In her new book, Wendy Lawson examines traditional theories about the autism spectrum (AS) and reveals their gaps and shortcomings. Showing that a completely different way of thinking about AS is needed, she sets forward the theory of Single Attention and Associated Cognition in Autism (SAACA), an approach that explains autism in terms of the unique learning style of AS individuals. The SAACA approach suggests that whereas neurotypical people can easily shift their attention from one task to another, those on the autism spectrum tend to use just one sense at a time, leading to a deep, intense attention. From the perspective of this new approach, Wendy describes practical outcomes for individuals, families, and places of education and employment, and shows that when the unique learning style of AS is understood, valued, and accommodated, AS individuals can be empowered to achieve their fullest potential. This is a fascinating read for anyone with a personal or professional interest in the autism spectrum, including clinical practitioners, educators, researchers, individuals on the spectrum and their families, teachers, occupational therapists, and other professionals.
To many of the people the processes by which those with autism make sense of the world around them may seem mysterious. In this book Lawson demonstrates these processes using comparisons from the non-ASD world to help professionals, families and carers to relate to and communicate with people with ASD better.
Wendy Lawson has an autism spectrum disorder. Considered to be intellectually disabled and 'almost incapable of doing as she is told' at school, she was later misdiagnosed as schizophrenic - a label that stuck with her for more than 25 years. Her sense of self was then non-existent, but Wendy is now a mother of four with two university degrees; she is a social worker and adult educator, and operates her own business. She is also a poet and a writer, sharing her understanding of autism with others to help 'build a bridge from my world to theirs'. Life Behind Glass is part of that bridge.
People with Asperger's Syndrome have difficulty with interpersonal relationships, yet are well known to be loyal and dependable friends. Wendy Lawson felt she had a knack for upsetting people and was surprised to be told that she 'did friendship rather well'. In her frank and thoughtful analysis of what makes and breaks friendships, she explores what it means to have friends or be a friend - even a friend to oneself; what happens when times are tough and friends are scarce; whether one can be a 'good friend' without effort; and what other kinds of friendships there are, whether imaginary, animal or inanimate. These ideas are accompanied by practical examples, poetry and stories. Insightful and relevant to people both on and off the autism spectrum, Friendships: The Aspie Way is a fresh approach to a universal issue in human relationships.
Wendy Lawson's well-known poetry reflects the many aspects of a life lived with Asperger's Syndrome. In this illustrated collection of poems and short prose pieces, including some from her childhood and teenage years, Wendy engages with her past and present, writing frankly about childhood, self-discovery, adulthood and friendship. Her poetry also conveys the day-to-day challenges presented by divorce, bereavement, emigration, disclosing homosexuality and Asperger's Syndrome. Both reflective and life affirming, these poems offer evocative glimpses of the Asperger experience and will enrich readers' understanding of autism spectrum disorders.
For those with autism, understanding `normal' can be a difficult task. For those without autism, the perception of `normal' can lead to unrealistic expectations of self and others. This book explores how individuals and society understand `normal', in order to help demystify and make accessible a full range of human experience. Wendy Lawson outlines the theory behind the current thinking and beliefs of Western society that have led to the building of a culture that fails to be inclusive. She describes what a wider concept of `normal' means and how to access it, whether it's in social interaction, friendships, feelings, thoughts and desires or various other aspects of `normality'. Practical advice is offered on a range of situations, including how to find your role within the family, how to integrate `difference' into everyday society, and how to converse and connect with others. Accessible and relevant to people both on and off the autism spectrum, this book offers a fresh look at what it means to be `normal'.
In this thesis, the condition of autism spectrum (AS) is reviewed with regard to cognitive theory and re-evaluation of the current literature. The experiences of individuals, with and without a diagnosis of AS, will be compared and contrasted. The levels of evidence for each cognitive theory of AS will be explored. These cognitive theories are: Theory of Mind (ToM); Weak Central Coherence theory (WCC); Executive Functioning Theory (EF) and Enhanced Perceptual Functioning Theory (EPF). It is argued in this thesis, via a process of falsification (for example, all swans are white is proven to be false when we find a black swan) that AS is a particular cognitive difference associated with the use of single attention. Whereas typical individuals have a brain configuration allowing the use of divided attention and associated connectivity with the sensory system allowing a diverse interest system, autistic individuals use single attention with less connectivity to a sensory system leading to less related multiple interests.
New methods to quickly solve quadratic equations, globally used methods for solving quadratic inequalitites, and innovative number line and graphic approaches.
Wendy Lawson has an autism spectrum disorder. Considered to be intellectually disabled and almost incapable of doing as she is told at school, she was later misdiagnosed as schizophrenic - a label that stuck with her for more than 25 years.
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