Description:
I Am Autistic by Chanelle Moriah is a workbook of sorts detailing the different struggles and worldview lenses that autistic people live with throughout their lives. This gives insight into neurodivergent coping mechanisms, and explains many of the behaviours that otherwise seem odd or out of place. In addition to this, the book helps to detail how we can support our neurodiverse peers and relatives.
My thoughts on I Am Autistic:
The book is well set out, and is easy to understand without skimping out on detail. It was full of colour and illustrated liberally throughout giving the book a strong memorable personality.
I Am Autistic brings to light many of the struggles and views that neurotypicals would otherwise not understand or be aware of. These include but are not limited to, Identity first language (IFL) and person-first language (PFL), masking, and various habits such as stemming.
Though it may not be a master's thesis, I believe it communicates invaluable information that is built off her life experience instead of just studies and textbooks.
Key takeaways:
PFL vs IFL:
Person-First Language and Identity-first language refer to how we describe or call an autistic person.
Person-first language would be saying 'person with autism' as opposed to 'autistic person' (IFL). Though it could be seen as better to use person first language, many prefer identity first language. This is because many autistics view Person-first language as harmful and/or ablest. The language separates the person from the illness or condition instead of identifying autism as part of them that does not need fixing. As Chanelle rightly stated, it should be used to describe a disease such as cancer, and not to describe another neurotype.
Masking:
Masking, as the name suggests is covering autistic behaviour with conscious decisions to do their best at appearing 'normal'. This often includes body position, expression, and can even include making long scripts on how they would reply in certain situations. As described in the book "It is like being a full-time actor with no script". All of this self micro-controlling can lead to decreased ability to listen, increased stress and autistic Burnout. It is because of this that we need to try and let them be themselves. This results in less stress and helps to make them feel more accepted for being their genuine selves.
Stimming and self-regulation:
Stimming is the act of doing an action as a means to regulate emotion or stress. This be as simple as hand flapping or fidgeting. Though it can be seen as restlessness, stimming is just a way of managing emotion. The book does not go too in-depth into stimming but I feel it is important to note that looking down or trying to rid people of the way people regulate can do more harm than good. In addition it feeds into the pressure to mask themselves.
How did this affect me?
This book has brought me to better understand neurodivergent thinking, habits and struggles. With what I have listed and the many other topics covered by the book, I believe that I can better help and communicate with those who aren't neurotypical.
As well as this I have come to realise that I exhibit some of these tendencies such as Stimming, taking longer to comprehend, and object permanence (Out of sight, out of mind e.g if I put an object down where I do not normally see it I can lose it easily). Though I doubt I am autistic, I believe it is best if I am aware of these tendencies to best navigate life with them in mind.
The verdict?
I Am Autistic is a great book for understanding neurodivergent behaviour and thoughts. The book was informative, without presenting you with a wall of text to slog through. I definitely think everyone should read this book, to better understand others that are around them and themselves should you be autistic.
.jpg=)
No comments:
Post a Comment