There is no such thing as "a severely autistic daughter". Autism is a spectrum disorder (severe is on the spectrum, that would be like saying severely severe). Additionally, for someone knowledgeable on developmental disabilities, it should be known that the above statement is labeling and takes away an individual's identity. A more appropriate way to say this would be, "(name), my daughter, who has autism...." It may seem like simple jargon, but it reinforces judgments and stereotypes in others and saddens me about the education and humanity within our society.

Damien Atkins says that the symptoms of autism are "human characteristics expanded or shrunken". That thought intrigued me as I was thinking just the same thing as I watched Amanda Biggs' video.

Though I'm not autistic, I too enjoy sounds and textures in a way that might sound odd, but not to her extreme. Listen to a slinky for a few minutes? Why yes! While rubbing a keyboard isn't my thing, I really enjoy sticking my hands into our rice jar and feeling the texture of the rice. When I draw, I really, really enjoy the sound of the dip pen scritching on the paper.

What is interesting is I don't feel the slightest urge to do these things when I'm stressed, but only when I'm relaxed. Anybody else out there have any quirks like this?

Wow, you really yet home with that story. I am that person, but never realized it. 48 yrs old and go for many days never speaking to anyone. And I Paint.