Neurodiversity

Andrew, Jr. · 01-27-2010, 03:55 PM

I am use to be called retard or schitzophrenic. I was always referred too as this since I was in elementary school. I was different. I learned differently, I was a boy locked in a girl's body, and so on. It is like a long playing record with a deep scratch on it. It gets tiring after a while. And no matter what I say, or how I try to defend myself, there is always someone who will continue to bagger me. They enjoy it. Trolls is my label for them. I hope this makes sense.

Bit, I would recommend playing a walkman or ipod while doing laundry. Another thing you could do is to wear the noise cancelling headphones. I have a set, but they still allow some noise in. Bose is the best you can buy. I got mine from Greek Music online. They are by Coby.

Bit · 01-27-2010, 07:55 PM

Thank you for the headphone advice, Andrew! I appreciate it!

Spirit Dancer · 02-03-2010, 09:15 PM

Temple Grandin, Ph.D., is the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world. Now her fascinating life, with all its challenges and successes is being brought to the screen. HBO has produced the full-length film Temple Grandin, which premieres on Saturday, February 6th on HBO. She has been featured on NPR (National Public Radio), major television programs, such as the BBC special "The Woman Who Thinks Like a Cow", ABC's Primetime Live, The Today Show, Larry King Live, 48 Hours and 20/20, and has been written about in many national publications, such as Time magazine, People magazine, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report, and New York Times. Among numerous other recognitions by media, Bravo Cable did a half-hour show on her life, and she was featured in the best-selling book, Anthropologist from Mars.

Dr. Grandin didn't talk until she was three and a half years old, communicating her frustration instead by screaming, peeping, and humming. In 1950, she was diagnosed with autism and her parents were told she should be institutionalized. She tells her story of "groping her way from the far side of darkness" in her book Emergence: Labeled Autistic, a book which stunned the world because, until its publication, most professionals and parents assumed that an autism diagnosis was virtually a death sentence to achievement or productivity in life.

Dr. Grandin has become a prominent author and speaker on the subject of autism because "I have read enough to know that there are still many parents, and yes, professionals too, who believe that 'once autistic, always autistic.' This dictum has meant sad and sorry lives for many children diagnosed, as I was in early life, as autistic. To these people, it is incomprehensible that the characteristics of autism can be modified and controlled. However, I feel strongly that I am living proof that they can" (from Emergence: Labeled Autistic).

Even though she was considered "weird" in her young school years, she eventually found a mentor, who recognized her interests and abilities. Dr. Grandin later developed her talents into a successful career as a livestock-handling equipment designer, one of very few in the world. She has now designed the facilities in which half the cattle are handled in the United States, consulting for firms such as Burger King, McDonald's, Swift, and others.

Dr. Grandin presently works as a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. She also speaks around the world on both autism and cattle handling. At every Future Horizons conference on autism, the audience rates her presentation as 10+.

(as stated on her website http://www.templegrandin.com/)

christie · 02-03-2010, 10:17 PM

Many thanks for posting this.

When Bratboy was first dx 14 years ago, I read quite a bit about her and her life. It was fascinating to me that she developed the "Hug machine."

In looking at her website, I see that she has some upcoming conferences - Nashville April 2nd and Richmond April 16th. I think that I will have both Jess and I attend the Richmond one.

Thanks again - I would have hated to miss the show!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spirit Dancer

Temple Grandin, Ph.D., is the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world. Now her fascinating life, with all its challenges and successes is being brought to the screen. HBO has produced the full-length film Temple Grandin, which premieres on Saturday, February 6th on HBO. She has been featured on NPR (National Public Radio), major television programs, such as the BBC special "The Woman Who Thinks Like a Cow", ABC's Primetime Live, The Today Show, Larry King Live, 48 Hours and 20/20, and has been written about in many national publications, such as Time magazine, People magazine, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report, and New York Times. Among numerous other recognitions by media, Bravo Cable did a half-hour show on her life, and she was featured in the best-selling book, Anthropologist from Mars.

