tech

land. In fact it can be a safe haven from this stuff for many aspies

(why do you think so many people with Asperger’s are into

gaming?)

But the ability to concentrate and focus intently.

Another great match for coding and programming.

Needs a meticulous, sharp and hard working mind.

Focused on 1 small subject area.

Sound familiar?

Yep it’s an aspie world alright.

Big companies like SAP, Microsoft and others are slowly taking

note. Providing work programs that allow people on the spectrum to

get jobs with them. To avoid the normal unhelpful recruitment

procedures.

And give them a chance to show what they can do.

And an employee who LOVES to work, DISLIKES office gossip, and

ENJOYS working long hours on complicated tasks . . . well they’re

pretty much ideal right?

Sadly it’s a slow thing. Most companies NOT ASD friendly.

Which is why ASD unemployment is horribly high.

But don’t fear if you want to prepare your young person for the

world of work . . .

I’ve got an e-book called “How to help your young person with

Asperger's find and keep a job”, which helps you does exactly

that. It’s one of 33 e-books in the online library here at

Parenting Asperger’s Community. To gain full access to all of

them:


To spear makers,

Dave Angel


Quote 5 – Here’s to you Mr. Robison

"Saying you "have" something implies that

it's temporary and undesirable. Asperger's

isn't like that. You've been Aspergian

as long as you can remember, and you'll be

that way all your life. It's a way of being, not

a disease."

John Elder Robison

Here’s to you Mr. Robison . . .

Couldn’t agree more.

Asperger’s is a description . . .

Of certain characteristics, qualities and behaviors.

Lumps people together (even though they’re all unique).

Worse . . . it labels.

Asperger’s SYNDROME

Autism Spectrum DISORDER

For (the many) ignorant even . . . Asperger’s DISEASE

Negative words.

Lead to negative perceptions.

These medical terms go hand in hand with “cure”.

And of course “cure” implies sickness – illness –

something to be rid off!

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.

Asperger’s is a different way of viewing the world.

A differently wired brain.

DIFFERENT . . . Not better . . . Not worse . . . DIFFERENT.

And let’s be honest if we lived in a world where eye contact,

gossip and a need to follow fashion were not so prevalent. A lot

of the so-called ‘problems’ of Asperger’s would disappear

overnight.

Just sayin’

For more occasional rants, arguments and pleas on behalf of

children with Asperger’s (and you their parents):


To sayin’ it out loud,

Dave Angel

PS Anyone get my Simon and Garfunkel mis-quote?


Quote 6 – Welcome to Opposite

World

"Imagine a world where Asperger’s

was the norm, and non-autistics or

neurotypicals were the minority. Let's

try it: Those who feel the need to

constantly be with a variety of friends

are considered fickle. Those with no

propensity for computers and science

are called geeks. Those with no special interest are thought to

be ungr ounded and lost. Those without obsessive focus have to

take classes to cultivate it."

Rudy Simone (Advocate and author)

AKA "Opposite world."

Changes things a complete 360.

But a great point.

So many challenges for people with Asperger's are socially

manufactured:

* Eye contact - Is it really SO important?

* Having lots of friends - Should it be a good measure of social

success? (For that matter should social success even matter that

much?)

* Being an "all rounder" at school - Aspies like certain topics

of interest. Struggle if they can't see the point of something.

If the school system reflected this - instead of a need for

covering everything; would likely reduce problems.

* Selling yourself at job interviews - Interviews are false and

manufactured. Why not test applicants with a real practical test

of skills instead of the social merry go round of traditional

interviews? Methinks ASD employment rates may improve.

* Test academic skills all year NOT just an isolated exam -

Pressure. Pressure. Pressure. Can be unbearable for someone with

ASD. Yet they may have showed the skills required all year. But

failed miserably on that 1 exam day.

* Celebrate REAL knowledge - If having an in depth interest in

animals, history, math, science, trains and other such topics was

seen as a great attribute; this would up the average aspie's

cred. In a celebrity obsessed world it seems such "bookish"

knowledge comes a poor 2nd to gossip, triviality and scandal.

