A psychiatrist’s question about the meaning of “autism” sparked a debate on Reddit, highlighting the confusion between genuine diagnoses and trends influenced by social media. As self-diagnosis rises, professionals struggle to differentiate between those truly needing support and those contributing to trivialization, diverting attention away from serious challenges faced by autistic individuals.
Tag Archives: criticism
Why There Is No Such Thing as a Neurotypical … autism and neurodiversity
On his blog, Peter Vermeulen argues that the concept of a “neurotypical” brain is flawed, as every brain is uniquely wired and does not adhere to rigid norms. In this article, I take a good look at his arguments and try to explain what they mean.
Why Success Stories Are Problematic
A Critical Analysis of Their Impact on Neurodiversity Success stories are everywhere in our society. Think of figures like Temple Grandin, a highly accomplished autistic woman who revolutionized livestock farming and autism advocacy. While her achievements are certainly impressive, the focus on such success stories raises questions about the message this sends to other neurodivergentContinue reading “Why Success Stories Are Problematic”
Are psychiatrists the all-knowing healers or part of the problem?
Psychiatry reflects societal ills? Pressure to be happy fuels mental health disorders. Time for reflection: are psychiatrists part of the problem? Photo by Vitaly Mazur on Unsplash Many scientific articles provide an interesting overview of philosophical developments in psychiatry. Authors often delve into big questions like the nature of psychiatry, the classification of mental disorders, and theContinue reading “Are psychiatrists the all-knowing healers or part of the problem?”
The Key to Better Life Quality for Adults with Autism: Insights from Taiwan
A study from Taiwan reveals that the quality of life for adults with autism is significantly influenced by sensory sensitivities and the level of parental support, especially from fathers. Adults with autism face challenges in physical health, mental well-being, social relationships, and environmental factors. Sensory issues, such as sensitivity to noise and touch, greatly impact their life quality. The study emphasizes the importance of creating supportive and understanding environments that accommodate the unique needs of autistic adults. It suggests that fatherly support is crucial, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to care that includes emotional support and adjustments in the physical environment.
Against the excessive use of ‘embracing autism’ in autistic stories
A text against the excessive use of ‘embracing autism’ because embracing autism is not always possible.
The predictive brain and autism: a critical view
The ‘predictive brain’ concept in modern neuroscience is gaining attention in relation to autism, offering fresh insights into the condition. However, it’s crucial to recognize the diversity of the autism spectrum and involve autistic individuals in research and discussions. Empathy, flexibility, and support tailored to individual needs are vital for understanding and addressing autism effectively.
Understanding the Essence of Autistic Flourishing
Photo by Saffu on Unsplash In the vast realm of autism research, there’s an essential concept that has been overlooked for far too long: the idea of Autistic individuals leading a flourishing life. While society has made strides in understanding autism, the conventional medical model has often overshadowed the broader perspective of well-being. In this blogContinue reading “Understanding the Essence of Autistic Flourishing”
If a caregiver loses sight of the person within the autistic individual … Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis
Some personal reflections, particularly on the recent controverse in the Dutch press about the controversial ABA therapy and broader aspects of autism treatment.
The European Autist 