
Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group
Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Although the specific etiology of autism is unknown, many researchers suspect that autism results from genetically mediated vulnerabilities to environmental triggers.
Empathy does not come easily to either of them. On those occasions when I really need it from them I have to supply them with a script, then help them practice it. Sometimes it works.
I have also found that while my sister does not respond to emotional subtleties (or even those that seem plain to most), she does recognize and respond to extremes... though I have to admit, it's a bit exhausting to have to stage a melt-down for her benefit so she will understand that I'm having a difficult time.
I've also found with my sister that talking through other emotional scenarios is helpful. Giving her other options for response makes her less fearful of future events. This has been particularly helpful when talking her through how we will handle the inevitable family crisis when our parents reach the end of life.
She's had a chance to practice some of those coping skills and empathy skills with me because of health scares our mother had a couple of summers ago...
... I guess what I'm trying to say is that emotional rehearsal helps.
I also have to confess that it feels a little callous of me to have to talk about emotions this way, because this is not the way I experience them, or even want to experience them.
Understanding the way they function, however, makes a big difference to how we all come through times of crisis.
A couple of weeks ago, I was cleaning out his closet and doing the getting rid of toys that he no longer plays with. He at first was mad but then i explained to him about children who for one reason or another wouldn't have a christmas and that we would take his toys to help the other children and he got on board with it to some extent but still the empathy wasn't there.