Dr. Grandin didn't talk until she was three and a half years old, communicating her frustration instead by screaming, peeping, and humming. In 1950, she was diagnosed with autism and her parents were told she should be institutionalized. She tells her story of "groping her way from the far side of darkness" in her book Emergence: Labeled Autistic, a book which stunned the world because, until its publication, most professionals and parents assumed that an autism diagnosis was virtually a death sentence to achievement or productivity in life.

Dr. Grandin has become a prominent author and speaker on the subject of autism because "I have read enough to know that there are still many parents, and yes, professionals too, who believe that 'once autistic, always autistic.' This dictum has meant sad and sorry lives for many children diagnosed, as I was in early life, as autistic. To these people, it is incomprehensible that the characteristics of autism can be modified and controlled. However, I feel strongly that I am living proof that they can" (from Emergence: Labeled Autistic).

Even though she was considered "weird" in her young school years, she eventually found a mentor, who recognized her interests and abilities. Dr. Grandin later developed her talents into a successful career as a livestock-handling equipment designer, one of very few in the world. She has now designed the facilities in which half the cattle are handled in the United States, consulting for firms such as Burger King, McDonald's, Swift, and others.

Dr. Grandin presently works as a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. She also speaks around the world on both autism and cattle handling. At every Future Horizons conference on autism, the audience rates her presentation as 10+.

(as stated on her website http://www.templegrandin.com/)

violaine · 02-05-2010, 11:19 AM

i just listened to a review of the film, based on temple grandin's life-

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertain...ntimental.html

when temple visits the farm of a family member, the director turns up the volume to make everything louder, and everything - even visuals more frightening -

"inspirational movie" & temple certainly shows the connection between animal/human behaviour.

i think she has done such amazing work with the hug machine, humane treatment for farm animals [even though i'm total vegan], i appreciate that she can put herself in slaughterhouse to educate/promote her services and products- due to her inherent realisation about cows "cattle" as she calls them, being hyper.sensitive loud sounds, things out of place - a shadow, thread, chain, train, lighting, hook, [all of which signal to cows danger out in wild], et c.

she is with a keen awareness to surroundings = senses/sensory issues/overload, and that's exactly how i am, too.

violaine · 02-05-2010, 11:30 AM

not so crazy about how she responded to question asked of her by terry gross on npr- "do you think over time you become less autistic?"

temple said she was becoming "closer to 'normal' "

bah.

Andrew, Jr. · 02-05-2010, 12:30 PM

I with you on that Violaine. I'm 46.

Semantics · 02-05-2010, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by violaine

not so crazy about how she responded to question asked of her by terry gross on npr- "do you think over time you become less autistic?"

temple said she was becoming "closer to 'normal' "

bah.

I was just listening to that interview.

John Elder Robinson said something similar in Look me in the Eye. He explained that he didn't learn how to express emotion until he was in his forties. Robinson actually mentions Temple Grandin in his book, saying that she experienced a similar evolution.

My oldest (16) is in intensive social training and one of the things he studies is understanding body language and facial expressions. If it works and he can eventually do this, I imagine that he will feel differently and closer to "normal", as Grandin and Robinson mentioned.

I know that it can be annoying to hear people talk about being normal (and I have to say it does make me

a little, too). It implies that anything other than typical is wrong or bad, but I've tried to adjust my thinking about it. My children are unique and I love them as they are, and I don't have them in therapies because I expect them to be "fixed" -but because if it helps them live an easier life by having the ability to understand other people, and appropriate social behavior, I'm all for it.

violaine · 02-05-2010, 07:08 PM

[QUOTE=Spirit Dancer;43908]Temple Grandin, Ph.D., is the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world. Now her fascinating life, with all its challenges and successes is being brought to the screen. HBO has produced the full-length film Temple Grandin, which premieres on Saturday, February 6th on HBO. She has been featured on NPR (National Public Radio), major television programs, such as the BBC special "The Woman Who Thinks Like a Cow", ABC's Primetime Live, The Today Show, Larry King Live, 48 Hours and 20/20, and has been written about in many national publications, such as Time magazine, People magazine, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report, and New York Times. Among numerous other recognitions by media, Bravo Cable did a half-hour show on her life, and she was featured in the best-selling book, Anthropologist from Mars.

