Sensory Sensitivity In Autism: Viral Video

This viral video - created for the UK's National Autistic Society by Rattling Stick - is said to show what it's like for a child with autism and sensory sensitivity:

As a mother with a child with a mild autism diagnosis, I don't believe this is the way he necessarily sees the world because… I asked him.

Now, his speech is not developed enough where he can tell me if this is what he can and can't feel and see and hear, but I did show him the video and asked him: are you scared? Or do you like this? He said he liked it… and he wanted to watch it again!

While he was initially far more resistant to loud noises and it distressed him, now - with therapy and one and a half years of schooling - he is a different child.

And so, to be more accurate, sensory defensive people would relate to this - not every person with autism.


The National Autistic Society describes itself like this:

"We are the UK's leading charity for people affected by autism.

We want a world where all people living with autism get to lead the life they choose.

We will transform understanding of autism and make sure everyone living with autism gets the support they need."

What do you think of the video? Does it relate to your child? Or you?

Susan Boyle: Diagnosed with Asperger's

Susan Boyle - the Scottish singer who shot to fame on the TV show 'Britain's Got Talent' in 2009 - has revealed she has been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism.

Susan told Britain's Observer newspaper she was diagnosed a year ago and told of her relief after years of bullying for her learning difficulties.

The now 52-year-old says: "It was the wrong diagnosis when I was a kid."

She adds: "I was told I had brain damage. I always knew it was an unfair label. Now I have a clearer understanding of what's wrong and I feel relieved and a bit more relaxed about myself."

Susan's rendition of 'I Dreamed A Dream', from the musical 'Les Miserables' went viral - it has garnered nearly 140 million views on YouTube. She has since recorded four - yes, FOUR! - hit albums.

Boyle's quirky sense of humour and golden voice won her legions of fans, but her rapid rise to fame and the huge press attention drove her close to breakdown.

More about Asperger's: it affects communication and social interaction. Sufferers have difficulty picking up on social cues and gauging appropriate behaviour.

Susan was, sadly, bullied throughout her school years and nicknamed "Susie Simple" by her classmates.

Susan has recently had tests which have revealed she has above-average intelligence, she tells the Observer.

"I was told my IQ was above average," she said.

Susan says her Asperger's diagnosis would not make any difference to her life: "It's just a condition that I have to live with and work through".

"I think people will treat me better because they will have a much greater understanding of who I am and why I do the things I do."

Currently, Fox Searchlight is reportedly interested in making a film of Susan Boyle's life.