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Hannah Gould's avatar

Every word in this article rings true. I spend most of my day with adult yoga students who are considered “profoundly autistic”. To my eyes, the ways that they explore and engage with the world look like scientists conducting mini-experiments, artists studying their subjects and poets re-working language to point to deeper truths. They are brilliantly self-contained and self-directed. And when they deem you worthy of connecting with, the relationships they develop are deep, loyal and true. They are sorely underestimated and under valued.

Here is where I get concerned: Until we are ready to shift away from our rigid neurotypical systems that rely on contributing to the capitalist bottom line to survive, autism is disabling. Funding for supports like community-based housing and day habilitation is essential.

Help me visualize a future where my autistic students can thrive and get all the supports they need without relying on medical diagnosis and insurance.

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McFadden's avatar

Oliver Sacks still has my favourite explanation: Apple trees can spontaneously throw out unique branches that grow different apples than the rest of the tree. These branches are called ‘sports’.

Sacks saw people with autism as sports of the human race.

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