* Looking a certain way - If we could all look how we like, the

world may be a more honest place. Less need to follow certain

fashions, trends and rules. Aspies often ignorant to such trends

would definitely do better in this type of world.

I could go on. And on . . .

But hey point made. And I'm preaching to the converted anyway.

However sometimes it's really all about perspective. And

talking of perspective: If you'd like to chew the fat on all things

Asperger's and parenting then here's the magical shiny link:


To challenging perspective,

Dave Angel


Quote 7 – The Nobel Prize Winning

Aspie

"Nobel prize-calibre geniuses often have certain core autistic features at their heart" Allan Snyder, director of Sydney University's Centre for the Mind.

Deep knowledge on a subject.

Intense focus and concentration.

A unique way of thinking.

All essential for a Nobel prize. All pretty common in people with ASD too. So I can certainly see the link above.

Embodied by one Dr. Vernon Smith . . . An adult aspie (now retired) professor in Economics. He's worked at Brown University, the University of Massachusetts, the University of Arizona, George Mason University (Virginia), and the University of Alaska.

In 2002 he was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for "having established laboratory experiments as a tool in empirical economic analysis, especially in the study of alternative market mechanisms".

To be honest I don't have a clue what that means! But sounds very, very clever indeed. Certainly must be impressive in his field to get the Nobel Prize. So here's to Vernon Smith and other innovative aspies out there.

And if you'd like to hear more about inspirational aspie role models . . . Then you'll love our 10 week Inspirational Aspies Course. Features 10 great well known role models with ASD (includes a pro surfer, pro gamer, actor, musician, advocate . . .) It's a bonus for all new members of The Parenting Asperger's Community: http://www.parentingaspergerscommunity.com/public/1908.cfm To impressive aspies, Dave Angel


Quote 8 – The Power of Words

"Patience. Patience. Patience.

Work to view my autism as a

different ability rather than a

disability. Look past what you

may see as limitations and see

the gifts autism has given me.

It may be true that I’m not good

at eye contact or conversation,

but have you noticed that I don’t lie, cheat at games, tattle on

my classmates or pass judgment on other people? Also true

that I probably won’t be the next Michael Jordan. But with my

attention to fine detail and capacity for extraordinary focus, I

might be the next Einstein. Or Mozart. Or Van Gogh." Ellen

Notbohm (Parent and author)

Different ABILITY

Not

DIS ABILITY.

A few different letters; but a world apart in meaning.

Let's see why . . .

Top 3 definitions of Disability at Dictionary.com are:

1. lack of adequate power, strength, or physical or mental

ability; incapacity.

2. a physical or mental handicap, especially one that prevents a

person from living a full, normal life or from holding a gainful

job.

3. anything that disables or puts one at a disadvantage:

"Lack of power"

"Handicap"

"Prevents from living a full life or gaining a job"

" Disables . . . put at disadvantage"

Don't exactly drip off the tongue with positivity, now do they?

Now don't get me wrong. Kids with Asperger's don't have a

level playing field. The social world we live in - does indeed put

them

at a disadvantage. A big disadvantage.

But in my book doesn't mean they have a disability.

It's a lot to do with what surrounds them.

Expectations.

Social norms.

Day to day stuff that doesn't naturally happen in their

differently wired brain. Like that old quote attributed to

Einstein (though not sure he actually said it):

"Everybody is a Genius. But If You Judge a Fish by Its Ability

to Climb a Tree, It Will Live Its Whole Life Believing that It is

Stupid"

They're being judged on the stuff they are not naturally good

at (the fishy tree climbing stuff!)

Disability judges the person on their negatives. What they CAN'T

do.

Instead DIFFERENT ABILITY starts with the positive. Saying you

have ability first and foremost. I Like this. Like this much more.

And whilst this may seem like semantics to some. It's not. It's more.

Way more.

It's mind set. View point. And the way someone is seen in the

world.

BIG stuff.

And talking of mind set; as a parent it's important to keep positive.

