Importantly, in the centre of the autistic spectrum is what we call “Normality”. Thus, we are all on the autistic spectrum to a degree. So what does it describe? It describes different qualities of attention, ie. what we focus on. Now this varies throughout the day and at different stages in life and ages, and even different eras!. What is “normal” today was abnormal yesterday and will also be so tomorrow. It is also not One dimensional. Society today defines normal attention in a certain way, and so we need to help those whose attention is affixed elsewhere to become more flexible so that they do not lose their qualities but are able to adapt to the life around them.
The most well known self- defined autistic person is Temple Grandin who went on to achieve a doctorate and has written many books on her experiences. She was not officially diagnosed as a child, but was definitely seen as “different to others”. she also showed significant affinity to animals, which is typical of people outside the normal autistic range, and helped to revolutionise the cattle industry through her enhanced understanding.
From this we can see that having a different attention focus can be a problem in adjusting to social norms of the era, but also brings significant qualities.
As “normal” human beings, our attention is fixed to the current paradigm and we do not easily accept those that have their attention affixed elsewhere. It is easy for people living in the current paradigm to dismiss those who attend outside it and place a label on their heads. This helps them deal with them without needing to adjust their own attention. Thus we have many labels: Attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, Asperger’s syndrome etc. etc. Also, to label them as disorders means that they need to be remedied. The remedies are quick fixes drawn from the ever-opportunistic pharmaceutical industry. And yes, they work…temporarily…but create many problems down the line.
The problem from the perspective of the attention affected person, is that they get a LOT of negative input. So we would be remiss if we did not try to help them to adjust to “normality” as it is defined today and at the same time not to lose their uniqueness. This requires that both they and their carers become more flexible.
Diagnoses of attention peculiarities happen at a very young age. We have a roadmap called the child health chart that monitors “normal” from birth. Parents are justifiable concerned when those milestones are not met on the dot, as are teachers and other carers. This is usually because we do not know how to adjust to these peculiarities nor do we have the tools required to handle them.
This is where GENTLE PATH comes in.
We first of all assess the life-path of the child/young adult from birth in order to determine the stumbling stones that they and their carers have had to navigate. We then assess the environment surrounding the child/young adult in present time. This includes nutrition, and other factors that grab attention too strongly. From this we show how carers can reduce the negative influences and promote the positive. This includes general daily activities and is about removing hindrances that dissipate attention.
At the same time, and concurrently, homoeopathic remedies are prescribed based on the particular imbalances identified. These are potentised constitutional remedies that help to support weaknesses and minimalise exaggerations. Unlike psychiatric medication, there are no side effects to deal with. The remedies slowly adjust their systems to a flexible “normality” so that they are able to adjust to taxing environments.
Once the first steps are completed, a re-assessment will highlight other difficulties that can be supported through highly skilled tutors in different areas that have been missed along the way. many times attention peculiarities are methods used to hide other “deficiencies” that then may need assistance in overcoming. This is where other forms of therapy can play their role. Each therapy is selected according to what is encountered, and is not a “one size fits all” strategy.
The Gentle Path is fairly zigzag in nature but results are seen in an unexpectedly short time. The Gentle Path is healing for everyone involved and is a more sure path with wonderful outcomes. Give it a try.