Here is the first question, what is an image? Well, and image has a lot perspectives. Within the human interaction, there is an idealized social community. This provides the importance of an image within the complexity in creation, and art.
Here is another question based off an image, What is an imagination? In our minds, It is the ability to be creative, or resourceful when it comes to scenarios, settings, possibilities and things. An individual with Autism is able to visualize; yet the myth persists. Mainly the myth is that autism means impaired or absent from imagination.
This is not the case. There is an misunderstanding of the fact that the social imagination that is impaired. Social imagination is where the person has the ability to empathize with other individuals, and can predict their intentions. However, this type of imagination has nothing to do with the individuals capability.
However, just to clarify, Social imagination deficits are a type impairment becasue it is what makes the Autistic individual grapple socially in friendships, and communication.
To put it differently, an Autistic individual may not show the presence of their imagination in a way that is considered “typical”. This term typical, does not mean he/she/he do not possess one. Even so, the absence of pretend play is seen as lacking imagination. Therefore; this is believed as an Autistic trait.
Based on this belief, this leads to a question, what if we are looking at this in an incorrect way? So, here is an example, when an Autistic child is spinning wheels or lining their toys up, what are they/he/she thinking about? The child could be displaying high intelligence and organisational skills. Maybe he/she/they are figuring out how to make the alignment of the row of boxes look neat.
Based on the example, the answer here is being Hyperfocused. The reason for this answer is because, when someone is unusually energetic within an interesting activity, it does not show a lack of imagination.
Many Autistic individuals are perfectionists meaning that they/she/he pay attention to detail. This person will then spend a long time doing one task. This could also be seen as a productive use of imagination.
With this aspect, what is seen as an impairment, is type of characteristic that is useful to that individual in their career or interests.
The imagination of an Autistic individual is worthwhile. Yes, Autism can provide a definition of deficits, struggles and challenges. However, we are able to understand that these individuals also have skills and talents.
To put it differently, an Autistic individual may not show the presence of their imagination in a way that is considered “typical”. This term typical, does not mean he/she/he do not possess one. Even so, the absence of pretend play is seen as lacking imagination. Therefore; this is believed as an Autistic trait.
Based on this belief, this leads to a question, what if we are looking at this in an incorrect way? So, here is an example, when an Autistic child is spinning wheels or lining their toys up, what are they/he/she thinking about? The child could be displaying high intelligence and organizational skills. Maybe he/she/they are figuring out how to make the alignment of the row of boxes look neat.
Based on the example, the answer here is being Hyper focused. The reason for this answer is because, when someone is unusually energetic within an interesting activity, it does not show a lack of imagination.
Many Autistic individuals are perfectionists meaning that they/she/he pay attention to detail. This person will then spend a long time doing one task. This could also be seen as a productive use of imagination.
With this aspect, what is seen as an impairment, is type of characteristic that is useful to that individual in their career or interests.
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The Power of Imagination
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Here is the first question, what is an image? Well, and image has a lot perspectives. Within the human interaction, there is an idealized social community. This provides the importance of an image within the complexity in creation, and art.
Here is another question based off an image, What is an imagination? In our minds, It is the ability to be creative, or resourceful when it comes to scenarios, settings, possibilities and things. An individual with Autism is able to visualize; yet the myth persists. Mainly the myth is that autism means impaired or absent from imagination.
This is not the case. There is an misunderstanding of the fact that the social imagination that is impaired. Social imagination is where the person has the ability to empathize with other individuals, and can predict their intentions. However, this type of imagination has nothing to do with the individuals capability.
However, just to clarify, Social imagination deficits are a type impairment becasue it is what makes the Autistic individual grapple socially in friendships, and communication.
To put it differently, an Autistic individual may not show the presence of their imagination in a way that is considered “typical”. This term typical, does not mean he/she/he do not possess one. Even so, the absence of pretend play is seen as lacking imagination. Therefore; this is believed as an Autistic trait.
Based on this belief, this leads to a question, what if we are looking at this in an incorrect way? So, here is an example, when an Autistic child is spinning wheels or lining their toys up, what are they/he/she thinking about? The child could be displaying high intelligence and organisational skills. Maybe he/she/they are figuring out how to make the alignment of the row of boxes look neat.
Based on the example, the answer here is being Hyperfocused. The reason for this answer is because, when someone is unusually energetic within an interesting activity, it does not show a lack of imagination.
Many Autistic individuals are perfectionists meaning that they/she/he pay attention to detail. This person will then spend a long time doing one task. This could also be seen as a productive use of imagination.
With this aspect, what is seen as an impairment, is type of characteristic that is useful to that individual in their career or interests.
The imagination of an Autistic individual is worthwhile. Yes, Autism can provide a definition of deficits, struggles and challenges. However, we are able to understand that these individuals also have skills and talents.
To put it differently, an Autistic individual may not show the presence of their imagination in a way that is considered “typical”. This term typical, does not mean he/she/he do not possess one. Even so, the absence of pretend play is seen as lacking imagination. Therefore; this is believed as an Autistic trait.
Based on this belief, this leads to a question, what if we are looking at this in an incorrect way? So, here is an example, when an Autistic child is spinning wheels or lining their toys up, what are they/he/she thinking about? The child could be displaying high intelligence and organizational skills. Maybe he/she/they are figuring out how to make the alignment of the row of boxes look neat.
Based on the example, the answer here is being Hyper focused. The reason for this answer is because, when someone is unusually energetic within an interesting activity, it does not show a lack of imagination.
Many Autistic individuals are perfectionists meaning that they/she/he pay attention to detail. This person will then spend a long time doing one task. This could also be seen as a productive use of imagination.
With this aspect, what is seen as an impairment, is type of characteristic that is useful to that individual in their career or interests.
Bibliography
Barna, Mark. “Everything Worth Knowing about … Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Discover Magazine, June 19, 2017. https://www.discovermagazine.com/mind/everything-worth-knowing-about-autism-spectrum-disorder.
Bennie, Maureen. “The Positives of Autism.” Autism Awareness, March 25, 2019. https://autismawarenesscentre.com/the-positives-of-autism/.