Short NPR story about girls with autism

[Lecka]

'Social Camouflage' May Lead To Underdiagnosis Of Autism In Girls

http://one.npr.org/i/539123377:540515394

[Guest]

Not surprising at all!

 

I looked up the social skills program at UCLA that is mentioned, and the founder of the program (PEERS) Elizabeth Laugeson, has some books out. I'll be buying her book, The Science of Making Friends, for my 13 year old in the fall.

 

Here's the UCLA page:

 

https://www.semel.ucla.edu/peers

 

Thank you for sharing this!

 

ETA: The book includes a DVD.

Edited July 31, 2017 by Guest

[Guest]

John Elder Robison has written the foreword to the book, I just noticed.

[Crimson Wife]

Good article, though I wish they hadn't included the stereotype of those with ASD not liking being cuddled because that was a reason why I didn't think my DD had ASD. She is very physically affectionate to the point where it was socially inappropriate because she would go up to strangers and hug them. Some people with ASD hate being cuddled and others don't.

[Lawyer&Mom]

As the autistic kid who tried to hug all her kindergarten classmates, I second this.

 

I'm seeing the over hugging in Dd 4. The neuropsych just cleared her for Autism, I'm not entirely convinced...

[Guest]

I think when it comes to the cuddling, one must also look at the sensory aspect of it. I am speaking as someone that has two on the spectrum, one extremely cuddly, although he does not react that way with strangers. For him, hugs were more a means of finding a way to self-regulate (like Temple Grandin's squeeze machine), rather than a social interaction. It has grown to more than that but the initial response was clearly sensory based (sensory seeking).

 

Each child, though, brings a different blend of characteristics that put them on the spectrum and girls are more socially aware by nature, making them more likely to find ways to blend in and appear "normal". I was recently told by the neuropsych that evaluated both my two that she does not think I am on the spectrum. Most likely just very mildy ADHD. It is not easy to get out what I have experienced or experience within. I have only had very few close female friends (one at a time) and even then I revealed very little about myself knowing that they would not understand either.

 

Anyway, just something to think about on the cuddling...

Edited July 31, 2017 by Guest

[Guest]

To me the incorrect neurotypical perception stems from the, "They don't react to emotions and need for social interaction as we do, therefore they lack empathy". This is entirely incorrect. I see how both my boys feel. I see the empathy in both of them, expressed each in their own way. I can see it because I have been there and others can't see it because they can't relate. I found this interesting:

 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/emotional-freedom/201602/10-traits-empathic-people-share

[Guest]

To me the incorrect neurotypical perception stems from the, "They don't react to emotions and need for social interaction as we do, therefore they lack empathy". This is entirely incorrect. I see how both my boys feel. I see the empathy in both of them, expressed each in their own way. I can see it because I have been there and others can't see it because they can't relate. I found this interesting:

 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/emotional-freedom/201602/10-traits-empathic-people-share

In connection to my previous post, I am adding this:

 

Asperger’s Syndrome and the Problem of Empathy

http://www.kennethrobersonphd.com/aspergers-syndrome-problem-empathy/