The voice of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families
Appreciating the perspective of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and their families and whānau, is fundamental to understanding ASD itself and providing effective support. These quotes, stories and references paint a picture of the lived experience of ASD.
"I know I am alive; I breathe, move, talk and function just like any other Human Being. However, I understand (because it has been said to me) that other people perceive me as being different to them ...Life seems to me to be like a video that I can watch, but not partake in."
Wendy Lawson
"I am proud of who I am and autism is part of who I am. In fact, you cannot separate the autism from what I do, think or am."
Bovee (2000)
"I happen to be blessed with autism. I was diagnosed as severely autistic 34 years ago. What are the differences between autism and Asperger's syndrome? There are endless differences. It is almost easier to pinpoint the similarities. People with either condition get very, very anxious. But a big difference is that, unlike individuals with Asperger's, I do not get embarrassed. I can act anything, and have been beautifully trained in a lot of areas. I have been taught to shake hands, but when a child put his hands out once, I shook it instead of offering sweets. After that, whenever a hand came out, I would rush off to find a sweet to put in it. I had to learn more specific rules. I assumed they knew I had sweets in my hands because I knew it. I learnt to lie - the hardest thing of all for me. I am meticulous, but I have learnt to say 'Nice to meet you' even when I would really rather be trampolining!"
Ros Blackburn
There is a growing body of literature written by people with ASD. There are also many books, articles and websites prepared by families of people with ASD. These personal accounts have contributed a great deal to the collective understanding of ASD. The ability to `stand in the shoes' of the individual with ASD and their family and whānau lies at the heart of successful interventions. These insights offer tremendous information about the lived experience of ASD.
Autism New Zealand has a library and bookshop which includes many titles that provide an insider's perspective to ASD. There are titles written by people with ASD, parents of children and young people with ASD, siblings with a brother or sister with ASD and people with a partner with ASD. There are titles for sale and hire.