As with my 400th and 500th post I am running the "Autism Is..." project. The timing is perfect for this as my book, "Finding Kansas" was released last month as well as the fact that my Autism Awareness and Understanding Tour is in its final lap. So yes, the timing is perfect as those things are things I've done, but once again on my blog it's your turn...
I did this once and I wanted to run this again. For today I want you contribute. This is a simple task and all I want you to do is finish the line, "Autism is..." I want as many answers as possible. If you've contributed before feel free to do so again.
Autism is still a gigantic mystery to most people outside of the spectrum and I want as many comments as possible. This truly is a spectrum disorder and no single voice can cover the whole spectrum. So, autism is...? There are no right answers, or wrong answers. Use one word, use as many words as the comment form below will allow (4096 letters). The only thing I ask is that we keep this positive and if you want you can mention if you are a parent, on the spectrum, professional, or have no ties to the spectrum. You also have many options as you can post your name, or do it anonymously.
So now it's your turn, "Autism is..."
Autism is just a name to help explain a part of me. I'm also an individual.
ReplyDeleteFor people who don't know yet: I have Asperger's Syndrome.
Autism is a very special way to see life,just like a heart shape window, which helps you find out the cleanest side of everything.My lovely 14th year old girl makes me feel proud of her.
DeleteAutism is a blessing that is hard to share with those who don't understand. It has a wide range of attributes it can touch, but the pattern rarely repeats - ironic since patterns and repetition is desired with many who have Autism. The puzzle motif for Autism awareness, etc. is very apropos. Like i've heard it said, "if you know one person with Autism, you know one person with Autism", and yet we all fit in together.
ReplyDeleteAutism is awesome!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAutism is awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteAutism is personality, you see the World with other Eyes, but is there the right Way how you must see the World?! Please forget prejudice and beamenable! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAutism is. Enough said.
ReplyDeletea misunderstood mystery
ReplyDeleteAutism is underfunded. More people are impacted by Autism than by pediatric aids, juvenile diabetes and childhood cancers combined! Effective research and treatment are dependent on funds to provide for this growing need.
ReplyDeleteTo me autism is a part of my 2 children, but it does not define our whole life. Luke and Ella are truly the loves of my life and autism has become my calling, in helping other families as well as my own.
ReplyDeleteI think it's hard to live with it. Sometimes it's sad. I'm feel so alone. But when I understood more what is it, after 40, I began to live a better life.
ReplyDeleteAutism is A new kind of people in society who look at things differntly then others. Smart or dumb, social or asocial. Just different.
ReplyDeleteAutism is difference. Difference that make life's struggles multiply over and over!
ReplyDeleteis NEVER giving up, knowing he is in there and I will get him out!
ReplyDeleteAutism is just another part of our life. We accept it as simply a part of life.
ReplyDeleteAutism is sometimes undefinable. When you have two kids in the same family on the spectrum they are very unique. Autism is a puzzle with out all the pieces.
ReplyDeleteAutism is something wonderful that many people has.
ReplyDeleteI have Autism and I'm proud of it! :D
________________________________________________
Do you know Bill Gates?
He invented the computer, and he has Autism! :D
Nothing on internet, and other programs would exist without him! :D
(pass this message to everyone)
Autism is an amazing gift of profound, innovative thinking to those on the spectrum who are supported, encouraged and accepted by the people close to them. It is only a burden when surrounded by ignorance.
ReplyDeleteAutism is a challenge, each day, each moment. As a parent I see some of my children on the spectrum happy and leading a fullfilling life. One of them however can't leave his frame of mind and lives in a kind of prison of his thoughts and I can do nothing else but to step inside that world and reach him a hand, leaving my own life sadly behind. Autism is on a spectrum, and it's not all happy happy life. Sorry.
ReplyDeleteI was diagnosed with Autism and Aspergers syndrome when i was 3 and it as been a challenge for me to fit into "normal" society. But who says we arent the normal ones and they are the abnormal ones? Im glad to have this gift that i have cherished throughout my life as it is. I am 17 and to this day my disability is what makes me, me.
ReplyDeleteAutism is what makes my granddaughter who she is and she is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteAutism is not for Sissies. It takes all my strength to live in it, with it , and through it.
