Autism gets wired

This month’s cover of Wired Magazine draws readers in by promising “The Truth About Autism.” The magazine describes the brains of people living with autism as neurologically different vs. neurologically disordered. While a bit scientific, the article does a great job of highlighting the unique abilities of individuals with autism.

It opens with a story about 27-year-old Amanda Baggs and the popularity of her
YouTube video In My Language.

 
Later, the magazine summarizes the research of Dr. Leo Mottron, famous for his work with a man known in the literature as “E.C.” Mottron attributes E.C.’s savant skills in 3-D drawing to the “atypicalities in perception of the brains of people living with autism.”

In other research, Dr.Mottron noticed that one of his patients, Michelle Dawson, had a
unique ability to find “tiny errors and weak links in logic.” He invited her to collaborate with his research team, and she assisted with scientific analysis last summer. Dawson was the lead author in a published study titled “The Level and Nature of Autistic Intelligence” in the peer-reviewed journal Psychological Science.
 
It’s great to see autism — and these people who live and work with autism — getting national attention in a magazine like Wired!


 

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  1. Pat Says:

    Hopefully, taking the time to share information will lead more of us to an awareness befitting this affliction. I know Lisa, and I love her for loving all of her Easter Seals kids!


  2. Jessica Moore Says:

    Great first post, Lisa! I’m glad that we are seeing autism in more and more magazines, even in ones we didn’t necessarily expect, like Wired. The effort to raise awareness about autism seems never-ending but this blog is certain to play a large role!


  3. Megan Says:

    Wow! What an awesome and educational video! I will definitley recommend the site to families of children with autism. The spectrum is broad so it’s nice to see different kiddos and each of their unique needs. Keep up the good work friend!


  4. Angie Hernandez Says:

    As always, I am truly amazed with the autism spectrum. To see a vision of the world through the eyes of a person with autism is truly a gift. To me, a person with autism is very special and unique. Thanks Lisa!!


  5. Lisa Tate Says:

    Hi Autismville (Judith)
    Thanks for your comment. Great website you have…and beautiful children! I agree that reseach efforts should not be hindered by assumptions that Autism is a neurological difference vs. a neurological disorder. I hope that as Autism gets more and more press, we will continue to focus on learning more about Autism and how to help children and families who live with it everyday.


  6. Amy Says:

    Thank you for sharing this information. The story of Amanda is humbling…I plan to share this with others.


  7. Tom Says:

    Nice blog, Lisa.
    Thanks for the link to the article and for embedding the video. It’s very illuminating!

    Keep it up!

    Tom


  8. Andy Anderson Says:

    Hi, Lisa!

    You are off to a great start here!

    Great site! This will be a good way for people to learn more about autism, and hopefully focus more attention to this malady. I did not know before, that Easter Seals was so involved with autism.

    Andy