Melinda Edwards – The Gift of Autism
The widespread belief that individuals on the spectrum do not want or are incapable of connecting with others is a myth. Symptoms of autism such as lack of eye contact, sensitivity to sensory input and 'meltdowns' often reflect a heightened state of openness–an inability to filter input or rely on psychological defenses. As a mother of an autistic child and a physician providing psychiatric care for underserved adults, Melinda Edwards wants us to recognize the value of allowing psychological defenses and walls to dissolve and will see how autistic individuals can guide us in this process.