ReplyDeleteautism is a blessing in disguise once you figure out what the issues are and learn how to deal with it you figure out their are so many more opportunities for them than you ever imagined and its also pure honesty my son truly amazes me with everything he deals with and still accomplishes daily :)
ReplyDeleteAutism is all around us.
ReplyDeleteAutism is teaching me to be a better parent to all of my children.
ReplyDeleteAutism is a journey which my daughter is on. She will have to be stronger than most to overcome many obstacles along this journey. She teaches me, daily, how to look at things in a different light. I assure you that she has more strength and determination than I will ever have. I am a blessed mother!
ReplyDeleteAutism is...responsible for one of the kindest, most honest and genuine adults that I have ever met. Sometimes that shell keeps the goodness with the person.
ReplyDeleteAutism is what my son, TJ, controls...it does not control him! -Diana Silvers
ReplyDeletehard sometimes, sometimes not so much.
ReplyDeleteAutism is an adventure that can be challenging but very rewarding and mind opening. It can also be a nightmare if you don't have the proper people in your life to help guide you through the adventure.
ReplyDeletea journey of discovery.
ReplyDeleteI am blessed to be the parent of a son challenged by Aspergers. We have learned so much about him, ourselves, and the world around us as we navigate the maze of autism. Along the way, we've partnered with amazing doctors, educators, and thereapists. We look forward to what the future holds for our son and his unique gifts and abilities. Thank you, Aaron for your courageous passion to tell your story and provide valuable insight and HOPE to those touched by autism spectrum disorders.
Autism is....The most discriminated against disibility there is. My son's neorologist had to treat him for 'sleep disorder' for years because if we even whispered the word autism our insurance would not have covered his medical expenses.
ReplyDeleteGod bless all the persons and advocates who have fought the long, hard battle to finally have the insurance regulations change this discrimination. How can a person on the spectrum start his life out being proud of who he/she is when they are told to "hide" their disibility right from the start!
Autism is. . . God's unique way to teach me how to trust Him. My 16 y.o. son, Josh, was diagnosed with Asperger's 3 yrs. ago. He is fearfully and wonderfully made in God's image. We struggle, ask questions of ourselves, to others, to God. And we keep hearing, "Press On". So we do and we continually learn more about ourselves and our son. He is so gifted and intelligent. He excels in his studies even though he struggles with the external demands of school. He has many goals he wants to achieve, many of which are beyond our own understanding. While we don't know what his future holds. We know who holds his future. Thank you, Aaron, for your honesty, candor, and sense of humor. You are an advocate for all who are on the spectrum of Autism. God is using you to give hope to many, many families.
ReplyDeleteAutism is unique, mysterious, intriguing. I am a student of Autism as I will continuously be learning about this mysterious "dis"ability. I am currently a paraprofessional but working on my Master's in Sped with an emphasis in Autism and Developmental Disorders.
ReplyDeleteI love all the positive posts I have read! Thank you, Aaron, for your courage to tell your story and for your amazing book "Finding Kansas." My son, Ben, was diagnosed with Autism (Asperger's) in May. He will be 7 in December. My new goal in life (along with being an elementary teacher) is to stand side by side, holding my son's hand when he reaches for it, and helping him to identify, understand, and accept the parts about him that are so wonderfully unique! I quickly learned that I am his best advocate, and am continually learning as much as possible to not only help Ben, but other students and their families. I thank God each and every day for blessing me with Ben, and for allowing me to take this journey with him.
ReplyDeleteAspergers is a blessing because my daughter is a blessing. She has taught me another way of looking at thing in everyday life. Get to know some with Autism / Aspergers, your life will be blessed and will never will be the same.
ReplyDeleteAutism is FASCINATING.
ReplyDeleteAutism is the reason I get up in the morning and smile on my way to work. Autism helped me be a better friend.
ReplyDeleteMy son is 17,we have known autism for 13 years of our lives.When we go out in public I feel like that deformed person everyone can't help but stare at.He isn't the one that is affended,but I am .
ReplyDeleteAutism is at times the most exhausting part of my day...two sons...one diagnosis...polar opposites...autism is realizing that what may work for one, will definitely not work for the other...autism is watching the light bulb go on after a particularly trying moment that says "I get it"...autism is holding the face of my son in my hands and wondering how I became so blessed to have created this beautiful child of God...autism is the hug after school that says "I had a really good day"...autism is the pain in my heart when the hug is because he has been rejected...autism is not a choice...autism just is...
