Worlds of Autism

Worlds of Autism
Author: Joyce Davidson
Publisher: U of Minnesota Press
Total Pages: 363
Release: 2013-11-01
Genre: Education
ISBN: 145294024X

Since first being identified as a distinct psychiatric disorder in 1943, autism has been steeped in contestation and controversy. Present-day skirmishes over the potential causes of autism, how or even if it should be treated, and the place of Asperger’s syndrome on the autism spectrum are the subjects of intense debate in the research community, in the media, and among those with autism and their families. Bringing together innovative work on autism by international scholars in the social sciences and humanities, Worlds of Autism boldly challenges the deficit narrative prevalent in both popular and scientific accounts of autism spectrum disorders, instead situating autism within an abilities framework that respects the complex personhood of individuals with autism. A major contribution to the emerging, interdisciplinary field of critical autism studies, this book is methodologically and conceptually broad. Its authors explore the philosophical questions raised by autism, such as how it complicates neurotypical understandings of personhood; grapple with the politics that inform autism research, treatment, and care; investigate the diagnosis of autism and the recognition of difference; and assess representations of autism and stories told by and about those with autism. From empathy, social circles, and Internet communities to biopolitics, genetics, and diagnoses, Worlds of Autism features a range of perspectives on autistic subjectivities and the politics of cognitive difference, confronting society’s assumptions about those with autism and the characterization of autism as a disability. Contributors: Dana Lee Baker, Washington State U; Beatrice Bonniau, Paris Descartes U; Charlotte Brownlow, U of Southern Queensland, Australia; Kristin Bumiller, Amherst College; Brigitte Chamak, Paris Descartes U; Kristina Chew, Saint Peter’s U, New Jersey; Patrick McDonagh, Concordia U, Montreal; Stuart Murray, U of Leeds; Majia Holmer Nadesan, Arizona State U; Christina Nicolaidis, Portland State U; Lindsay O'Dell, Open U, London; Francisco Ortega, State U of Rio de Janeiro; Mark Osteen, Loyola U, Maryland; Dawn Eddings Prince; Dora Raymaker; Sara Ryan, U of Oxford; Lila Walsh.

Beyond the Silence

Beyond the Silence
Author: Tito Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay
Publisher: National Autistic Society
Total Pages: 114
Release: 2000
Genre: Autism
ISBN: 9781899280315

Unstrange Minds

Unstrange Minds
Author: Roy Richard Grinker
Publisher: Basic Books
Total Pages: 354
Release: 2008-07-31
Genre: Family & Relationships
ISBN: 0786721928

A father's inspiring portrait of his daughter informs this classic reassessment of the "epidemic" of autism. When Isabel Grinker was diagnosed with autism in 1994, it occurred in only about 3 of every 10,000 children. Within ten years, rates had skyrocketed. Some scientists reported rates as high as 1 in 150. The media had declared autism an epidemic. Unstrange Minds documents the global quest of Isabel's father, renowned anthropologist Roy Richard Grinker, to discover the surprising truth about why autism is so much more common today. In fact, there is no autism epidemic. Rather, we are experiencing an increase in autism diagnoses, and Grinker shows that the identification and treatment of autism depends on culture just as much as it does on science. Filled with moving stories and informed by the latest science, Unstrange Minds is a powerful testament to a father's search for the truth.

David's World

David's World
Author: Dagmar H. Mueller
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing Inc.
Total Pages: 31
Release: 2012-09-11
Genre: Family & Relationships
ISBN: 1616089628

A young boy's understanding of his autistic brother, David, improves as a therapist works with the family to better interpret David's behavior, and with David to communicate through words.

Somebody Somewhere

Somebody Somewhere
Author: Donna Williams
Publisher: Crown
Total Pages: 312
Release: 2015-06-17
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 0804150419

In the acclaimed sequel to Nobody Nowhere--in which Donna Williams gives readers a guided tour of life with autism--Williams explores the four years since her diagnosis and her attempts to leave her "world under glass" and live normally. NPR sponsorship.

