We Appreciate Autism!

Autism is not a disease that needs to be cured. Did you know that some of the greatest artistic and scientific advances have been made by people on the Autism Spectrum?

Sir Anthony Hopkins speaks of a late life diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome.

Experts believe Emily Dickinson and Albert Einstein may have been on the Autism Spectrum as well.

What people on the Autism Spectrum need is resources to help with the unique way they experience their environment, which is exactly what this spectrum entails. The differences and challenges with communication and social skills have everything to do with this difference in perception of one's environment. I learned so much about this topic when I spoke with Dr. Carrin Schottler-Thal, MD Carrin Schottler-Thal - Albany Med Health System, a general pediatrician and developmental-behavioral health physician at Albany Medical Center. She is the Medical Director of the Autism Medical home at Albany Medical Center as well. Dr. Schottler-Thal provides us with some great insight on what the autism spectrum means, how children perceive the world around them and how to diagnose and further assist children on the autism spectrum. She speaks from first hand knowledge on this important topic since she is a parent of a child on the autism spectrum as well.

The podcast is available here https://welcometothevillage.buzzsprout.com/share

As I spoke with Dr. Schottler-Thal I started to realize how important it is to educate and explain to the world... we should not only be aware of autism, but we should appreciate it. How boring would our world be if we were all the same? Our thoughts, beliefs, perceptions. The way we dress, speak, eat, dance, and play. The colors of the rainbow make life so bright and so beautiful, don't they? So why should we as human beings all be the same? We shouldn't! Love your beautiful colorful children!

For those looking for some guidance and support, particularly in New York State.... The Office Of People With Developmental Disabilities

Office for People With Developmental Disabilities | Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (ny.gov) helps with services for people on the autism spectrum.

This is specifically where you want to go to look more into Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology to Improve Collaboration in Children with ASD: State-of-the-Art and Future Challenges in the Smart Products Sector - PMC (nih.gov)

CARDS through the University at Albany is a great resource as well. Center For Autism and Related Disabilities.

Center for Autism and Related Disabilities | University at Albany

Information and education is available as well on the following website for the Hudson Valley of New York but there are similar societies elsewhere:

The Autism Society Greater Hudson Region, New York (asghr.org)

Remember, not only in April, but all year around, to be aware of and to APPRECIATE Autism!