Recently I posted at study by Simon Baron-Cohen suggesting a synesthesia and Autism link or connection. It was pointed out this has been discussed by the autism community for at least 10 years. It has taken a long time for other topics such as females presenting differently or even having autism to be recognized. While a community consensus means it is likely the issue is real, nothing beats full on scientific research for accuracy, validation and treatment reasons. The lack of recognition of topics has had real and serious costs such as no, partial or misdiagnosis which has actually hurt people.
If you had the ability to walk up to Autism researchers, grab them by the collar and yell "LISTEN TO US FOR A CHANGE" what topics would you ask them to look into?
For me in no particular order
Sensory issues = obvious choice Is Autism a pervasive sensory disorder instead of pervasive development disorder. Non obvious sensory differences causing issues such as facial recognition, empathy etc.
Middle Age burnout - The theory is that after having to try harder then NT's for decades to fit in, act etc when the normal aging and slowing down process begins we crash.
Coping - learning skills or damaging ourselves by suppressing our real self? This is related to the burnout issue above.
Do people on the spectrum communicate better with each other then NT's?
Physical differences if any
Best methods to educate NT's about the spectrum
_________________
Professionally Identified and joined WP August 26, 2013
DSM 5: Autism Spectrum Disorder, DSM IV: Aspergers Moderate Severity.
“My autism is not a superpower. It also isn’t some kind of god-forsaken, endless fountain of suffering inflicted on my family. It’s just part of who I am as a person”. - Sara Luterman
30 Nov 2013, 3:34 pm