But I know there's days (maybe lots of days) - when it lips.

You're exhausted. Frustrated. Maybe can't even find the energy to

get up and face the world. When this happens do you have back up

and support you need?

I hope so.

But if not . . . don't worry . . . we're there for you . . .

The Parenting Asperger's Online Support Group is open 24-7

whenever you need help & support through the troubled times:


To positivity,

Dave Angel


Quote 9 – To suffer . . . or

not to suffer . . . that is

the question

"I do not suffer from Autism,

but I do s suffer from the way

you treat me."

(Anon)

Email Spoiler alert . . . This has

some overlap with yesterday's

topic. But (in my humble opinion)

still worth a read.

Still with me? OK good . .. here goes . . .

Autism: A word to explain a bunch of behaviors, and the way the

brain works.

But suffer from . . . ? Wrong word choice methinks.

Sure ...the brain of people with asd is wired different.

So stands to reason it's not fair to expect people with ASD to behave

EXACTLY the same as everyone else.

It's like the quote says:

The people who do expect you to behave a certain way; THEY cause

any suffering (rather than 'autism' itself).

Was chatting about this over the 'inter-connect' the other day with

a mom in Holland.

The media love a good tale of "suffering".

"Asperger's sufferer does this..."

"Asperger's sufferer does that . . ."

Great sensationalist news copy sure it helps sell papers. But not

helpful to people with ASD.

Suffering is just another word on the level of disorder, disease,

illness and more.

Implies "something's wrong with this guy/gal".

BIG value judgment.

"Something's different" . .. muchos better.

NO value judgment implied.

And talking of unfair judgments . . . Would you like to visit a

mystical never land place where negative judgments don't exist?

Where kids, teens & adults with ASD (and their parents) happily

exist . . . Supporting each other . . . Helping each other . . . Every

step of their journey . . .

Well step forward Tinkerbell and visit our online parenting support

group today. In the land where positivity and mutual respect really

does exist:


To no suffering,

Dave Angel


Quote 10 – A Mother’s

Instinct and more

"As a mom, you worry about

protecting your kid. But there

are extra added layers of fears

when you're talking about a

kid with autism or who has

some special needs issue."

Holly Robinson Peete Actress

and mom

I'd be very surprised if anyone whose reading this d doesn’t agree.

EVERY mom worries about their kids.

It's hard wired.

A survival instinct.

Mother nature produces chemicals in mom's to make it so.

ADD to that modern day life.

24 hr news channels. Constant streaming internet news. The

uncensored world of Facebook.

All sharing news stories. Of which a % are scary.

Kids being harmed, bullied and hurt in all kinds of ways.

The more horrific. The more they're covered. The more people hear

them. Sews huge seeds of doubt in all parents.

ADD to that ASD.

Further vulnerability. Social naivety. Not able to pick out the "bad

guys"

quite as easily.

No surprise such fear exists (as mentioned in the above quote).

Some fear is healthy. Nature's way of saying "be careful".

Too much . . . and it can stunt your child's development.

What to do?

* Equip your child from an early age. Role model, teach and

discuss all manner of social situations.

* Limit your news intake. Seriously there is so much fear

mongering and sensationalization in the media - it can't be good

for your brain.

* Work closely with the school on skill development , bullying

and keep safe work.

* Give your child increasing independence and life experience

over time. Slowly, in a safe way. But they need this to grow.

* Get the advice and experience of other moms in your situation.

They've been there and done it (or doing it). So got tips and

advice aplenty to help you.

And you know where this heading right?

Yep a plug for our own online Support Group - The Parenting

Asperger's Community. It's something I set up so of course I'm a tad

biased. But I do really believe in this group.

The set of parents we have at the moment - all traveling together on

the bumpy road of raising a child with ASD - are exceptional. Kind,

giving, supportive and yet honest enough to admit they have really

tough days too. And how about this for a 3 word testimonial one

mom (Heather) wrote about the group recently:

"Never alone again!"

