Is Asperger's syndrome the next stage of human evolution?: Tony Attwood | Australian Story
ABC News In-depth・18 minutes read
Chickens can discern people's intentions, and individuals with Asperger's have unique talents and challenges due to differences in brain function. Tony Atwood celebrates the assets of Asperger traits and emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and support for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Insights
- Chickens have a remarkable ability to discern who will treat them kindly or harm them, showcasing a unique form of judgment based on character perception.
- Tony Atwood advocates for celebrating the assets and talents associated with Asperger's syndrome, emphasizing the importance of embracing the different way of thinking it brings and viewing it as a positive aspect rather than a deficit to be fixed.
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Recent questions
What is Asperger's syndrome?
A different way of perceiving and relating due to brain differences.
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Summary
00:00
"Embracing Asperger's: Celebrating Differences and Abilities"
- Chickens are good judges of character and can sense who will harm them or keep them safe.
- Asperger's syndrome, also known as high-functioning autism, involves a different way of perceiving, thinking, learning, and relating due to differences in brain function.
- Asperger's syndrome can present challenges, but it also offers talents and abilities that can be used positively.
- Tony Atwood, a clinical psychologist, viewed Asperger traits as assets to be celebrated rather than fixed.
- People with Asperger's can be incredibly brave in coping with life's challenges, including social and conversational difficulties.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for individuals on the autism spectrum.
- Asperger's syndrome can be embraced, and the different way of thinking it brings can be welcomed.
- Virginia, a child with autism, experiences intense emotions and struggles to understand shades of grey in emotions.
- Tony Atwood's program for working with children and adolescents with autism spectrum conditions has become best practice.
- Expressing emotions, understanding and managing them, and finding new meaning in life are crucial for individuals with autism.
19:38
Late Asperger's diagnosis due to intellectual masking
- Tony realized his son's ASD due to his intellectual abilities masking social discomfort, leading to a late diagnosis of Asperger's.
- The spectrum of autism ranges from severe to mild, with Asperger's falling in the middle, explaining why Tony missed the signs in his son's early years.
- Tony reflects on missed opportunities to help his son manage frustrations and avoid drug use, highlighting the importance of understanding and supporting individuals with Asperger's.