Dr. Grandin didn't talk until she was three and a half years old, communicating her frustration instead by screaming, peeping, and humming. In 1950, she was diagnosed with autism and her parents were told she should be institutionalized. She tells her story of "groping her way from the far side of darkness" in her book Emergence: Labeled Autistic, a book which stunned the world because, until its publication, most professionals and parents assumed that an autism diagnosis was virtually a death sentence to achievement or productivity in life.

Dr. Grandin has become a prominent author and speaker on the subject of autism because "I have read enough to know that there are still many parents, and yes, professionals too, who believe that 'once autistic, always autistic.' This dictum has meant sad and sorry lives for many children diagnosed, as I was in early life, as autistic. To these people, it is incomprehensible that the characteristics of autism can be modified and controlled. However, I feel strongly that I am living proof that they can" (from Emergence: Labeled Autistic).

Even though she was considered "weird" in her young school years, she eventually found a mentor, who recognized her interests and abilities. Dr. Grandin later developed her talents into a successful career as a livestock-handling equipment designer, one of very few in the world. She has now designed the facilities in which half the cattle are handled in the United States, consulting for firms such as Burger King, McDonald's, Swift, and others.

Dr. Grandin presently works as a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. She also speaks around the world on both autism and cattle handling. At every Future Horizons conference on autism, the audience rates her presentation as 10+.

(as stated on her website http://www.templegrandin.com/)

just found your post-

great minds

ox

violaine · 02-07-2010, 09:51 PM

http://aspergersquare8.blogspot.com/...-document.html

The Checklist of Neurotypical Privilege

I have never been asked to prove that I am neurotypical.

I am allowed to use the word “we” without being accused of trying to speak for all neurotypical people.

I can share my opinions publicly without fear of being accused of not really being neurotypical.

I can assume that police officers will not become alarmed at my natural body language, and find it necessary to subdue me in advance of any wrongdoing.

I can reveal to my boss and coworkers that I am NT, without fear of losing my job.

I can assume that most restaurants, theaters, stores and other places I would like to go will not be so loud or brightly lit or crowded that I will become unable to function at a basic level.

I can easily find other NT people in movies or on television shows that are not explicitly about being neurotypical.

When people realize I am neurotypical, they do not ask me if I am like a particular character they have seen in a movie.

I do not have to fear that important decisions about my life will be made by autistic or other non-neurotypical people, just because I am neurotypical.

I am not expected to alter or suppress my natural ways of moving, interacting or expressing emotion in most circumstances.

If I fail to alter or suppress my natural ways of moving, interacting or expressing emotion, I do not fear public ridicule or exclusion because of this.

When seeking medical care, I am not expected to reveal that I am NT.

When attempting to purchase health insurance, I do not fear I will be rejected because I am NT.

The majority of people who make the laws of my nation share my neurology.
I am never or rarely asked to explain what it means or what it is like to be neurotypical.

I can talk about my life without being asked what I think may have caused me to be neurotypical.

If I have a medical problem, I do not worry that my doctor will dismiss it as part of my neurotypicality.

If I am happy with the way my mind works, no one questions this or argues that most people with similar brains would prefer to be different.

People don’t usually confuse me with another neurotypical person, or expect me to take responsibility for what the other person has said.

I am not assumed to be incapable of empathy or compassion.

Andrew, Jr. · 02-07-2010, 09:56 PM

Violaine,

You are lucky. I feel like I have to explain everything under the sun online. In real time, no - never. I think it is because I am lousy with words.

