How Does Our Brain Work?

Let’s Make It Easy!

First, let’s talk about Complex (Neurodivergent) Kids. This term describes kids’ brains that develop or work differently. The Oxford Dictionary defines it as “differential in mental or neurological function from what is considered typical or normal; not neurotypical.” Harvard Health explains it in a way that all of us can understand: “Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is not one “right” way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits.” 

Autism

Lily, like many children and fairies, has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  ASD is a difference in how the brain is wired, not a defect or disease. Lily is not broken. Kids often feel isolated and alone but don’t always understand why. Autistic brains are built differently than neurotypical brains. They are on a spectrum of individual superpowers and challenges.

Superpowers

Autistic individuals have unique strengths, especially when the environment is a good match. They have passionate interests and are hyper-focused on certain things (friendship, fairy cake). They are trustworthy, thrive with routines, and feel deeply. Autistic kids use movement, or stimming, to stay calm (fluttering of wings). They enjoy and notice sounds, sights, textures, tastes, and sensations others may not notice (the meadow). 

Challenges

Social and communication skills are challenging (verbal and nonverbal).  ASD makes initiating social interaction, connecting, cultivating, and maintaining friendships difficult. Nuances in conversation, flexibility, and shifting are also hard. Eye contact is uncomfortable. Writing down big ideas, problem-solving, and language skills are academic challenges. 

 Other challenges include navigating change and confusing situations (fairy parties). ASD kids think literally and don’t understand when others joke (butterfly). It’s hard to let others know when they need a break.   

Support

Websites for Autism: “I find it helpful to show kids examples of others who have made autism their superpower.”

– Dr. Liz Angoff.

Welcome to the Autistic Community, an affirming, positive welcome to children (or adults) with a new autism diagnosis.

Meet Julia, an autistic character on Sesame Street, created with the autistic community and puppeted by the parent of an autistic child.

Famous Autistic Individuals, from surfers to singers to actors to Einstein, this page includes videos to bring each person to life!

Amazing Things Happen, a short video about autism that is helpful for siblings and family members to develop an affirming understanding of the different experiences of autistic people.

Everything You Know About Autism is Wrong, a TEDx talk by Jac den Houting, a research psychologist and autistic activist, explains how being diagnosed with autism was the best day of her life.

OurTism and AANE, provide groups and programming for teens, young adults, and parents. 

 Lily and the Fairy Cake helps autistic children understand they are not alone.

The more we know about ASD, the more we can accept and appreciate how it affects children. Lily felt alone but learned to embrace her differences and become Lily Fairy.