Reflection Of Neurotypical

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“Neurotypical” is an interesting PBS documentary directed by Adam Larsen. It shares stories of different individuals who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Neurotypical according to the film is “a term used to describe non-autistics by autistics.” Four of the people who we get to know more about are; Alan Wolf, Violet, Nicholas, and Paula. In the film Wolf discusses that he does not want to be “normal” instead he is happy with who he already is. Violet who is 4 years old has a hard time trying to talk. Paula a mother and wife, was just recently diagnosed of ASD. Nicholas, a young teen is unable to relate to girls. In the documentary he said “I just think different than everyone else.” He is also aware that it takes time for …show more content…

ASD individuals may find it hard to communicate and socialize with others around them. However, because each child is unique, they have their own unique abilities and ways of responding to new experiences. Other issues children with ASD have include; anxiety, sleeping problems, and learning disabilities. Those who are diagnosed with ASD or any other disability are usually judged and bullied. In the documentary Violet’s mother says she is afraid of her child being labeled and underestimated because she is diagnosed with autism. A child’s disability can also affect their family members. Family members may have a difficult time understanding and getting to know the autistic child in order to provide for them. They struggle to find interventions such as treatment and therapy for them, the right medical care, and trying learn to cope with all this. At times parents and caregivers can also feel stressed or irritated knowing they have to fulfill all of the child’s needs. Siblings on the other hand, may find it unfair that the autistic child gets the most attention and …show more content…

For example, our text describes two symptoms of ASD; 1. social communications and interactions 2. and limited patterns of repetitive behavior, interests, and or activities. This was all evident in the “Neurotypical” documentary. For example, Nicholas was unable to interact with girls or form relationships he believes he has nothing in common with them. Wolf suggested that autistic children are good at mimicking others and that nonverbal cues are important to watch out for. Violet, on the other hand, has a habit of repeating behaviors; she will repeat anything her parents say. In the text it also says severity of language problems vary child to child. In Violets case she does not fall under the mute category but instead she is able to speak in a few words, cry, and even laugh. Our text introduces the term for repetitive speech, echolalia. Violet tends to repeat a word or words her parents say either right away when she hears it or later

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