Useful Links

Hey there, this page is dedicated to useful links related mainly to Autism and Aspergers Syndrome.


Pharmaceutical companies tell us Autism is a disease / disorder but, as an individual that is 'on the spectrum,' I and many others believe they are wrong. Autism is caused by genetic variations (a fact now backed up by countless scientists) in the brain, meaning we develop differently from 'typical' people. More and more people are being born Autistic. It seems like we as a human race are evolving and mutating to become something different.



One thing I couldn't explain until recently was how my thinking and processing style was different to that of non-Autistic people. Now, having done my research, I'm beginning to understand.


We, as Autistic people take in information through multiple senses at the same time, which can lead to sensory overload, where we feel overwhelmed and exhausted by all of the information our brain is receiving in the present moment. Our brains are literally wired differently from most people. This crucial difference is related to a cognitive processing style, known as 'bottom up' processing, where details are processed first instead of general concepts.


We also have a natural associative thinking style, which makes us great innovators, but leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to trying to fit in with the rest of the general population, who tend to process things in a 'top down' way, with more of a linear thinking pattern.


The way that schools teach students tends to revolve around top-down processing styles, which understandably leads to a lot of Autistic people developing learning disabilities as they are not always able to understand the information being presented to them. A lot of us would be considered 'Non-Linear Thinkers' and are often very creative.


It is also my understanding that most jobs require people to be highly competent. Our understanding of competence is very limited at present. The majority of Autistic people cannot hold down long term jobs, not because we don't want to work or because we lack intelligence or skill- Far From It!


Our brains simply process information differently and until that understanding is shared around the world, instead of having society misled by myths about Autism, Autistic people won't really be able to progress that much. People need to learn the truth about Autism so that we can all take part in society, without being told we're diseased for being different.


Non-Linear Thinking has so much value.


The below links have been really helpful for me. I'd definitely recommend checking them out if you'd like some reliable information about Autism and Aspergers Syndrome.


https://www.dana.org/Cerebrum/2002/The_World_Needs_People_With_Asperger%E2%80%99s_Syndrome/

https://www.differentbrains.org/bottoms-up-the-innovative-thinking-style-of-the-aspergers-mind/

https://learn.autism.org.uk/ereg/popups/speakerdetails.php?eventid=200180853&language=eng&speakerid=200470452&

https://www.aspie.org.uk

https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2015/jul/16/autism-doesnt-have-to-be-viewed-as-a-disability-or-disorder

http://www.mrp3.com/bobf/nonlinear.html