The Autistic

The level of discourse on Autism is generally of a lower order and plays on words or ironic turns of phrase may, in such company, be misinterpreted as mistakes. Even psychologists and special educators, who should always engage in the most thoughtful and sophisticated manner in their public and semi-public statements, tend to fall into rather unimpressive holes of cliché, simplification and even downright bad writing. I am Autistic, myself and I have been a teacher with a specialization in working with Austitic people for some nine years. My observations and research is colored by my own condition providing me a unique perspective. What strikes me most about those with Autism is their intelligence and their unusual way of interpreting the world. They take the raw material of existence and recombine it, synthesizing amazing things from even the most mundane stuff. Consider the contributions of Einstein, Speilberg, Beethoven. Some things I would like to explore in future posts regard the following subjects: * Of the most severe forms of Autism the difficulty seems to be one of communication rather than any significant cerebral impairment. Once lines of communication are firmly established the human exchange of ideas is possible. * Frequently the hyper-intelligent are mistaken for being mentally retarded because of the difficulties in communication or even the advanced cognitive facility of the Autistic which may strike the neuro typical as incomprehensible or crazy. * It is very hard for average people to work with or live with those with Autism. Some neuro typical are not emotionally or intellectually prepared to deal with anyone who thinks or acts beyond the standard (whether in a healthy or unhealthy way). What is the nature of partnership amongst divergently limited people...the Autistic and the neuro typical? I must point out that I am not advocating the proposition that those who are Autistic are some sort of super people, superior to the neuro typical. Certainly, some people are advanced in one aspect or another but this does not necessarily coincide with being Autistic or not. It must be remembered that adults of every kind are not exempt from good behavior or responsibility. We are all, I believe, required by nature and society to develop our wisdom and, to the best of our abilities, serve mankind. We must develop.

Six Skills That Are The Gateway of Learning

Before we fill a head full of knowledge, we have to teach that head how to learn.

Generally, teachers approach their work with assumptions about students' ability to comprehend and retain information. This is reminiscent of the way Physical Education was conducted when I was in grade school. The teacher would organize some sort of sport, often "organizing" only with words to the effect, "Okay, everybody! Split into two teams!" And that was it.

No explanation as to how to play the game or how to do any of the skills that game required, such as throwing a ball or whatever. It was assumed (and more times than not, with disastrous results) that somehow we magically knew all of that stuff.

Just as disastrously, teachers frequently believe their students know how to study, know how to memorize, know how to concentrate, know how to connect one piece of information to another and know how to relax. Most egregiously, they assume an ability to solve problems and to think critically.

This is all important. Really important! Let me reiterate these skills, because if a student picks up nothing else, if they are armed with these skills, they can comprehend anything they want.

In no particular order:

1. How to study.

2. How to memorize.

3. How to concentrate.

4. How to connect one piece of information to another.

5. How to relax.

6. How to think critically.


These are skills that should be taught and always reiterated. Once truly obtained, they will lead the student to knowledge and wisdom.

All subjects become obvious and simple with these six skills and even the most opaque ideas are clear. A teacher who assumes any student already possesses such abilities is not doing their job. Anyone who attempts to teach without possessing these skills themselves is a fool.

A student must know how to learn, must know how to think. There can be no argument in this. Such arguments can only be spurious.

It is tempting to consider, What is the most important of these skills? My own choice is Critical Thinking, but in all honesty, this is more of a philosophical parlor game. They are all important and the omission of any one is more than unfortunate.

In the following blogs (not one of my favorite words), we'll look at each of these skills separately as well as the importance of the far greater success of both our students and teachers for the sake of national security and economic and cultural prosperity.

Teaching is more serious than ever.

Scott Giles

I'm a composer and educator. I've been teaching music since 1984. In this time I've studied psychology, sociology, history and various other subjects (occasionally getting degrees in them), so that I may understand the human mind.

Well, at least understand it to some degree.

Over the years (with experience) my understanding has deepened and I am convinced that the standard mode of teaching is insufficient. Worse, it is wrong-headed and at times destructive.

This page is dedicated to more enlightened and effective methods of teaching.