AtLast · 02-07-2010, 11:07 PM

I am so glad to see this thread! I know that I am not the only person that may have misread or interpreted online communications due to someone having a neurological issue (I don't like using disorder). I have a nephew with Asberger's that has certainly had a lot of negative stuff thrown at him and been very misunderstood. Certainly know a few stroke victims/survivors as well as other brain injured people.

Thinking a lot (for myself to pay attention to) about how it can be very difficult to communicate online anyway, but, if someone has a neurotypal dimension involved, it could be all the more difficult.

So, thank you all for making me aware!

02-03-2010, 09:15 PM	#3
Spirit Dancer Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Complex but Tender Preferred Pronoun?: ~Ma`am~ Relationship Status: Shotgun Rider Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Following the red road Posts: 4,519 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 9,304 Thanked 12,904 Times in 3,466 Posts Rep Power: 21474856	Temple Grandin, Ph.D., is the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world. Now her fascinating life, with all its challenges and successes is being brought to the screen. HBO has produced the full-length film Temple Grandin, which premieres on Saturday, February 6th on HBO. She has been featured on NPR (National Public Radio), major television programs, such as the BBC special "The Woman Who Thinks Like a Cow", ABC's Primetime Live, The Today Show, Larry King Live, 48 Hours and 20/20, and has been written about in many national publications, such as Time magazine, People magazine, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report, and New York Times. Among numerous other recognitions by media, Bravo Cable did a half-hour show on her life, and she was featured in the best-selling book, Anthropologist from Mars. Dr. Grandin didn't talk until she was three and a half years old, communicating her frustration instead by screaming, peeping, and humming. In 1950, she was diagnosed with autism and her parents were told she should be institutionalized. She tells her story of "groping her way from the far side of darkness" in her book Emergence: Labeled Autistic, a book which stunned the world because, until its publication, most professionals and parents assumed that an autism diagnosis was virtually a death sentence to achievement or productivity in life. Dr. Grandin has become a prominent author and speaker on the subject of autism because "I have read enough to know that there are still many parents, and yes, professionals too, who believe that 'once autistic, always autistic.' This dictum has meant sad and sorry lives for many children diagnosed, as I was in early life, as autistic. To these people, it is incomprehensible that the characteristics of autism can be modified and controlled. However, I feel strongly that I am living proof that they can" (from Emergence: Labeled Autistic). Even though she was considered "weird" in her young school years, she eventually found a mentor, who recognized her interests and abilities. Dr. Grandin later developed her talents into a successful career as a livestock-handling equipment designer, one of very few in the world. She has now designed the facilities in which half the cattle are handled in the United States, consulting for firms such as Burger King, McDonald's, Swift, and others. Dr. Grandin presently works as a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. She also speaks around the world on both autism and cattle handling. At every Future Horizons conference on autism, the audience rates her presentation as 10+. (as stated on her website http://www.templegrandin.com/) __________________ “For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.” Judy Garland

02-05-2010, 11:19 AM	#5
violaine Timed Out How Do You Identify?: atypical Preferred Pronoun?: plague words and phrases Relationship Status: love wise guys of the avian world Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: wekiva springs basin Posts: 3,236 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 9,934 Thanked 3,293 Times in 1,301 Posts Rep Power: 0	my so called life- claire dane plays temple grandin i just listened to a review of the film, based on temple grandin's life- http://www.nydailynews.com/entertain...ntimental.html when temple visits the farm of a family member, the director turns up the volume to make everything louder, and everything - even visuals more frightening - "inspirational movie" & temple certainly shows the connection between animal/human behaviour. i think she has done such amazing work with the hug machine, humane treatment for farm animals [even though i'm total vegan], i appreciate that she can put herself in slaughterhouse to educate/promote her services and products- due to her inherent realisation about cows "cattle" as she calls them, being hyper.sensitive loud sounds, things out of place - a shadow, thread, chain, train, lighting, hook, [all of which signal to cows danger out in wild], et c. she is with a keen awareness to surroundings = senses/sensory issues/overload, and that's exactly how i am, too.

