Neurodiversity

Asperger's Syndrome

Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity

While many with Asperger's Syndrome wish to improve their social skills, many are also proud of their unusual way of looking at the world. The neurodiversity movement, a controversial one, embraces and celebrates the differences that those with Asperger's exhibit.

Aspie and Proud

Is Asperger's An Alternate Way of Being?

Neurodiversity: Is ASD simply an alternative way of being?

By Lindsay M Oberman Ph.D.

Does Autism Need a Cure?

Some groups fight FOR a cure. Autistics fight ABOUT it.

By John Elder Robison

What Other Conditions Are Contested?

Many people with diagnosable mental conditions are forging their own original takes on what's normal.

By Peter Kramer

Recent Posts on Asperger's Syndrome

The Autism of Asceticism and the Genius of the Monasteries

By Christopher Badcock Ph.D. on April 04, 2018 in The Imprinted Brain

If autism is the neurological basis of asceticism, its diametric opposite: hyper-mentalism, may have been combined with it to explain the astonishing success of monasteries.

Beating the Odds Part 2

By Edward (Ned) Hallowell M.D. on March 24, 2018 in Driven to Distraction

What if you can't beat the odds?

Autistic Brains Function Oppositely to Psychotic Ones

By Christopher Badcock Ph.D. on March 20, 2018 in The Imprinted Brain

The first study to directly compare social mentalizing in autism and schizotypal personality disorder confirms the prediction of the diametric model.

25 Ways to Be Successful at a New Job

By Stephanie A. Sarkis Ph.D. on January 29, 2018 in Here, There, and Everywhere

Starting a new job? Discover 25 ways to get the most out of your work experience.

The Importance of Friends with Similar Disabilities

By Elizabeth Mazur, Ph.D. on January 15, 2018 in De-Stressing Disability

A new study finds that friendships among adults with disabilities are beneficial. Might that be true for young people, too?

Top 10 Things You May Not Know About the ICD-10

By Jonathan D. Raskin, Ph.D. on December 13, 2017 in Making Meaning

American mental health professionals are often quite unfamiliar with aspects the ICD-10, despite its relevance to their work. Here is some basic information to help them.

Sex, Lies, and Autism Research—Getting Value for Our Money

By John Elder Robison on November 12, 2017 in My Life With Asperger's

In the past decade, we’ve spent over a billion dollars studying autism. Yet precious little has changed for autistic people. An autistic adult asks why, and offers some advice.

How Can Shootings Such as Sandy Hook Be Prevented?

By Brian D. Johnson, Ph.D. and Laurie Berdahl, M.D. on October 27, 2017 in Warning Signs for Parents

Were there warning signs before Adam Lanza's rampage shooting? Yes, and we can change how we respond to save lives.

Is Society Progressing in Its Response to Autism?

By Barb Cohen on October 16, 2017 in Mom, Am I Disabled?

The television producer suggested that my daughter skip class the day of filming. She has too much to say and too little control over when she says it.

5 Tips on Getting Your Aspie/Autie Husband to Talk More

By Eva A. Mendes LMHC on October 04, 2017 in The Heart of Autism

Especially after marriage, a husband with Asperger's Syndrome might relax and be more himself. He will behave more like he does when he’s alone, which can mean being silent.

Sex and Age Implicated in Autism-Related Diagnoses

By Sarah-Nicole Bostan, M.A. on October 03, 2017 in Greater than the Sum of its Parts

Recent research reveals how sex and age are linked to other disorders which tend to co-occur with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Neurodiversity and Autism in College

By John Elder Robison on August 30, 2017 in My Life With Asperger's

Another way to look at autism, neurodiversity, and how we face diversity as a society and as individuals.

Superfood Smoothies for Cognitive Performance

By Leslie E. Korn Ph.D., MPH, LMHC, ACS, NTP on August 27, 2017 in Rhythms of Recovery

Smoothie your way to a Super Mood.

Male Risk of Autism: No One Expects the Spanish Inquisition!