ReplyDeleteMy son is 14 and also autistic. I just asked him what is autism to him, he said a chemical imbalance in the brain. He added also i like doughnuts. One of the many surprises of autism. We get little extras when we ask him things. Extras that has nothing to do with what we ask him. As his mother autism to me is our way of life. To me he i perfectly normal. He has rules, chores and is very helpful around the house. Another good thing now he knows his own limitations, like he wanted to cook eggs here recently. I plugged oup my flat iron and stood at his side while he coked him some eggs then he liked it so much he wanted to cook enough for everyone. yes i let him lol. Then he looked at the stove and said moma i dont wanna use that because im not ready. Our stove is gas. I simply said thats ok your doing fine with this and i told him how proud of him i was.
ReplyDeleteAutisim is the label Dr's put on my son. I do not use it. Sometimes it may take him a little longer to process it, he might add somithing that does not need to be there and it might be so literal that it is inappropriate. But it's who he is so Autisim is what we make it!
ReplyDeleteAutism is God's way of saying I LOVE YOU TOO MUCH TO LET YOU GO....It's a miracle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAutism is..beautiful,smart,loving and my son. It is a gift these kids that become adults are our genius of our future.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to add to this project. A few months ago I spoke to a classroom of 5th graders and one of them said it perfectly when, as I asked "what is autism?" they answered, "If I'm not mistaken, autism is that you see the world differently, right?" How right that 5th grader was!
ReplyDeleteI have autism..I got it whenI was 10,5 . I was happy when I found out what it was,cause I had been bullied for so lon for something I didn't know what it was, all iI knew was that I was different,and when I got a name for it, I became more happy, and yes I'm proud for having autism. I wouldn't take my diagnosis away. It's what makes me me, and I'm a fast learner..when I study for a test,I only need 20 minutes, I can't really describe autism .. but it what makes me me and I'm proud of it. Autism is not just seeing through a window..it is seeing through a window and noticing all the colours in the sky.
ReplyDeleteOne of my relatives have autism too,You couldn't tell that we have the same diagnosis..while I sit in a chair and talk just like other people,he runs around,in only underwear screaming "wiiiiie!!". Yeah..I can't write my whole life here..But if you wanna talk to me more about this.. Please contact me on e-mail: pyroclaw@hotmail.se
(Yes I am from sweden)
Autism is fascinating, is my everyday world, is their first word at my office, is their first smile looking at my eyes, is their great grades at school, is their commitment to be a good friend, is what I'm blessed every day...Dulce Cota (La Paz, México)
ReplyDelete...the nightmare from hell that I live out everyday when my son is not accepted, recognized, included, spoken to appropriately, treated fairly when others decide to judge him for the differences they see but fail to work with.
ReplyDeleteAutism is.... AMAZING!!! I love my 17 year old son for who he is and would not change one thing about him!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAutism is an idividual thing...I have a 6 yo son diagnosed with Asperger's and he is a complete individual. He is completely different from anyone I know and even completely different from other people diagnosed with Asperger's. It is exhausting but I wouldn't change him for the world. He teaches me new ways of seeing things and I love him even though sometimes he gets so frustrated that he tells me he doesn't love me anymore. I am learning and he is teaching, I am teaching and he is learning.
ReplyDeleteAutism is
ReplyDeleteAlways
Unique
Totally
Interesting
Sometimes
Mysterious
My son has Aspergers
Autism is the ability to say whatever you want, I am the parent of an 11 yr old boy and he definetly has this freedom
ReplyDeleteAutism is broad. I'm a professional, and got trained as an ABA Therapist years ago when my aunt noticed how I played/worked with my cousin (who was diagnosed with mild to moderate autism). He's 12 now; I remember when he was 3 and couldn't say a word and now he isn't exactly a chatter box but he can speak enough to have a conversation and he is just the most cheerful, witty, generous, honest guy! ABA is Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAutism is LOVE!
ReplyDeleteI am a parent and my son's biggest advocate! Until he can do this on his own!
He is amazing! Autism is amazing!