02-05-2010, 07:08 PM	#9
violaine Timed Out How Do You Identify?: atypical Preferred Pronoun?: plague words and phrases Relationship Status: love wise guys of the avian world Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: wekiva springs basin Posts: 3,236 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 9,934 Thanked 3,293 Times in 1,301 Posts Rep Power: 0	love! [QUOTE=Spirit Dancer;43908]Temple Grandin, Ph.D., is the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world. Now her fascinating life, with all its challenges and successes is being brought to the screen. HBO has produced the full-length film Temple Grandin, which premieres on Saturday, February 6th on HBO. She has been featured on NPR (National Public Radio), major television programs, such as the BBC special "The Woman Who Thinks Like a Cow", ABC's Primetime Live, The Today Show, Larry King Live, 48 Hours and 20/20, and has been written about in many national publications, such as Time magazine, People magazine, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report, and New York Times. Among numerous other recognitions by media, Bravo Cable did a half-hour show on her life, and she was featured in the best-selling book, Anthropologist from Mars. Dr. Grandin didn't talk until she was three and a half years old, communicating her frustration instead by screaming, peeping, and humming. In 1950, she was diagnosed with autism and her parents were told she should be institutionalized. She tells her story of "groping her way from the far side of darkness" in her book Emergence: Labeled Autistic, a book which stunned the world because, until its publication, most professionals and parents assumed that an autism diagnosis was virtually a death sentence to achievement or productivity in life. Dr. Grandin has become a prominent author and speaker on the subject of autism because "I have read enough to know that there are still many parents, and yes, professionals too, who believe that 'once autistic, always autistic.' This dictum has meant sad and sorry lives for many children diagnosed, as I was in early life, as autistic. To these people, it is incomprehensible that the characteristics of autism can be modified and controlled. However, I feel strongly that I am living proof that they can" (from Emergence: Labeled Autistic). Even though she was considered "weird" in her young school years, she eventually found a mentor, who recognized her interests and abilities. Dr. Grandin later developed her talents into a successful career as a livestock-handling equipment designer, one of very few in the world. She has now designed the facilities in which half the cattle are handled in the United States, consulting for firms such as Burger King, McDonald's, Swift, and others. Dr. Grandin presently works as a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. She also speaks around the world on both autism and cattle handling. At every Future Horizons conference on autism, the audience rates her presentation as 10+. (as stated on her website http://www.templegrandin.com/) just found your post- great minds ox

01-27-2010, 03:55 PM	#1
Andrew, Jr. Timed Out How Do You Identify?: Me Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: Unavailable Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Over the Rainbow in a House Posts: 5,072 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 16,004 Thanked 5,249 Times in 2,216 Posts Rep Power: 0	I am use to be called retard or schitzophrenic. I was always referred too as this since I was in elementary school. I was different. I learned differently, I was a boy locked in a girl's body, and so on. It is like a long playing record with a deep scratch on it. It gets tiring after a while. And no matter what I say, or how I try to defend myself, there is always someone who will continue to bagger me. They enjoy it. Trolls is my label for them. I hope this makes sense. Bit, I would recommend playing a walkman or ipod while doing laundry. Another thing you could do is to wear the noise cancelling headphones. I have a set, but they still allow some noise in. Bose is the best you can buy. I got mine from Greek Music online. They are by Coby.

01-27-2010, 07:55 PM	#2
Bit Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Stonefemme Relationship Status: married to Gryph Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 2,177 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 1,126 Thanked 3,770 Times in 1,264 Posts Rep Power: 10778870	Thank you for the headphone advice, Andrew! I appreciate it!

