Asperger's: Autism Spectrum Awareness

"These children often show a surprising sensitivity to the personality of the teacher.  They can be taught... but only by those who give them true understanding and affection, people who show kindness towards them  and yes, even humor.  The teacher's underlying attitude influences, involuntarily and unconsciously, the mood and behavior of the child." ~Hans Asperger, 1944

"Autism is not a disease.   It is integral to their identity.  when people say they want a 'cure' to autism, they essentially want to eliminate who they are.  It is a challenge, but certainly not a devastating one.

"I believe they have substantial potential to thrive if only their spirits, talents, and self-esteem were not destroyed by being forced to be "normal". ~Matthew Hafenbrack

"If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." ~Albert Einstein

"Autism to me, says that I accept my child wholly.  I celebrate his differences and his quirkiness.  I advocate diversity.  I try to empower him.  I am proud of his successes, not matter how small they seem.  I hope he holds onto the compassion he has in his heart into adulthood.  I do not think he needs "fixing".  I am proud that he is my son, and sometimes I am humbled by that very same thought." ~from the blog, Odd One Out

"Imagine a world where Aspergers was the norm, and non-autistics or neurotypicals were the minority.  Let's try it: Those who feel the need to constantly be with a variety of friends are considered fickle.  Those with no propensity for computers and science are called geeks.  Those with no special interest are thought to be ungrounded and lost.  Those without obsessive focus have to take classes to cultivate it." ~from the blog, Aspergirls

"Nobel prize-calibre geniuses often have certain core autistic features at their heart." ~Allan Snyder, director of Sydney University's Centre for the Mind.

"The difference between high-functioning and low-functioning is that high-functioning means your deficits are ignored, and low-functioning means your assets are ignored." ~Laura Tisoncik (from Circle of Mons blog)