By Christopher Badcock Ph.D. on August 20, 2017 in The Imprinted Brain

Stigmatizing autism research as "sexist" for finding a gender difference in risk is not going to help us discover the truth about it.

To Say "I" Means To Be Alone

By Elena Bezzubova on August 12, 2017 in The Search for Self

Loneliness seems a transient step to self identity that could include depersonalization-like feelings of detachment and autism/introversion-like feelings of isolation.

Why Advertising Falls Flat in Individuals With Autism

By Richard E. Cytowic M.D. on August 10, 2017 in The Fallible Mind

Individuals with autism may be impervious to misleading marketing. Mental differences are often considered weaknesses, but autism may not be entirely a disability.

MRI Scans are Transforming Autism Detection and Treatment

By Barry Southers, M.Ed. on August 09, 2017 in A Clearer Image of the Brain

What are the benefits of earlier autism detection? It can allow the most appropriate treatment to be delivered at a time when a child could benefit the most.

An Answer To Your ASD Teen's Tantrums.

By Ugo Uche on July 31, 2017 in Promoting Empathy With Your Teen

"A meltdown can last in the upwards of fifteen minutes plus, and there is very little a parent can do to console their child. The promise of consequences doesn’t work".

Gulliver’s Travels: Another Classic Portrayal of Autism

By Christopher Badcock Ph.D. on July 28, 2017 in The Imprinted Brain

Gulliver’s Travels can be read as an autistic’s satire on a society into which he does not fit: neither physically nor mentally.

Why Your ASD Teen Gets Bullied

By Ugo Uche on July 13, 2017 in Promoting Empathy With Your Teen

The ASD Teen, struggles with picking up on nonverbal cues, this is problematic in social situations especially with young people.

Ketogenic Diets for Psychiatric Disorders: A New 2017 Review

By Georgia Ede MD on June 30, 2017 in Diagnosis: Diet

What can a low-carbohydrate diet do for your mental health?

There Is a New Link Between Screen-Time and Autism

By Richard E. Cytowic M.D. on June 29, 2017 in The Fallible Mind

Don’t expect boys to “grow out of” their obsession with screens.

Involuntary Celibacy

By Sam Louie MA, LMHC on June 21, 2017 in Minority Report

There's a growing subculture of men who identify themselves as "incels" (i.e. involuntary celibates) and they are expressing their frustrations online.

Why Is ASD Often Associated with Social Anxiety?

By Ugo Uche on June 19, 2017 in Promoting Empathy With Your Teen

"We can say that all, if not most people diagnosed with ASD have remarkable issues with social interactions, however not all people on the spectrum end up with social anxiety."

How to Effectively Respond to an Angry Teen

By Ugo Uche on June 15, 2017 in Promoting Empathy With Your Teen

It is easy for parents of teens to forget that their once little children are now closer in transition to adulthood compared to years past.

How Does Parenting Work When the Instruction Manual Fails?

By Barb Cohen on June 12, 2017 in Mom, Am I Disabled?

Maybe x is the problem, maybe x is part of the problem, or maybe x is irrelevant to the problem. With regard to sewing machines, much like my children, I will never know.

Co-Parenting Tips If You Have Asperger's/Autism

By Eva A. Mendes LMHC on June 05, 2017 in The Heart of Autism

I’m currently working with a wonderful father who has Asperger’s, and he’s been doing a wonderful job navigation the co-parenting situation.

Neurodivergence

By Mark Banschick M.D. on May 30, 2017 in The Intelligent Divorce

A college student with Asperger's Disorder helps neurotypicals understand and accept neurodivergent people.

When Parenting Becomes a Spectator Sport

By Barb Cohen on May 29, 2017 in Mom, Am I Disabled?

The strongest parents absorb the professionals' good advice, ignore the useless commentary, and treat themselves with compassion. But most of us are not among the strongest.

Autism, Guardianship, Self Determination, and Housing

By John Elder Robison on May 22, 2017 in My Life With Asperger's

There's a controversy brewing over supported housing for autistic people. Are autistic communities supportive or oppressive? Who decides - autistics or parents?

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