Today's photo was taken later after voting in the European elections this evening. Shafts of sunlight are poking through the leaves, turning them from a steady green to a playful yellow. It elicits an "all-is-well" sigh, as I register that the sun is gracefully taking a bow, and the day is gently coming to a close. I am tired, but today has been a good day, where I have been challenged, physically (too many steps) and mentally. In effect, everything the seminar speaker said that was important for the wellbeing of autistic people - exercise and purpose, but I am getting ahead of myself.
Let me explain. Today was spent at an autism and wellbeing seminar organised by the charity, Children in Scotland. It's the second time I've heard Peter Vermeulen speak and, again, he didn't disappoint. He suggests there is no such thing as "autistic behaviour", all there is is human behaviour that is a consequence of autism. Instead, Vermeulen defines autism as absolute thinking in a relative world. He then moved on to say neurodiversity was fine, but what we should be aiming for is neuroharmony, when autistic and non-autistic people are living in harmony and all are able to use their talents within society, to play a part and contribute. This he suggested was the route to eudemonic happiness and wellbeing in autistic people. Autistic individuals need a sense of purpose as much as anyone else.
No comments:
Post a Comment