Thomas Clements is an autistic author from England. He has what's called "high-functioning" autism—Asperger's syndrome—and like many in his situation, he identifies as an Aspie. He represents one dimension of the much broader autism spectrum disorder. Because of his condition, he can speak for himself and share his experience, along with the difficulties—some minor, some profound—that he faces. His younger brother Jack has the same diagnosis, but his autism is far more disabling. Jack cannot speak for himself. He needs constant support, has minimal independence, and very limited verbal ability.
In his writing, Thomas reflects on the extreme variability within autism, asking whether we ought to use different terminology altogether. He worries about those in the "high-functioning" range who claim that their neurodiversity is a strength to celebrate—as though it were something to take pride in. But in doing so, they forget about those on the "low-functioning" end, who have only their parents or caregivers to speak on their behalf. This creates harmful barriers and oversimplifications for people whose lived experiences are so radically different. Some people now identify as autistic without any medical support, as if autism were simply a self-applied label to reinforce their identity.
But what actually is a syndrome? The term points directly to disability. Yet it has so many dimensions, so many perspectives, that it becomes a vast, unknown territory waiting to be explored. It is a story shared by countless people, each with their own unique and precious set of experiences. But—and I believe Thomas Clements would agree—it is, first and foremost, something serious that cannot be ignored. What Is a Syndrome?, a beautifully illustrated book by publisher Uovonero, helps us read and understand this great, mysterious variability. Since 2010, Uovonero has published books for readers who struggle with reading, especially in children's literature; this work by Giovanni Colaneri, part of the I Geodi series, is designed to help us understand and accept difference.
In the intricately detailed drawings, we see the many meanings this word holds for the individual and for the community in which they live. The colorful details themselves highlight the enormous range of expression a particular condition or illness can take. In autism spectrum disorder, for instance, this variability is so wide that we struggle to recognize all cases under a single name.
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