Some thoughts on communication, empathy, and sensory differences in autism

Abstract

What does it mean to be severely autistic, to be unable to communicate and to be dependent on others to meet your basic needs? People with high functioning autism or Asperger Syndrome have often provided an insight into the lived experience of others who have severe autism and have minimal communication ability. But what can we learn from people who are on the opposite end of the autistic spectrum? Can we glean insights of a different kind? Unlikely as it may sound, I would argue that yes, we can.