Tech | December 14, 2009 | 2 comments

People with autism 'have problem with self-awareness'

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Theekshani
Sophisticated scans showed the brains of people with autism are less active when engaged in self-reflective thought.

The findings provide a neurological insight into why people with autism tend to struggle in social situations.

The study, by the University of Cambridge, appears in the journal Brain.

Autism has long been considered a condition of extreme egocentrism.

But research has shown the problem is people with the condition have trouble thinking about, and making sense of, themselves.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8407857.stm
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2 comments // People with autism 'have problem with self-awareness'

  • dotm
    • 0
      dotm  
    • I really don't think it should be thought of as "very sad" that people with autism have trouble making sense of their own thoughts and emotions. As a matter of fact, people with no developmental delays have difficulties with self-reflection and understanding. That's why we meditate and go to therapy--to understand why we are feeling and acting in certain ways that we may not know how to change ourselves. Unfortunately autism and asperger's are labeled as disorders which allows "normally functioning" individuals to create distance between us and them. It is refreshing to see that cognitive psychologists are further analyzing why autistic individuals seem to be egocentric, instead of simply labeling or considering them to have a condition of egocentrism. A difficulty in self awareness is much easier for individuals not familiar with autism to understand because it is personally relatable.

      It is important we don't think of autism and autism spectrum disorders as conditions of narcissism and egocentricism. These are stereotypically negative traits that don't support an empathetic response/ enthusiasm to understand the problems that ASD individuals face.

    • 2 years ago
  • artemis6
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