Awesome Autism

I truly believe that people with autism are indeed 'special'. They are the most honest human beings who don't believe in lying and cutting corners. Isn't this what is required of a good Muslims? I told my friend (who recently found out about her son's diagnosis) that kids with autism are a blessing in disguise for the parents as they are so easy to mold to be good people, and unlike typical kids, they are not easily corrupted. My mother-in-law, who is helping me to fetch my son from school, recently told me that she witnessed my son (without anybody's asking) helping another boy to carry his bag down the school's porch steps. He then told the boy's mother who was waiting for him that 'kesian lah, he's so thin, he cannot carry the bag' (my son is quite meaty, btw). Both the mother and my MIL were touched by his gestures. It is not so easy to find such genuine kindness nowadays. So I couldn't have agreed more when I found the following article (by Lisa Ro Judy, copied from http://autism.about.com/od/inspirationideas/tp/besttraits.htm). Awesome autism!

Terrific Traits of People with Autism If you're sick of hearing about all the "deficits" challenging people on the autism spectrum, join the club. But for every down side to autism, there seems to be a positive -- an unusual trait that rarely appears among the "typical" community, but shines out among autistic folk. These plusses are well worth celebrating.

1. Autistic People Rarely Lie

We all claim to value the truth, but almost all of us tell little white lies. All, that is, except people on the autism spectrum. To them, truth is truth -- and a good word from a person on the spectrum is the real deal.

2. People on the Autism Spectrum Live in the Moment

How often do typical people fail to notice what's in front of their eyes because they're distracted by social cues or random chitchat? People on the autism spectrum truely attend to the sensory input that surrounds them. Many have achieved the ideal of mindfulness.

3. People with Autism Rarely Judge Others

Who's fatter? Richer? Smarter? For people on the autism spectrum, these distinctions hold much less importance than for typical folks. In fact, people on the spectrum often see through such surface appearances to discover the real person.

4. Autistic People are Passionate

Of course, not all autistic people are alike. But many are truly passionate about the things, ideas and people in their lives. How many "typical" people can say the same?

5. People with Autism Are Not Tied to Social Expectations

If you've ever bought a car, played a game or joined a club to fit in, you know how hard it is to be true to yourself. But for people with autism, social expectations can be honestly irrelevant. What matters is true liking, interest and passion -- not keeping up with the Joneses.

6. People with Autism Have Terrific Memories

How often do typical people forget directions, or fail to take note of colors, names, and other details? People on the autism spectrum are often much more tuned in to details. They may have a much better memory than their typical peers for all kind of critical details.

7. Autistic People Are Less Materialistic

Of course, this is not universally true -- but in general, people with autism are far less concerned with outward appearance than their typical peers. As a result, they worry less about brand names, hairstyles and other expensive but unimportant externals than most people do.

8. Autistic People Play Fewer Head Games

Who was that woman, and why were you looking at her? I know I TOLD you I didn't mind if you went out, but why did you believe me? Most autistic people don't play games like these -- and they assume that you won't either. It's a refreshing and wonderful change from the Peyton Place emotional roller coaster that mars too many typical relationships!

Shadowing Abang

(original published on 6th July 2010 - taken from my old blog)



Today I went to observe my son at his school - a typical private school nearby. He's been going there with a shadow (an assistant/therapist we hired to help him to adjust to the school's life) for the last 6 months. But today I just wanted to assess him myself. From what I observed, he's doing GREAT. His badminton skill was surprisingly not bad, his reading and writing are good. We just need to work on his attention span - but I won't be worrying too much about this and will give him more time to adjust himself. I actually don't blame him, looking at the amount of talking that the teachers did in the class. Even the other kids were also spaced out! My son was actually quite good - sitting down nicely and quietly unlike some other kids. Well done Abang! Good job and thank you to the shadows!
Last night I went to bed worrying about him. But today I'm very relief, happy and blessed ... Alhamdullilah.. :)

Autism Genes and Intellectual Genes Are Related!!

This is the kind of discovery which escalates parents' hopes.  Without these genes there wouldn't be Einstein, Stephen Wiltshire, Van Gogh, Bob Dylan, the list goes on....

 http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article4882699.ece

And all we have to do is to find and cultivate the talent in the child. Of course with bags of patients..

Abang's future therapies

(my post dated 19th July 2010 - copied & pasted from my old blog)

The past week had been crazy.. a little stressful actually. I have been researching about programs for my son to address his other issues.

First is his social interactions - we found a good place which may be able to teach him these skills. It's going to be a long-term commitment, but we are prepared for it. We feel that if he understands how other neurotypicals think, he would have a more positive relationships throughout his life. The place is run by English women and is in Mont' Kiara. Quite far, yes, but for two times a week is quite manageable I think. We are not sure yet whether he will be accepted. This Thursday is the assessment and we would know then. Finger crescent - as this place might be the only one in Malaysia - at least the one which can implement theapproach that we wanted.

The second issue is his attention span to help him with his academic development. I found another place in Sri Hartamas which uses brain rewiring approach to help children's visual, auditory and attention processes. We attended their workshop last Saturday and were quite convinced that their programs could be just what our son needs. Testimonials from parents and children pasted all over their noticeboards impressed us further more. This too needs assessment to determine his level and program needs.

The third is his sensory. We never really tackled this area ever since we got his diagnosis. But Abang doesn't really have obvious sensory problems like other children on the spectrum. But we are just wondering if tackling them (if any) would make his behaviours better. We found an occupational therapist who is supposedly quite good in Malaysia. The problem is that she is very busy. We are hoping to get an appointment by the end of the month for the SIPT.

Yes... many issues... a lot of expenses... we just have to manage. Only shop at Mydin. No more eating out. If eat out - no drinks. These are the sacrifices common among parents with children on the spectrum. They will all pay off, InsyaAllah. And for us seeing our children improves, no matter how tiny it is, is priceless!

My friend just contributed to the autism statistics

It is heartbreaking to learn that one of my friends has just found out that her son is on the spectrum. Just like I was before, she was totally devastated and now is undergoing the usual phase of sadness, blaming, denial and extreme worries. I am glad I was able to help through my first-hand experience and success story.  Only those who have gone through it will understand. 

The Autism-Vaccine Link

Autism spectrum has been claimed to be caused by child vaccination. While I'll share the debates in another post, the following article about Donald Trump vs Bill Gates arguments on the issue worth sharing as an introductory piece.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/matthewherper/2012/04/17/why-bill-gates-is-a-hero-and-donald-trump-is-a-zero/