The case of a six-year-old child named Nadia, who exhibited extraordinary drawing skills and visual realism from the age of three, is explored in depth. Despite facing challenges due to autism and severe learning difficulties, her artistic talent raises questions about the nature of creativity and perception in individuals with disabilities. This examination highlights the intersection of art, cognitive ability, and the unique perspectives of those on the autism spectrum.
In Autism Spectrum Disorder: All That Matters, Lorna Selfe explains that research over recent years has shown that there is not one such thing as autism but in fact a variety of autistic spectrum disorders. The causes of these, or the reasons for their apparently increasing prevalence in the UK and North America while in many other perts of the world they are hardly recognised at all, remain the subject of intensive research and debate. Dr Selfe strips away the many myths around autism, focusing instead on what we really know about its varieties, causes and treatments. As such, it is the ideal introduction to autistic spectrum disorders for psychology students, health practitioners, and the parents, carers and friends of people with autism. This accessible and readable book gives a fascinating introduction to the autistic spectrum - and what matters most about it.