That’snot autism: It’s simply a brainy, introverted boy
Autism spectrum diagnoses
are up 78 percent in 10 years. We're dramatically overdiagnosing it in everyday
behavior
"When we mistake a brainy, introverted boy for an autism
spectrum disordered one, we devalue his mental gifts. We view his ability to
become wholeheartedly engrossed in a topic as a symptom that needs to be
stamped out, rather than a form of intellectualism that needs to be cultivated.
Boys like William don’t need to be channeled into unwanted and unnecessary
social-skills classes to obtain formal instruction on how to start and sustain
normal conversations. They don’t need to be prodded to be more sociable with
the neighborhood kid whose mind works completely differently from theirs. They
need unique school programs that cater to the mentally gifted in which others
will not be chagrined by their intense love for ideas and where they have a
shot at making true friends and therefore have the opportunity to feel truly
sociable."
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