Autism and the Edges of the Known World

Autism and the Edges of the Known World
Author: Olga Bogdashina
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Total Pages: 402
Release: 2011-01-15
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 0857002392

In this intelligent and incisive book, Olga Bogdashina explores old and new theories of sensory perception and communication in autism. Drawing on linguistics, philosophy, neuroscience, psychology, anthropology and quantum mechanics, she looks at how the nature of the senses inform an individual's view of the world, and how language both reflects and constructs that view. Examining the 'whys' and 'hows' of the senses, and the role of language, Olga Bogdashina challenges common perceptions of what it means to be 'normal' and 'abnormal'. In doing so she shows that autism can help to illuminate our understanding of what it means to be human, and of how we develop faculties that shape our cognition, language, and behaviour. In the final chapter, she explores phenomena often associated with the paranormal - including premonitions, telepathy and déjà vu - and shows that these can largely be explained in natural terms. This book will appeal to anyone with a personal or professional interest in autism, including students and researchers, clinical practitioners, individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, teachers, speech and occupational therapists, and other professionals.

To Explore Strange New Worlds

To Explore Strange New Worlds
Author: Elizabeth Barnes
Publisher: Independently Published
Total Pages: 250
Release: 2019-07-26
Genre:
ISBN: 9781082803437

When Elizabeth Barnes discovered that her son was on the autism spectrum she realized she had a lot to learn. She also discovered a talent for finding fun ways to teach her son about his autism through his own interests. One of those interests, which she shared, was Star Trek.Barnes writes with empathy and experience about raising a child on the autism spectrum, and the challenges they can face in understanding their own and others' behavior. The various Star Trek episodes and characters provide perfect settings to better understand a wide range of behaviors and interactions, while entertaining both parent and child. Topics in the book include learning to read facial expressions and character intent, or understanding character responses which those on the autism spectrum may recognise in themselves. Broader themes in the book include exploring communication, bullying, anxiety, acceptance, and intense interests. Each is illustrated with examples from the TV series, and include suggested questions or items to consider.Star Trek fans will learn about how it feels to see the world from an autistic perspective, and find new facets and ways to view the shows they love, while autistics, friends, loved ones, and parents of children on the autism spectrum will find new ways to better understand autism and spend enjoyable time together. Make it so.

Autism in a Decentered World

Autism in a Decentered World
Author: Alice Wexler
Publisher: Psychology Press
Total Pages: 270
Release: 2016-01-29
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1317594320

Autistic people are empirically and scientifically generalized as living in a fragmented, alternate reality, without a coherent continuous self. In Part I, this book presents recent neuropsychological research and its implications for existing theories of autism, selfhood, and identity, challenging common assumptions about the formation and structure of the autistic self and autism’s relationship to neurotypicality. Through several case studies in Part II, the book explores the ways in which artists diagnosed with autism have constructed their identities through participation within art communities and cultures, and how the concept of self as ‘story’ can be utilized to better understand the neurological differences between autism and typical cognition. This book will be of particular interest to researchers and scholars within the fields of Disability Studies, Art Education, and Art Therapy.

Temple Grandin

Temple Grandin
Author: Sy Montgomery
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Total Pages: 183
Release: 2012-04-03
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN: 0547733933

When Temple Grandin was born, her parents knew that she was different. Years later she was diagnosed with autism. While Temple’s doctor recommended a hospital, her mother believed in her. Temple went to school instead. Today, Dr. Temple Grandin is a scientist and professor of animal science at Colorado State University. Her world-changing career revolutionized the livestock industry. As an advocate for autism, Temple uses her experience as an example of the unique contributions that autistic people can make. This compelling biography complete with Temple’s personal photos takes us inside her extraordinary mind and opens the door to a broader understanding of autism.