There are some very great answers here but my favorite is from Jennifer in Sweden who said,
ReplyDelete"Autism is not just seeing through a window..it is seeing through a window and noticing all the colours in the sky."
Very beautifully said Jennifer.
My grandson has the ability to tell you exactly what he thinks of you and what you are doing in the nicest possible way...no offence given or taken (for the most part)! He has taught me the colors of the rainbow, the literal way of thinking (his way) and understanding....what a gift he is to me....I see all the colors of the rainbow, not just the brightest ones now!!
ReplyDelete...just another lens with which to view the world and react to it.
ReplyDeleteSo, many positive posts. That is amazing. We struggle with our son, of 20 years old who was diagnosed with Aspergers and BiPolar. We see very small, baby steps towards independence and adulthood but, the steps are so small with many steps backward. It is tough. Autism is... tricky. Escpecially with a dual diagnosis. Autism requires, from the parents,...strength, patience, love and committment.
ReplyDeleteAutism is just something my son has in the same way he has brown hair and hazel eyes. It doesn't define him as a person any more than then those traits do. They just help to describe the incredible person he is!
ReplyDelete...is just a special way of being, feeling,thinking, living and loving the entire world ;i feel proud of my 14 y.o. girl,she's an artist...
ReplyDeleteAutism is....being different! Not better, not worse, just different. Unfortunately it is not always easy to be different in a world that expects bland sameness.
ReplyDelete... a label
ReplyDelete... a label.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting outlook
ReplyDeleteUnique in all the ways
Trying to fit in
In many ways misunderstood
See the way I do.
Meaning added to life
Thank you for writing Finding Kansas. I have a son with autism who is in 8th grade and it has helped me to see things from another perspective, maybe even his perspective. I believe he is experiencing what you call a "first". He had a friend but as his friend grew up, he changed as most kids do. My son wanted the friendship to remain exactly the same. He wanted to do the same thing they did in 4th grade over and over again, and his friend kind of "outgrew" him- mostly because my son was locked into his idea of the friendship and his mind would not allow him to grow. So far, I haven't been too successful helping him with it, but reading your book helps me to understand why it is so difficult for him. I know that you said that your hope is for someone to write to you and say they understand, and while I'm not all the way there, I believe reading your book has brought me closer. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAutism is being at the ballpark with my best friends; my father in-law and my 6 year old son; while the former talks my ear off and the latter watches the scoreboard instead of the game. I love them both, and they are fascinating, good people whose characteristics I would NOT change it for all the tea in China.
ReplyDeleteAutism is... a gift. I am the proud parent of a 15yr old boy on the spectrum (Aspergers), he is my light, my life and my love. Life is not always peaches and cream, but at the end of everyday I am proud to be his Mom and grateful to have him in my life. He has inspired people, amazed people and confused people. He and I help spread the awareness of Autism. Vancouver BC Canada
ReplyDeletemy life
ReplyDeleteim a parent on the spectrum with two boys on the spectrum so its my life i dont know any better and do not really see what the big deal is about being different
ReplyDeletemy guide to salvation. I learn more from my 15yr. old son, who is autistic, about love, respect, patience, giving, and what matters in life than I do in church.
ReplyDeleteAutism is.... a challenge. My 9 year old son has aspergers and tourette syndrome.
ReplyDeleteAutism is enlightening - like peeling back the layers and seeing to what truly is beneath. I have a 8 year old son high functioning ASD, and my brothers all possess traits, the eldest is 35 and my dad displays these tendencies too. I love how positive the comments are above. It also shows you to appreciate those moments when they say I love you, because it doesn't happen very often. Will try to get your book.
ReplyDeleteproud grandparent of my autistic grandson 5 year old so smart, handsome, and kind.
ReplyDeleteAutism.... can be a lonely hard life, constant worry about now and the future, and wish the world was an easier place for the many autistic people who are learning to survive in it....
Autism is less of a mystery to me due to Aaron Liken's blog, book and presentations.
ReplyDeleteSomething I am much more aware of now. Thank you for all that you have shared Aaron :-)
ReplyDeleteAutism is an abnormal working memory. For some reason, the slightly misproportioned brain size is unable to use working memory effectively and can't see the big picture, which isn't a bad thing. There's some miscommunication between working memory in the frontal lobe and long term in the temporal. Instead of using my working memory I use my long term memory. I have AS.
