Autism and the Edges of the Known World

Sensitivities, Language and Constructed Reality

Olga Bogdashina

Paperback: £13.99 / $19.95

2010, 234mm x 156mm / 9.25in x 6in, 224pp
ISBN: 978-1-84905-042-5, BIC 2: JMM JMRP VXQ

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In this intelligent and incisive book, Olga Bogdashina explores old and new theories of sensory perception and communication in autism. Drawing on linguistics, philosophy, neuroscience, psychology, anthropology and quantum mechanics, she looks at how the nature of the senses inform an individual's view of the world, and how language both reflects and constructs that view.

Examining the 'whys' and 'hows' of the senses, and the role of language, Olga Bogdashina challenges common perceptions of what it means to be 'normal' and 'abnormal'. In doing so she shows that autism can help to illuminate our understanding of what it means to be human, and of how we develop faculties that shape our cognition, language, and behaviour. In the final chapter, she explores phenomena often associated with the paranormal - including premonitions, telepathy and déjà vu - and shows that these can largely be explained in natural terms.

This book will appeal to anyone with a personal or professional interest in autism, including students and researchers, clinical practitioners, individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, teachers, speech and occupational therapists, and other professionals.

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Olga Bogdashina explores Autism and the Edges of the Known World

22 July 2010

"...autism helps us appreciate diversity of looking at and interpreting the world. There is no 'correct' way to perceive our environment. The exploration of the ways in which autistic individuals think and perceive the world assists us in understanding the diversity of our own nature and our own experiences. Autism shifts the focus of our exploration from the practical everyday activities of life to understanding what it means to be human, and the necessity of recognising the rich diversity of life. Many of us still do not trust anything that is different from 'normality'. However, there are many different ways to see the same thing, and each of them may be correct if seen from the right perspective."

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Author information

• Olga Bogdashina

Subject areas

• Asperger Syndrome, Autism and other Syndromes
• Psychiatry and Psychology

Keywords

• Asperger syndrome,
• autism,
• communication,
• high functioning autism,
• paranormal psychology,
• psychology,
• sensory issues,
• sensory stimulation,
• spirituality

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