I work in the mental health field, and have been saying for years that “normal” is a STATISTICAL term, with no place in psychology or medicine. Forget the bell curve, we are all unique data points.
Marina, we are so fortunate for you sharing your artistic talent with us. Your article exhibits your passion for life and the arts. You are correct how psychiatry has advanced over the years, I often ponder Dr. Egas Moniz receiving The Nobel Peace prize in 1949 for the lobotomy, shameful
The autism spectrum is vast, and even those portions applicable solely to Asperger's offer a broad range of behaviors. For example, Jerry Espenson (on BOSTON LEGAL) was presented as a character with Asperger's. He was capable of brilliance in his field as well as irrational behavior (bizarre social quirks; social awkwardness; an episode in which he held a knife to the throat of a colleague when he was not offered partnership in the law firm; et al.).
The term, "Asperger's syndrome" has been purged for various reasons. Nevertheless, some people struggle with mild Asperger's symptoms that may go undiagnosed -- and, of course, others grew up decades before 1994 (when the condition was first described in DSM-4).
We must not forget that "normal" actually means "conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected." For example, it is "normal" for children to begin to talk at somewhere between twelve to eighteen months of age. However, a given child may not start talking until two years yet nevertheless be quite bright.
Similarly, people sometimes present with behavioral symptoms that do not seem "normal." The social awkwardness may be completely beyond the individual's control.
Many thanks for sharing this sensitive piece, @Marina Amaral. Let me append that while I tend not to hide in a "sensory-friendly blanket fort," I can definitely empathize (and hope I haven't offended anyone!).
I too loved this piece, Marina. And I totally agree with Michael. Medicine assumes there’s a standard human model, both physically and psychologically. Well, there isn’t one. And, by the way, I too hate having to make or receive phone calls, mostly because I am hearing impaired. I now have decent hearing aids, but I still let calls go to voice mail. Also I lack a vena cava in my right leg. The good news is, therefore, no blood clots in that leg.
Thank you. I worked with children with autism in the school system. The last child I worked with was, I learned to let him have the lead and I adjusted to him. It was the best. Now he is a shinning light , being himself in high school. This was thanks to his parents and what I learned from them and the student.
Oh, Marina, this is a terrific piece, and I salute you for your wonderful straightforward voice and transparency. Have you read Naomi Klein’s book “Mirror World”? One of the best chapters in it involves her tracking the story of Hans Asperger, pre- and post-Nazis ( she has a neuro-atypical child, which sent her on this reporting journey). Anyway, I had never heard of “Red Vienna” before, which included this incredibly progressive stretch when Asperger began working with kids - then, the Nazis.
Last question: who likes small talk, really? I tolerate it, but I don’t like it 😉
Neurodiversity runs in my family. My uncle (born in 1938) was the only one with a diagnosis, and in fact he was originally diagnosed as schizophrenic when he tried to join the air force. He then obtained a degree in geology, the first member of our family to graduate from college-- he planned to become a professor, but was informed after receiving his degree that no university would consider hiring him. Undaunted, he became a bicycle messenger for Western Union and lived independently until the fax machine rendered that job obsolete. At that point he moved in with my grandmother for the remainder of his life.
He was a fascinating person, a calendrical savant, opera enthusiast, and baseball fanatic. It was only much later that we came to see that all of us in the family are, to varying extents, neurodiverse. I am glad that there is some movement toward appreciating the varying qualities which can come with being on the spectrum. Your beautiful art adds so much to the world, and I'm grateful to be able to enjoy it.
Thank you for this. The "normal world" with all its hammers can do a lot of damage to a peg over 68 years. It's early days for me post diagnosis but I seem to be growing a magic shield 🛡 when I spot an incoming situation that I can't avoid.
I work in the mental health field, and have been saying for years that “normal” is a STATISTICAL term, with no place in psychology or medicine. Forget the bell curve, we are all unique data points.
