The Other Autism Neural Pruning, Synesthesia, and Autism
Jan 22, 2024
Delve into the intriguing differences in neural pruning between autistic and neurotypical brains. Discover how synesthesia, the blending of senses, offers a unique perception of the world. Personal stories reveal the speaker's journey through hardship and the intersection of those experiences with autism research. Challenge misconceptions about autism, emphasizing the preference for identity-first language. Explore the beauty of color associations in synesthesia and how they enrich our understanding of language and perception.
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Critique of Deficit-Based Autism Research
- Much autism research still uses deficit-based language, implying autistic brains need fixing, frustrating autistic advocates.
- Kristen highlights the need for neurodiversity-affirming research that respects autistic identities and challenges ableism.
Respect Autistic Agency
- Don't assume autistic people want cures or interventions; many reject these ideas as based on negative views.
- Respect autistic agency and listen to their expressed needs and perspectives.
Use Identity-First Language
- Use identity-first language (autistic person) as preferred by most autistic individuals.
- Educate others kindly when they use outdated or person-first language incorrectly.