Are Co-occurring Conditions Part of Autism?

August 15, 2018January 31, 2022 by Shannon Des Roches Rosa

Photo © NASA Goddard Space Flight Center | Flickr / Creative Commons [image: Photo of two neutron stars ripping each other apart.] Maxfield Sparrow unstrangemind.com Sometimes when I’m talking with someone about autism it feels like we’re talking about two different things. For example, I’ve had countless conversations that go something like this: “You’re nothing like my child. My child has the serious kind of autism,” they might open with. “Autism is serious stuff,” I respond. “It’s important to take it seriously.” “No, I mean my child has the autism with digestive stuff and physical involvement. The severe autism.” “I have intermittent gastroparesis that has sent me to the hospital multiple times. I have a connective tissue disorder that has caused pelvic organ prolapse. These things aren’t autism.” And it’s the truth: the co-occurring conditions we cope with are not autism; they are the “genetic hitchhikers” that love to travel…

Lindsey Anderson, a white woman with long straight brown hair, in front of Brent White, a white man with a black cap, glasses, and a silver beard, holding Nora, a small white dog

Accommodations

Autistic Insights on Meltdowns, Aggression, and Self-Injury

November 21, 2016February 11, 2024 by Brent White and Lindsey Anderson

It’s important to remember that when an autistic person is struggling or having aggression, they are not being “bad” or trying to do something to you personally—even though it can feel like that, especially if they’re screaming at you or making you angry.

Disability

“Self-Injurious Behaviors” (SIBs): Let’s Discuss

February 8, 2013January 31, 2022 by Shannon Des Roches Rosa

Ariane Zurcher emmashopebook.com I’m continuing to research SIBs, which stands for “self-injurious behaviors.” It’s far too complex a topic to tackle in a quick 800-1000 word post. There are a number of topics it seems important to discuss, which all fall under the heading of “self-injurious behavior.” (Feel free to add more in the comments section, this is definitely a work in progress.) I’ve broken these topics down to include: The language we use to describe such actions. The perception (usually of neurotypical parents, caregivers, doctors, school employees, educators and the general public) of what these actions may or may not mean, this is particularly critical when the person taking such actions is partially speaking or non-speaking. The personal experiences of those who have engaged in such actions that may or may not lead to real injury. The experience of those who want to help and/or are in a position…

Disability

Autism and Self-Injurious Behaviors

October 17, 2012January 31, 2022 by Shannon Des Roches Rosa

Bridget Allen ItsBridgetsWord.wordpress.com Self Injurious Behaviors. The magic trump card to stop down any conversation about autism. Three words loaded with emotion for anyone who loves an autistic. You want to protect the ones you love. In this case, the one you love and want to protect is also the very same person who is hurting the one you love and want to protect. It’s heartbreaking and confusing. I get that. I promise. Self injurious behaviors (SIBs) are often cited by those who view autism as a tragedy. Their child’s autism causes him to engage in SIBs, and they would do anything to make the autism that causes their child to hurt himself for no apparent reason to go away. Personally, I have been told I am “so high functioning” I cannot possibly understand, but I do understand because I am an autistic who engages in self injurious behaviors. I’m…