Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
Major study led by scientist with autism challenges long-held preconceptions about the condition
http://linkis.com/medicalxpress.com/ne/LeZp2
February 20, 2015
Dr James Cusack
A scientist with autism has used his own experiences to aid the completion of a study which challenges some of the most commonly-held beliefs about the condition.
Dr James Cusack, from the University of Aberdeen, argues that generalisations about people with autism being poorer at interpreting gestures and body language may be exaggerated, and could be overcome by developing their ability to pay attention to signals in their brain which may otherwise go unnoticed.
The findings, published in the prestigious Journal of Neuroscience, are the result of a four-year study conducted with a group of adolescents with autism from Aberdeen, and it is hoped the results could bring scientists closer to understanding the condition and unlock the potential of others with the disability.
<>
The findings parallel developments within Dr Cusack's own life by demonstrating that the impairment in those with autism could potentially be overcome if they could be directed to interpret what they see more effectively.
Dr Cusack was told at the age of 12 that he may need residential care for the rest of his life to support his individual needs. Instead, thanks to the targeted education he received at the specialist autism unit within Dyce Academy, Aberdeen, he went on to excel first at school and then at university, gaining a doctorate in biomedical sciences and becoming a research fellow at the University of Aberdeen.
<>
Dr Cusack said the findings were of great significance as they demonstrate that deficiencies in perception for those with autism may not be as widespread as previously thought – and opens up new possibilities to help people manage the condition.
"I know from personal experience the benefit that a greater understanding of autism can bring," he added.
"When I began secondary school it was expected that I would need to be fully supported for the rest of my life, but I was given a place at a specialist 'base' within a mainstream school and it completely transformed my educational experience.
"I went from an expectation that I would not sit any exams to achieving straight ones in my Standard Grades, and then gaining Highers which enabled me to attend the University of Aberdeen where I obtained a psychology degree.
"I then completed my degree and PhD, met my wife who is training to be a GP, and have a baby daughter. I couldn't have imagined I'd achieve any of this when given my diagnosis aged 12.
<>
February 20, 2015
Dr James Cusack
A scientist with autism has used his own experiences to aid the completion of a study which challenges some of the most commonly-held beliefs about the condition.
Dr James Cusack, from the University of Aberdeen, argues that generalisations about people with autism being poorer at interpreting gestures and body language may be exaggerated, and could be overcome by developing their ability to pay attention to signals in their brain which may otherwise go unnoticed.
The findings, published in the prestigious Journal of Neuroscience, are the result of a four-year study conducted with a group of adolescents with autism from Aberdeen, and it is hoped the results could bring scientists closer to understanding the condition and unlock the potential of others with the disability.
<>
The findings parallel developments within Dr Cusack's own life by demonstrating that the impairment in those with autism could potentially be overcome if they could be directed to interpret what they see more effectively.
Dr Cusack was told at the age of 12 that he may need residential care for the rest of his life to support his individual needs. Instead, thanks to the targeted education he received at the specialist autism unit within Dyce Academy, Aberdeen, he went on to excel first at school and then at university, gaining a doctorate in biomedical sciences and becoming a research fellow at the University of Aberdeen.
<>
Dr Cusack said the findings were of great significance as they demonstrate that deficiencies in perception for those with autism may not be as widespread as previously thought – and opens up new possibilities to help people manage the condition.
"I know from personal experience the benefit that a greater understanding of autism can bring," he added.
"When I began secondary school it was expected that I would need to be fully supported for the rest of my life, but I was given a place at a specialist 'base' within a mainstream school and it completely transformed my educational experience.
"I went from an expectation that I would not sit any exams to achieving straight ones in my Standard Grades, and then gaining Highers which enabled me to attend the University of Aberdeen where I obtained a psychology degree.
"I then completed my degree and PhD, met my wife who is training to be a GP, and have a baby daughter. I couldn't have imagined I'd achieve any of this when given my diagnosis aged 12.
<>
2 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
= new reply since forum marked as read
