Respecting our minds’ differences: Community Living AGM

Aug 30, 2012

Photo: autism spectrum consultant Annie Hussey spoke at Community Living North Frontenac’s AGM on August 27.

The Maples restaurant in Sharbot Lake was full to capacity as Bob Miller, co-president of Community Living-North Frontenac, opened the association’s AGM there on August 27. The special speaker was Annie Hussey, a 24-year-old autism spectrum consultant who made an engaging presentation based on her personal journey after being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at the age of seven. She spoke about living with Asperger’s and gave a number of tips on how to work with those diagnosed in the autism spectrum. “From an early age I knew that I was different and if you could see pictures of me at that time you could see it for yourself. As a kid in kindergarten I did not have the focus and attention skills that I have now. I was awkward, had trouble making eye contact, was extremely ego- centric, had a vivid imaginary world and would often become obsessed by things like bathing suit backs, logos and certain songs. I was difficult to talk to, would not engage in conversations, and often would raise my finger in the air and speak only about the subjects that I alone liked. I had no idea what other people wanted, no concept of how to build a friendship, was heavily guarded, and did not like to be physically close to people.”

It was later on that Annie began to suffer from very low self-confidence and would retreat from other people. At that time there was little if any treatment for those with the disorder, but with very supportive parents Annie was encouraged to pursue what inspired her. It was not until Annie was 14 and accidentally came across her written diagnosis that she became aware of why she was different. She decided to find out more about Asperger’s. “That was a good thing because I researched everything I could find out about the syndrome and it was that knowledge that empowered me, helped me to figure out who I was, and exactly what my strengths and limitations were. I began to work on myself; it is that work and that knowledge that has helped me to develop into who I am today.”

In 2003 after much work and research she began to make presentations with Dr. Temple Grandin, a noted autistic who is a professor, speaker and author, and with other autism organizations. She began to come into her own as a professional consultant in the field.

Annie also had a lot of important messages for those who work, know and interact with those on the spectrum. She spoke of the term “neuro-diversity”, a term that has been around since the 1980s. Neuro-diversity stresses the importance of respecting people with all types of different minds and understanding that the world needs minds of all kinds. “The idea here is that people with these syndromes don’t need to be cured, they don’t need to be fixed; they need to be accepted. The syndromes are an integral part of who they are.”

Hussey’s tips for those working with people on the spectrum are: 1) get to know the individual and know that there are different strategies for different people and that everyone progresses differently; 2) teach and reward with the individual’s special interests in mind; 3) teach self-rewarding, wherein the person is making decisions and working towards achieving their own personal goals; 4) recognize the need for individuals to speak to people about their special interests; 5) be aware of sensory issues that affect the individual; 6) recognize the need for downtime and respect difficulties with applied socialization processes; 7) help the individual to develop self awareness by pointing out issues that affect others; and 8) never take behaviors personally.

Annie Hussey gave an eye-opening presentation that allowed listeners a rare insider’s look into the need for better understanding and respect for those on the autism spectrum.