Language | Neurodiversity

Language

On Puzzles, Privilege, and Missing Pronouns

When I read blogs by the parents of autistic children, I often happen across the puzzle metaphor. It finds its way into statements such as “My autistic daughter is such a puzzle” or “We’re st... ...[Read More]

Guest on 08/27/10 | No Comments | Read More

Color, Space, and Spectrum

The ridiculously named and sublimely informative BoingBoing last Sunday posted an article about the interplay of language and visual perception as it affects how we see and speak about color and spa... ...[Read More]

Mark Stairwalt on 07/2/10 | No Comments | Read More

A Neat Verbal Write-Off

So we’re reading The Speed Of Dark in my sci-fi class next week, and I’m going to be sharing some information about autism. Yays. I’m still scripting various things out, but right now I’m w... ...[Read More]

Julia Bascom on 06/7/10 | No Comments | Read More

Social Anxiety and Autism

I am aware I have a subtly different style of communication and can see how it contributes to social anxiety. I tend to stare at the floor and listen. This way, I can usually get the context of a co... ...[Read More]

Guest on 04/22/10 | 2 Comments | Read More

How (and Why) to Use Framing in the Discussion of Autism

As is the case elsewhere, in the struggle over how autism is to be defined and understood, how a discussion is framed has more influence on the outcome of any conflicts that arise within that discussi... ...[Read More]

Mark Stairwalt on 04/9/10 | No Comments | Read More

Language, Rhetoric, and Expression: There’s Power There

Recently, Kowalski posed the question, “So you really think you’re smarter than Jenny McCarthy?” in response to some parents venting on a facebook thread about the McCarthy article over at Huff.... ...[Read More]

KWombles on 03/17/10 | 2 Comments | Read More

Emergence of a Universal Language

There is a phenomenon in linguistics where language complexity is directly related to how isolated a particular language is from its neighbors. A new language is difficult to learn for adults. When ... ...[Read More]

Andrew Lehman on 02/1/10 | 1 Comment | Read More

The Iceberg Speaks

Given the stereotype of the mute, “unreachable” autistic child that comes most easily to many people’s minds whenever autism is discussed, I’m well aware of what a sharp departure from that im... ...[Read More]

Mark Stairwalt on 12/4/09 | 2 Comments | Read More

Neurodiversity and Speech

A conundrum frequently reveals itself during my observations of left-handed people. An answer to this riddle seems to be connected to an understanding of how bridges, brain bridges, are made. Lefties ... ...[Read More]

Andrew Lehman on 11/9/09 | 4 Comments | Read More

How to Speak Drakk

NightStorm is a 23-year-old Asperger-diagnosed autist, a watercolor artist and writer of original and fan fiction, a blogger and a lover of storytelling and role play. Like so very many others then, ... ...[Read More]

Mark Stairwalt on 10/13/09 | No Comments | Read More

Neurodiversity Not So Funny

I started talking when I was three. My first memory is potato-on-the-spoon relay races in nursery school. I felt humiliated and appalled at my lack of spoon/potato acumen. Grown-up humor I remembe... ...[Read More]

Andrew Lehman on 09/21/09 | 2 Comments | Read More

paradox of words

Of the seemingly infinite number of paradoxes that go with being human, there is the one where we find ourselves experiencing experience as an individual, a separate being, often alone while seeking t... ...[Read More]

Andrew Lehman on 08/28/09 | No Comments | Read More

About Shift Journal

Autism has been here all along.

Considered as an evolutionary condition with far-reaching social implications, its full presence and impact remain hidden in plain sight, unrecognized and uncredited.

Part neurological mystery, part social construct, and part secret society unbeknownst even to its own members, autism does not lend itself to explanation by those who hold it apart from society, from themselves, or from consciousness itself. Definitions are revised, overhauled, and abandoned all while efforts to explore and examine this condition on its own terms are only now gaining momentum.

Shift Journal aims to showcase and encourage such efforts. Entertaining the notion of autistic as a legitimate way to be in the world, from the crossroads of theory, society, and personal experience, Shift welcomes relevant contributions from all comers.

Mark Stairwalt

Editor and Publisher

---

New or established writers wishing to contribute original or previously published posts may use the submissions page or contact us directly.

Autism Speaking

Who Speaks For Who?
“There is a lot of talk in the autism “communities” about who has the right to speak for autistic people. What this usually means is something more like who has the right to speak up for autistic people.” ~ Bev … Continue reading → […]

The Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism

Autism, An Equal Opportunity Disorder
Frances Vega-Costaswww.viviendoenotradimension.comdimensionautismo.blogspot.comAutism is a very complicated disorder and not only affects each individual differently, it strikes anywhere in the world. Never in my life would I imagine that I would be a special education advocate nor that would I use the “A” word almost on a daily basis. Almost ten years ago t […]

Journeys with Autism

Left Brain / Right Brain

Damages awarded in the Poling case?
A document has recently been posted the Court of Federal Claims website, describing an award in a vaccine injury case. The document is redacted, but the following paragraph indicates to me that this involves the case of Hannah Poling: Respondent has conceded that petitioners are entitled to compensation due to the significant aggravation of Child’s [...] […]

Countering…

Neurodiversity – The Book

Review of Neurodiversity in Publisher's Weekly
The following review of my book Neurodiversity appeared in the April 26, 2010 edition of Publisher's Weekly: Neurodiversity: Discovering the Extraordinary Gifts of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Brain Differences Thomas Armstrong. Da Capo, $26 (288p) ISBN 978-0-7382-1354-5 "Armstrong (7 Kinds of Smart), an educational consultant turned author, a […]

Neurodiversity.com

OSR: Off The Market [11]
The following message attributed to Boyd Haley, addressed to wholesale distributors of OSR, and posted to several autism discussion lists, reveals that Prof. Haley has elected not to challenge FDA’s June 17, 2010 determination that OSR is a drug subject to the same regulations for premarket approval as any other drug sold in the United States, and that CTI S […]

Incorrect Pleasures

Edward Heath and Asperger syndrome
Below is the text of an entry for my enormous list of famous autistic or possibly autistic people that I am going to add some time, whenever I find the time. What do you think? Any errors?Sir Edward “Ted” Heath KG MBE (1916-2005) former Conservative Prime Minister of the UK from 1970 to 1974, leader of the Conservative Party from 1965-1975, Deputy Chief Whip […]

Action for Autism

MMR Settlement - too little, too late
Justice delayed is justice denied and for Robert Fletcher justice was denied for over seventeen years. He was 13 months old when he received his MMR vaccination. Ten days later he had a severe convulsion and went on to develop epilepsy and severe developmental delay. His mother, Jackie Fletcher told the Daily Mail, ‘Robert is [...] […]

Neurodiversity