Amazing...truly amazing.

[Eumenides]

I met perhaps the most amazing person today. This person is autistic, but has gone through ABA therapy (Applied Behavioral Analysis). She told me today about how hard it is to live with being autistic when no one can tell anymore. She converses, and laughs, and does not indulge in obvious self-stimulatory actions. However, there are human emotions she does not understand. Hate, Passion, and Love being the three she mentions. Can you imagine going through life and not understanding what it is to love someone? She prefers people, or she doesn't. She never feels the need to protect, comfort, hug, or kiss anyone...not even her parents.

She understands frustration, and on occassion suffers from sadness, though she says she never understands exactly what she is feeling when she cries.

She has a PHD in psychology, and helps other people, because she understands how to help them. (Taking a behavioral approach to therapy, obviously) But she does not know how to help herself to be a part of a society that is driven by such emotions she cannot fathom.

It stunned me, and I don't think I will ever be the same again. I will learn to appreciate the fact that I can have those emotions, that I can want to hug someone, sleep with someone, show a deep love for that person. Today is definitely different than yesterday...

 

[It'sasecret]

All I can say is: WOW.

 

[Eumenides]

Exactly.

WOW

 

[peachykeen]

I am currently the full time caregiver for my 9 yr old nephew who has a form of autism called Aspergers Syndrome. I suspect that this is what the prson you met has, as it is a very high functioning form and it is suspected that a lot of people in the sciences have it - think about the stereotype of the eccentric genius who is brilliant with theories but can't deal with being at a dinner party.

My nephew is like a normal 9 yr old in many ways, but lacks empathy. He is learning how to recognize what other people are feeling and to react appropriately. For normal kids this just happens as part of their development; for Sky, he has to really concentrate on how what he says or does might make other people feel. As a 9 yr old when he is not mindful of this it just comes off as being bratty and we work with him daily on issues like using socially appropriate language, acceptable ways to express frustration, etc. His skill development over the next couple of years will be criticalin determining if he we be able to live a successful independent life or need some sort of supervised care forever.

He does not engage in imaginative play with other kids, but will happily play a ball game with clearly defined rules. He is a whiz with computer games.

And, he is a sweet boy who is dearly loved.

 

[Debbie]

That is so amazing! I have a young cousin who is autistic, she communicates with picture cards. I know her family would love to hear her speak or hug them back. She is such a beautiful spirit but to see her smile and chatter would be a lovely miracle for them.

Echoing Eumenides,"It stunned me, and I don't think I will ever be the same again. I will learn to appreciate the fact that I can have those emotions, that I can want to hug someone, sleep with someone, show a deep love for that person. Today is definitely different than yesterday..." I am such a lucky person.

 

[Eumenides]

No, actually she is autistic. I have worked with people with both Asperger's and autism. ABA therapy is used primarily with autistic children. Until the age of eight, this woman was like any other autistic child...withdrawn, outbursts, self stimulatory behaviors, and she said that before ABA therapy, she only used words when absolutely necessary.

I love that your nephew is so loved!

 

[Eumenides]

That is so amazing! I have a young cousin who is autistic, she comminicates with picture cards. I know her family would love to hear her speak or hug them back. She is such a beautiful spirit but to see her smile and chatter would be a lovely miracle for them.

Echoing Eumenides,"It stunned me, and I don't think I will ever be the same again. I will learn to appreciate the fact that I can have those emotions, that I can want to hug someone, sleep with someone, show a deep love for that person. Today is definitely different than yesterday..." I am such a lucky person.

Debbie, you always know how to make me feel like a million bucks!

I think I heart you!

 

[#1tankcomander]

That's wonderful! Autistic and a PHD. That's impressive!

 

[nike]

wow..finally I am speechless! amazing

 

[Soblue]

Can you point to any links for this ABA therapy? My best friend has 2 children with autism. One has Aspergers, and she's not totally sure about the baby yet. I say baby, but she's almost 3 and doesn't speak

I'd love to pass along any new information to her.

Thanks

 

[Eumenides]

I will look that up. I know of an org. in KS, and one in Missouri, but I will ask someone I know and pm you.

 

[Merlins Boon]

In an age of scientific wonders, the human mind is still the world's most amazing machine.

 

[Soblue]

Thank you Eumenides