Autism Information and Resources
“neurodiversity: the notion that conditions like autism, dyslexia, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should be regarded as naturally occurring cognitive variations with distinctive strengths that have contributed to the evolution of technology and culture rather than mere checklists of deficits and dysfunctions.”
― Steve Silberman, NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity
Autism is a complex neurobehavioral disorder characterized by impairment in reciprocal social interaction, impairment in communication, and the presence of repetitive and stereotypic patterns of behaviors, interests, and activities. Autism advocates don’t see all the neurobehavioral differences as “disordered” or “impaired”. In fact, autism advocates believe that many of the neurobehavioral differences typical of autism can be strengths. The intensity of the cognitive and behavioral differences in given domains as well as the pattern of cognitive and behavioral differences varies from individual to individual; that is why diagnosticians refer to a “spectrum” of differences.
Neuroaffirmative approaches to helping autistic people are relatively new and aim to provide a safe and welcoming environment for neurodivergent people. It seeks to recognize and celebrate the differences in individuals and offers tailored support that is attuned to their specific needs.
Autism isn’t what you expect.
Autism is one of the most misunderstood mental health diagnoses. Many people think of the autism spectrum as a linear gradation of people who are high functioning to people who are low functioning. Most experts and autism advocates now see autism as a wheel. With the colors of the spectrum on the wheel representing the numerous symptoms and experiences and differences that the diverse autistic community can experience. Many people who are autistic don’t “seem” autistic to many people. This doesn’t mean you aren’t autistic. It just means that many people don’t understand autism. Below you will find some links to online self tests and places to get official testing if you are wondering if you may be autistic. Click the buttons below to get the answers you need.
Learn More About Autism
There is so much information on autism out there it is hard to know where to start. At NAARC, we avoid information from organizations like Autism Speaks and organizations that advocate for finding a cure or making autistic people more normal. Reasearch has shown that autistic adults who unmask and accept themselves as they are have a better quality of life and are significantly less likely to kill themselves. Autistic people have 5 times the suicide rate of neurotypicals. 91% of autistic women and 66% of autistic people in general also meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Our goal is to link you with people and resources that will help make autistic people have better lives instead of linking you to resources that will try to make us more normal. Below is a list of a few books that support concepts of unmasking and living more authentic lives for autistic people.
No, autism is not a ‘gift’. For most, it is an endless fight against schools, workplaces, and bullies. But, under the right circumstances, given the right adjustments, it CAN be a superpower – Greta Thunberg: Environmental Activist