Marina, we are so fortunate for you sharing your artistic talent with us. Your article exhibits your passion for life and the arts. You are correct how psychiatry has advanced over the years, I often ponder Dr. Egas Moniz receiving The Nobel Peace prize in 1949 for the lobotomy, shameful
Thank you for sharing your perspective. Very personal and touching and most informative. Good luck to you and I look forward to hearing more from you.
Earl Brown
The autism spectrum is vast, and even those portions applicable solely to Asperger's offer a broad range of behaviors. For example, Jerry Espenson (on BOSTON LEGAL) was presented as a character with Asperger's. He was capable of brilliance in his field as well as irrational behavior (bizarre social quirks; social awkwardness; an episode in which he held a knife to the throat of a colleague when he was not offered partnership in the law firm; et al.).
The term, "Asperger's syndrome" has been purged for various reasons. Nevertheless, some people struggle with mild Asperger's symptoms that may go undiagnosed -- and, of course, others grew up decades before 1994 (when the condition was first described in DSM-4).
We must not forget that "normal" actually means "conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected." For example, it is "normal" for children to begin to talk at somewhere between twelve to eighteen months of age. However, a given child may not start talking until two years yet nevertheless be quite bright.
Similarly, people sometimes present with behavioral symptoms that do not seem "normal." The social awkwardness may be completely beyond the individual's control.
Many thanks for sharing this sensitive piece, @Marina Amaral. Let me append that while I tend not to hide in a "sensory-friendly blanket fort," I can definitely empathize (and hope I haven't offended anyone!).
I too loved this piece, Marina. And I totally agree with Michael. Medicine assumes there’s a standard human model, both physically and psychologically. Well, there isn’t one. And, by the way, I too hate having to make or receive phone calls, mostly because I am hearing impaired. I now have decent hearing aids, but I still let calls go to voice mail. Also I lack a vena cava in my right leg. The good news is, therefore, no blood clots in that leg.
Thank you. I worked with children with autism in the school system. The last child I worked with was, I learned to let him have the lead and I adjusted to him. It was the best. Now he is a shinning light , being himself in high school. This was thanks to his parents and what I learned from them and the student.
Superb essay. Thank you.
Oh, Marina, this is a terrific piece, and I salute you for your wonderful straightforward voice and transparency. Have you read Naomi Klein’s book “Mirror World”? One of the best chapters in it involves her tracking the story of Hans Asperger, pre- and post-Nazis ( she has a neuro-atypical child, which sent her on this reporting journey). Anyway, I had never heard of “Red Vienna” before, which included this incredibly progressive stretch when Asperger began working with kids - then, the Nazis.
Last question: who likes small talk, really? I tolerate it, but I don’t like it 😉
Sensacional Marina!
Neurodiversity runs in my family. My uncle (born in 1938) was the only one with a diagnosis, and in fact he was originally diagnosed as schizophrenic when he tried to join the air force. He then obtained a degree in geology, the first member of our family to graduate from college-- he planned to become a professor, but was informed after receiving his degree that no university would consider hiring him. Undaunted, he became a bicycle messenger for Western Union and lived independently until the fax machine rendered that job obsolete. At that point he moved in with my grandmother for the remainder of his life.
He was a fascinating person, a calendrical savant, opera enthusiast, and baseball fanatic. It was only much later that we came to see that all of us in the family are, to varying extents, neurodiverse. I am glad that there is some movement toward appreciating the varying qualities which can come with being on the spectrum. Your beautiful art adds so much to the world, and I'm grateful to be able to enjoy it.
Thankyou very much indeed. Interesting and useful
Hi Marina,
I love your mix of art/history/memoir and yes, normal shnormal.
Great summary of the history of autism!
Thank you for this. The "normal world" with all its hammers can do a lot of damage to a peg over 68 years. It's early days for me post diagnosis but I seem to be growing a magic shield 🛡 when I spot an incoming situation that I can't avoid.