Expert: Catherine Ridenour - 2/8/2006

Question
Hello.

I have a question regarding the positive aspects of PDD and autism. I suppose you could say the curiosity started when I was diagnosed with ADD. I noticed when researching ADD that the 'bright' and 'gifted' strongly correlate with people who have any mental health disorder - such as PDD and autism.

In my theory I believe there are no such things as being 'stupid' or 'intelligent,' yet rather gifts each person has. People with ADD are highly creative and think out side the box - for instance.

Anyway [sorry I can sometimes get sidetracked], I know there are phenomenal positive aspects that people are not seeing with autism and PDD, but I cannot find any information of this sort anywhere - library, the web, or other people. I guess my search keeps going on - seeing my cousin with autism gives me strength to know he is very gifted, yet I would like to believe that his giftedness is sometimes trapped by other weaker parts of the brain [such as with ADD my creativity gets distracted with the fact that my frontal lobe is very weak].

Sorry that this is a little long, but I am just very curious about the positive sides that normal people do not see with the 'handicapped.' I hope you can help answer my question and have a wonderful day! God bless!

Sincerely,
Theresa

Answer
Hi Theresa,

I agree that the weaker areas of functioning can mask the strengths and gifts.  

You probably don't find much information because our society tends to focus on fixing the "broken" part rather than celebrating the exceptionality.

If we look back at some of the most famous inventors and artists of the past couple of centuries, it is easy to see that Einstein, Edison, and many others were probably affected by Autistic Spectrum "disorders" or ADHD.  Depression also haunted many, Van Gogh for instance.

My daughter becomes angry when she is told that she "chooses" to have social difficulties and hyper-sensitivity to lights and sound.  She does not feel "handicapped" only different.  She resents the suggestion that she needs to be "cured."  Granted, she is highly functional.  

I do believe there is a need for treatment and educational services for those who cannot function well in the classroom or life.  Many mental health disorders are very limiting and not all those who have a diagnosed disorder are gifted.  Many will need social, educational, medical and financial support for life.

I hope that society becomes more tolerant of the wide variety of human development.

Best wishes,
Catherine