If you'd like to be part of this support network and never be alone

again:


To safety in numbers,

Dave Angel


Quote 11 – It’s hiding (just below the

surface) and boy does it hurt

“Protecting myself from the influx of

painful stimuli, just give me space and I

shall be okay.”

― Tina J. Richardson author and woman

with autism.

One of the biggest problems for people with

Asperger’s is the “hidden” nature of it.

People with physical challenges often easy to see:

Wheelchair . . . missing limb . . . the way they move.

Joe public can see and easily understand. Much tougher with ASD.

You cannot SEE anything obvious.

Drill down a little it’s there alright. Using Tina’s

example above of stimuli. You can see it in:

* The piercing effect of false lighting – can cause

headaches, painful eyes and physical unease. Which can lead to

stimming and even self injurious behaviors.

* The sound of a police siren or fire alarm can cause actual

physical pain to a child.

* Certain smells can be really tough to process. They appear

hyper strong to a child with ASD.

(Note all children are different on this. In fact many have

“under” sensitivity rather than over).

That’s without mentioning sensitivity to pain, face blindness,

tonal deafness and other related issues.

Stimuli (all the stuff surrounding us) is BIG for kids with ASD.

And perhaps one of the ‘forgotten’ problems of the school

environment is just this:

They are terrible places from a sensory perspective – before

you even get to the education and social dynamics.

Bright lighting, busy classrooms, noisy corridors, close

proximity, school dinner smells, the scent of many other people,

and on and on. No wonder school’s such a tough gig for many. But

I’m sure you know that already.

Children with ASD really don’t tend to flourish in school. And

it’s a source of such pain to them and their parents. Which is why

I put together the “Asperger’s Education” program. It’s a series of

5 interviews with education experts (a teacher, psychologist,

advocate, mom, and life coach) all about helping your child with

Asperger’s get the best from school.

I used to sell this program for $197. But now I give it away as a

free bonus for parents who join The Parenting Asperger’s

Community, because I know how valuable this information can be.

If you’d like a copy of this program which improves your child's

school experience the full details are at:


To surviving school,

Dave Angel


Quote 12 – Her Brain

is Like Google Images

“I’m a visual thinker not a language based thinker. My brain is like Google Images” Temple Grandin I love the simplicity of this. And the great way it explains the ASD brain for many (note

- there are always exceptions; but the majority of kids with ASD tend towards visual thinking). Too much language. Too much talking. Too much verbal description. Often not good for kids with ASD . . . Which is tough when they have teachers, parents, grandparents, friends, sports coaches, church leaders, activity organizers all talking at them. Trying to explain to them. Often needs to be verbal communication as it’s an immediate thing. So short sentences. No metaphors. Basic, uncomplicated language. But if it doesn’t have to be straight away. Take your pick from: * Texting * Online Messaging * Planner

* Communication board * Visual symbols * Journal * Whiteboard * Hand written note . . . and more. Some depend on the child’s age obviously. Point being: think visual not verbal, whenever possible. Simple but effective. And I’m a huge fan of the simple approach. You can see it in the 33 e-books and special reports in the members area of The Parenting Asperger’s Community. I break them into specialized areas like

"How to Get (and Keep) a job for young people with Asperger's" "College Success for Young People with Asperger's" "Surviving The Teen Years with Asperger's" "How to Cope with Meltdowns" "The Super Simple System For Teaching The Teachers (about

Asperger's)" "Grandparents Top Tips for a Child with Asperger's Syndrome" "A Parent's Guide to Social and Independent Living Skills" "A Parent's Guide to Emotions and Communication in

Children with Asperger's" . . . and more . . .

They’re short, sweet & very effective. If you’d like access to

all of them; then you can take a trial membership of The Parenting

Asperger’s Community today:


To simple stuff,

Dave Angel


12 Great Quotes about Asperger s and Autism€œ12 Great Quotes about Asperger’s and Autism” ...

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Transcript of 12 Great Quotes about Asperger s and Autism€œ12 Great Quotes about Asperger’s and Autism” ...