Dr. Grandin Reflection

Today I had the opportunity to attend a lecture given by Dr. Grandin. She presented some very interesting information regarding autism. Diagnosing autism is not an exact science at this time. Diagnosis is done by checking if the patient has a list of behaviors and if the patient exhibits 75% of the behaviors, they have autism. Dr. Grandin hopes that one day a more accurate diagnosis can be reached through brain scans. Autism is a neurological disorder which can range from mild to severe and is an early onset disorder. Dr. Grandin strongly believes in early intervention. As a child, she was put into speech therapy at age two and later had a nanny that spent time helping with her. Dr. Grandin said that the worst thing you could do for autism was NOTHING.

I was very interested in hearing her describe the different types of sensory problems that are very real for people with autism. She posed the question that how can a person be social when you can’t stand the environment. She gave a personal example that some clothing causes her skin to itch. Dr. Grandin gave reasons why a child would rock or flutter their fingers in front of their face. It was in order to shut out the other stimulus that hurts. Dr. Grandin mentioned that when you take an autistic child in for an eye exam for vision problems, the exam will be normal. The eyes are functioning properly; it is a visual processing problem that is taking place in the brain. Some suggestions to help a child with this type of problem is to place the child’s desk near the window for natural light, get rid of fluorescent lights, put the child’s homework on colored paper, or have the child wear colored sun glasses. The same thing could happen if you took the child for an ear exam, it would be normal. Some children have a difficult time with auditory detail. Dr. Grandin suggested speaking slowly to enunciate the words better for the child to understand. She suggested that we use a combined method of phonics and whole word to teach children with autism to read.

Dr Grandin informed us that there are three types of specialized thinking which include visual thinkers, pattern thinkers, and word thinkers. Visual thinkers see everything in pictures like using Google images. They need a lot of descriptions to create these mental images. This type of thinker might struggle in math. Pattern thinkers are more abstract and enjoy music and math. They might be weak in reading and writing composition. Finally, word thinkers know every fact concerning their favorite subject. With any of these types of thinking, Dr. Grandin suggested that we should build up the areas of strengths and focus on what the child can do when he grows up. We need to use the obsession to teach the child. For example, if the child is obsessed about trains have him read books about trains. Help the child to do things that people will want.

In regards to medication, Dr. Grandin gave an interesting example about how anti-depressants had helped her overcome her fear of dangerous predators. Imagine that she locked the doors, turned off the lights, and let loose a bunch of poisonous snakes. Without her medication, she always felt terrified even though she was in no danger. She suggested that medication has a place along with behavioral therapy and supplements.

Dr Grandin offered some other bits of information. In order to desensitize a child to a bothersome noise, record the noise on a tape recorder and then have the child initiate the sound to help overcome it. Autistic children need structure; but, they need to learn to accept some change. You can help overcome this fear of change by giving plenty of advance warning of change. Also, social skills must be taught. It is never too late to learn, the more experiences a person has to compare to the better off they are. Get children with autism to try and do things. Make a system to make organizing things easier for them. For a non-verbal child, let them use a keyboard for communication.

Who better to help us understand autism than a person who has autism? I now have a glimpse of some of the issues that might affect the children whom I will teach. I would be interested in reading her books because Dr. Grandin’s insights seemed so on target. I will continue to research this so that I might make a difference in many people’s lives.