02-05-2010, 11:30 AM	#6
violaine Timed Out How Do You Identify?: atypical Preferred Pronoun?: plague words and phrases Relationship Status: love wise guys of the avian world Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: wekiva springs basin Posts: 3,236 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 9,934 Thanked 3,293 Times in 1,301 Posts Rep Power: 0	not so crazy about how she responded to question asked of her by terry gross on npr- "do you think over time you become less autistic?" temple said she was becoming "closer to 'normal' " bah.

02-05-2010, 12:30 PM	#7
Andrew, Jr. Timed Out How Do You Identify?: Me Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: Unavailable Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Over the Rainbow in a House Posts: 5,072 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 16,004 Thanked 5,249 Times in 2,216 Posts Rep Power: 0	I with you on that Violaine. I'm 46.

02-07-2010, 09:51 PM	#10
violaine Timed Out How Do You Identify?: atypical Preferred Pronoun?: plague words and phrases Relationship Status: love wise guys of the avian world Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: wekiva springs basin Posts: 3,236 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 9,934 Thanked 3,293 Times in 1,301 Posts Rep Power: 0	http://aspergersquare8.blogspot.com/...-document.html The Checklist of Neurotypical Privilege I have never been asked to prove that I am neurotypical. I am allowed to use the word “we” without being accused of trying to speak for all neurotypical people. I can share my opinions publicly without fear of being accused of not really being neurotypical. I can assume that police officers will not become alarmed at my natural body language, and find it necessary to subdue me in advance of any wrongdoing. I can reveal to my boss and coworkers that I am NT, without fear of losing my job. I can assume that most restaurants, theaters, stores and other places I would like to go will not be so loud or brightly lit or crowded that I will become unable to function at a basic level. I can easily find other NT people in movies or on television shows that are not explicitly about being neurotypical. When people realize I am neurotypical, they do not ask me if I am like a particular character they have seen in a movie. I do not have to fear that important decisions about my life will be made by autistic or other non-neurotypical people, just because I am neurotypical. I am not expected to alter or suppress my natural ways of moving, interacting or expressing emotion in most circumstances. If I fail to alter or suppress my natural ways of moving, interacting or expressing emotion, I do not fear public ridicule or exclusion because of this. When seeking medical care, I am not expected to reveal that I am NT. When attempting to purchase health insurance, I do not fear I will be rejected because I am NT. The majority of people who make the laws of my nation share my neurology. I am never or rarely asked to explain what it means or what it is like to be neurotypical. I can talk about my life without being asked what I think may have caused me to be neurotypical. If I have a medical problem, I do not worry that my doctor will dismiss it as part of my neurotypicality. If I am happy with the way my mind works, no one questions this or argues that most people with similar brains would prefer to be different. People don’t usually confuse me with another neurotypical person, or expect me to take responsibility for what the other person has said. I am not assumed to be incapable of empathy or compassion.

02-07-2010, 09:56 PM	#11
Andrew, Jr. Timed Out How Do You Identify?: Me Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: Unavailable Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Over the Rainbow in a House Posts: 5,072 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 16,004 Thanked 5,249 Times in 2,216 Posts Rep Power: 0	Violaine, You are lucky. I feel like I have to explain everything under the sun online. In real time, no - never. I think it is because I am lousy with words.

02-07-2010, 11:07 PM	#12
AtLast Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Woman Preferred Pronoun?: HER - SHE Relationship Status: Relating Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: CA & AZ I'm a Snowbird Posts: 5,408 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 11,826 Thanked 10,827 Times in 3,199 Posts Rep Power: 21474857	I am so glad to see this thread! I know that I am not the only person that may have misread or interpreted online communications due to someone having a neurological issue (I don't like using disorder). I have a nephew with Asberger's that has certainly had a lot of negative stuff thrown at him and been very misunderstood. Certainly know a few stroke victims/survivors as well as other brain injured people. Thinking a lot (for myself to pay attention to) about how it can be very difficult to communicate online anyway, but, if someone has a neurotypal dimension involved, it could be all the more difficult. So, thank you all for making me aware!