Recall how your autistic child recalls memories. With the extra synapses, how when you say the word chair, and how autistic children see every chair rather than a general chair.

As a parent or caregiver this is critical to understand. Honestly think about this, if someone says ‘salt’ and seeing every form of how ‘salt’ has been seen through your eyes at one time every time someone says salt. Here is a write up on the subject:

Understanding how memories are recalled in autistic individuals can offer valuable insights into their unique cognitive processes. For autistic children, memory recall often involves a heightened sensitivity to details and a tendency to perceive things in a literal manner. Imagine when I say the word “chair,” instead of envisioning a general concept of a chair, my autistic child may vividly see every chair they have encountered, each with its own specific characteristics and details. This phenomenon can be attributed to the presence of extra synapses in the brain, which can lead to increased perceptual abilities and attention to detail.

In everyday interactions, this literal interpretation of language and perception of details can significantly impact how autistic children navigate their environment. For instance, if I ask my child to “pick up the toys,” they may focus on specific toys rather than understanding the general task. This emphasis on literal interpretation can also extend to social situations, where my child may struggle to grasp figurative language or subtle social cues, leading to potential misunderstandings or difficulties in communication.

As a parent, it’s essential to approach these differences in memory recall with empathy and understanding. Rather than viewing my child’s perception as “wrong” or “deficient,” I recognize it as a unique aspect of their neurodiversity. By embracing their perspective and providing support tailored to their needs, I can help my child navigate the world in a way that honors their strengths and challenges. Through patience, communication strategies, and collaboration with educators and therapists, I can create an environment where my child feels valued and understood, allowing them to thrive and reach their full potential.

References:

• Pellicano, E., & Burr, D. (2012). When the world becomes ‘too real’: a Bayesian explanation of autistic perception. Trends in cognitive sciences, 16(10), 504-510.
• Happé, F., & Frith, U. (2006). The weak coherence account: detail-focused cognitive style in autism spectrum disorders. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 36(1), 5-25.