ReplyDeleteAutism is teaching my students about patience, understanding, acceptance, love and the joy that comes from laughing just because it feels good and jumping up to dance with the music. I am a grade 4 teacher blessed to have a student with autism as a valued member of her class.
ReplyDeleteAutism is a heart breaker. I can't say it is awesome and wonderful when it keeps a beautiful child locked in his own head, unable to tell us if he is hurt or sick. I can't find one good thing to say about it. I can find endless good things to say about our little boy and others who are on the spectrum. Every child is a blessing. Autism is not. People can learn patience and joy from other sources. Cure Autism now!
ReplyDeleteAutism not all curse. It helps others gain open-mindedness and it creates unity to help someone with autism! Sure, there are times when it is frustraring. God never made a cure for autism, because it is a beautiful thing that creates unity among others. I speak from personal experience.
DeleteI have Asperger's myself and I never experienced it as being a curse. When I tell about it, a lot of people go 'aww, poor you', but that's unneccessary. Of course, sometimes it's hard, but isn't anything in life? Sometimes it's a blessing too. I encourage you to read my blogpost where I highlight the positive things on Autism, since I think those are ignored far too often: http://thedailydaysofanasperger.blogspot.com/2012/05/positive.html
DeleteAnd remember: I'm a person on the spectrum myself, I'm not just saying this. This is how I truly feel about it. If I could cure Autism, I would deny it, since I feel Autism has made me who I am.
Autism is a THISability. Yes, "this"...because every autistic I have ever met, whether low or high functioning has a specific ability that goes beyond our understanding. My son has Asperger syndrome, he is an amazing artist and has an incredible memory for specific things. He is also an amazing human being. He is not Disabled, he is THISabled because he is able to help us grow and see the world through his art and through his eyes.
ReplyDeleteAustim is a filtering issue. Everything seems to be more intense for me. My family members have often told me that I am too sensitive. It makes me feel so alone but the pain of interaction is so uncomfartable I have to take things much slower and ofter get left behind. I have 2 boys one who also has aspergers age 16 and one more severe age 11. Life is a challenge! Keep moving forward! Fellow Asperger
ReplyDeletewhat keeps me going. I am dedicated to helping my students find their way through this maze and puzzle that is Autism. They are each such wonderful individual people that I love! Thanks Aaron for doing what you do!! :)
ReplyDeleteAutism is an eye opener, a source of worry, and a source of answers. My five year old was recently re-diagnosed from YCDD-Speech and Language to Aspergers. As a special education teacher who works with students with severe disabilities, it has opened my eyes to what families go through on a daily basis. It makes me worry about the future as my son enters kindergarten next year. How will he do? Will his teachers love him as much as I do? But it answers his energy level, his sense of humor (which is really funny and quirky), and the way he relates to the world and everyone around him.
ReplyDeleteAutism is a difference not a disease. It is a diagnosis not a definition of who you are. I am the proud mom of an amazing young man on the spectrum.
ReplyDeleteI have it.
DeletePeople with autism can be successful, can make friends, can be liked, and can prevail over others! It's a matter of time. Early intervention is KEY! It's a blessing and a curse!
ReplyDeleteLike butmom said, autism is a difference, not a disease. I speak from personal experience. I am my own advocate!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOfoXDymFZA
Go to the URL above. It applies to people with autism and those without.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOfoXDymFZA
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVM85dl-61E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOtsB4O1p3o
These songs are very much like what people like Aaron Likens experience.
Autism is a situation in which it seems like your peers all got together and discussed the acceptable standards for how people were going to think, act, talk and dress, etc. and you missed that crucial meeting so have to figure all of these things out through observation (with lots of trial and error).
ReplyDeleteScary...my son was just diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome...at 22. I am searching for ways to help him.
ReplyDeleteScary...my son was just diagnosed at age 22 with Asperger's and I really want to help him succeed in life.
ReplyDeleteRight brain and autism is a strange combination! Mr. Holmes, the computers teacher, keeps telling me to "stop playing with the effects and get to work!" Ms. Uhlig supports my mind set and tells me to "keep being creative."
ReplyDelete