Autism gets wired


Posted by Lisa Tate on February 29th, 2008

This month’s cover of Wired Magazine draws readers in by promising “The Truth About Autism.” The magazine describes the brains of people living with autism as neurologically different vs. neurologically disordered. While a bit scientific, the article does a great job of highlighting the unique abilities of individuals with autism.

It opens with a story about 27-year-old Amanda Baggs and the popularity of her
YouTube video In My Language.

 
Later, the magazine summarizes the research of Dr. Leo Mottron, famous for his work with a man known in the literature as “E.C.” Mottron attributes E.C.’s savant skills in 3-D drawing to the “atypicalities in perception of the brains of people living with autism.”

In other research, Dr.Mottron noticed that one of his patients, Michelle Dawson, had a
unique ability to find “tiny errors and weak links in logic.” He invited her to collaborate with his research team, and she assisted with scientific analysis last summer. Dawson was the lead author in a published study titled “The Level and Nature of Autistic Intelligence” in the peer-reviewed journal Psychological Science.
 
It’s great to see autism — and these people who live and work with autism — getting national attention in a magazine like Wired!


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10 Responses to “Autism gets wired”

  1. Andy Anderson Says:
    February 29th, 2008 at 5:38 pm

    Hi, Lisa!

    You are off to a great start here!

    Great site! This will be a good way for people to learn more about autism, and hopefully focus more attention to this malady. I did not know before, that Easter Seals was so involved with autism.

    Andy

  2. Tom Says:
    February 29th, 2008 at 11:46 pm

    Nice blog, Lisa.
    Thanks for the link to the article and for embedding the video. It’s very illuminating!

    Keep it up!

    Tom

  3. Autismville Says:
    March 1st, 2008 at 12:11 pm

    Wow. I personally found this article confusing at best. As the mom of a four year old severely affected by autism, the “truth” espoused in this article certainly doesn’t coincide with the “truth” that we live with every day. I think it is just proof, yet again, that autism is such a broad, broad spectrum. I hope that readers will keep that in mind as the read the article. It is crucial that research efforts not be hindered by limited assumptions.

  4. Amy Says:
    March 1st, 2008 at 3:10 pm

    Thank you for sharing this information. The story of Amanda is humbling…I plan to share this with others.

  5. Lisa Tate Says:
    March 1st, 2008 at 3:26 pm

    Hi Autismville (Judith)
    Thanks for your comment. Great website you have…and beautiful children! I agree that reseach efforts should not be hindered by assumptions that Autism is a neurological difference vs. a neurological disorder. I hope that as Autism gets more and more press, we will continue to focus on learning more about Autism and how to help children and families who live with it everyday.

  6. Autismville Says:
    March 2nd, 2008 at 10:48 am

    Thanks Lisa! I know that Easter Seals and ASA will continue to lead in the fight for a better quality of life for all of those on this crazy spectrum.

  7. Angie Hernandez Says:
    March 3rd, 2008 at 9:34 am

    As always, I am truly amazed with the autism spectrum. To see a vision of the world through the eyes of a person with autism is truly a gift. To me, a person with autism is very special and unique. Thanks Lisa!!

  8. Megan Says:
    March 3rd, 2008 at 7:17 pm

    Wow! What an awesome and educational video! I will definitley recommend the site to families of children with autism. The spectrum is broad so it’s nice to see different kiddos and each of their unique needs. Keep up the good work friend!

  9. Jessica Moore Says:
    March 4th, 2008 at 11:14 pm

    Great first post, Lisa! I’m glad that we are seeing autism in more and more magazines, even in ones we didn’t necessarily expect, like Wired. The effort to raise awareness about autism seems never-ending but this blog is certain to play a large role!

  10. Pat Says:
    March 5th, 2008 at 9:54 pm

    Hopefully, taking the time to share information will lead more of us to an awareness befitting this affliction. I know Lisa, and I love her for loving all of her Easter Seals kids!

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