Gunilla Gerland

Last updated
Gunilla Gerland
Born1963
Stockholm, Sweden
Nationality Swedish
Known forwriter on autism and Asperger syndrome
Notable workA Real Person: Life on the Outside
Secrets to Success for Professionals in the Autism Field: An Insider's Guide to Understanding the Autism Spectrum, the Environment and Your Role
Website www.pavus.se

Gunilla Gerland (born 1963) is a Swedish author and lecturer on the topic of autism. [1] Her written works include Secrets to Success for Professionals in the Autism Field: An Insider's Guide to Understanding the Autism Spectrum, the Environment and Your Role and her autobiography A Real Person: Life on the Outside.

Contents

Biography

Gunilla Gerland was raised in Stockholm, Sweden. [2] Her father was abusive and eventually left her family, and her mother had alcoholism. [1] [2] Gerland left home at age 16, moved to Spain, and eventually returned to Stockholm. [1] At age 29, she received a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome. [1]

Her 1996 autobiography, entitled A Real Person: Life on the Outside (original Swedish title: En Riktig Människa), describes growing up with Asperger syndrome in an unsympathetic environment. [2] [3] [4] After her autobiography was published, Gerland became an advocate and educator about autism. [5] She also participated in research studies, and has been described as "one of the pioneers of autistic participation in research on autism" by Anne Stenning, writing for Neurodiversity Studies: A New Critical Paradigm in 2020. [5]

She continued to write, also lecture [6] [7] and debate on issues related to Asperger syndrome and the autism spectrum. [8] She has also worked as a counsellor and educator in the field in Stockholm. [9] Her writings have been cited in work concerning the autism spectrum [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] and autism-related problems such as prosopagnosia, [15] in addition to ways in which autism is analysed and discussed. [16]

Reception

In a review of A Real Person for The Times , Colette Forder writes, "Gerland's story is a challenging one to read: a violent, sadistic father, a drunk and increasingly unstable mother, a childhood of confusion and loneliness." [17] In a review for Times Higher Education , Nicholas Tucker writes that the message of the book "bears on all adult relationships with children. When faced by behaviour that seems inexplicable or even perverse, still try to understand always. One of the greatest human follies is to assume that others are either just like oneself or else should be, once they have seen reason. Gerland speaks up for all nonconforming children, in an age of growing educational conformity: what she has to say deserves to be taken seriously." [18]

Her autobiography was one of several analyzed in an article about autism-friendly architecture published in the Journal of Housing and the Built Environment, [19] and it was analyzed in an article published in the journal Metaphilosophy. [20] It was also discussed in an article published in the Teaching Exceptional Children journal as part of a trend of autobiographical works that are useful for the field of special education. [21] Her autobiography was also analyzed in a study of personal narratives published in the Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics journal. [22] Gerland, her autobiography, as well as the study of her autobiography were discussed by Anna Stenning in the "Understanding empathy through a study of autistic life writing" chapter of Neurodiversity Studies: A New Critical Paradigm. [5]

In a review of Finding out about Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism and PDD in Tizard Learning Disability Review, Ruth Levere writes, "the idea of a brief, pocket-sized book to educate young people with Asperger's Syndrome about the condition is a good idea. However, the content should be more comprehensive than this volume and it would be helpful if it could include references to more detailed texts for those who would want to extend their knowledge of the condition." [23]

In a review of Secrets to Success for Professionals in the Autism Field: An Insider's Guide to Understanding the Autism Spectrum, the Environment and Your Role in the International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, Simon Rose writes, "The chatty style makes it feel almost as if you are having a conversation with the author, but may lack the clarity of some more scientific texts - however this is more than compensated through the use of examples and lists." Rose also writes, "Gerlands personal experience with autism also comes across in the book, allowing her to empathise and relate to autism spectrum disorders in a way that others may be unable to." [24] Simon Jones ranked the book as excellent and writes for Nursing Standard, "Who could not be drawn to a book with chapter titles such as 'How it can be a constructive action to smash a window', 'Good aids that no one uses' and 'CRAP' - thoughts on the use of confirmation or rewards, the idea of being affirmative, and why punishments do not work." [9]

Selected works

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Asperger syndrome</span> Neurodevelopmental diagnosis now categorized under Autism Spectrum Disorder

Asperger syndrome (AS), also known as Asperger's syndrome, formerly described a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. The syndrome has been merged with other disorders into autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is no longer considered a stand-alone diagnosis. It was considered milder than other diagnoses that were merged into ASD by relatively unimpaired spoken language and intelligence.

The diagnostic category pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), as opposed to specific developmental disorders (SDD), was a group of disorders characterized by delays in the development of multiple basic functions including socialization and communication. It was defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD).

Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) is a historic psychiatric diagnosis first defined in 1980 that has since been incorporated into autism spectrum disorder in the DSM-5 (2013).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Controversies in autism</span> Controversies about both the cause of autism and the nature of the diagnoses themselves

Diagnoses of autism have become more frequent since the 1980s, which has led to various controversies about both the cause of autism and the nature of the diagnoses themselves. Whether autism has mainly a genetic or developmental cause, and the degree of coincidence between autism and intellectual disability, are all matters of current scientific controversy as well as inquiry. There is also more sociopolitical debate as to whether autism should be considered a disability on its own.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders</span> Medical conditions more common in autistic people

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that begin in early childhood, persist throughout adulthood, and affect three crucial areas of development: communication, social interaction and restricted patterns of behavior. There are many conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and epilepsy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neurodiversity</span> Non-pathological explanation of variations in mental functions

Neurodiversity is a framework for understanding human brain function and mental illness. It argues that diversity in human cognition is normal and that some conditions classified as mental disorders are differences and disabilities that are not necessarily pathological.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Autism rights movement</span> Disability rights movement for autistic people

The autism rights movement, also known as the autistic acceptance movement, is a social movement allied with disability rights that emphasizes a neurodiversity paradigm, viewing autism as a disability with variations in the human brain rather than as a disease to be cured. The movement advocates for several goals, including greater acceptance of autistic traits and behaviors; reforms of services - i.e. services that focus on improving quality of life and well-being instead of suppression and masking of autistic traits that are adaptive or not harmful or imitations of social behaviors of neurotypical (non-autistic) peers ; the creation of social networks and events that allow autistic people to socialize on their own terms; and the recognition of the autistic community as a minority group.

High-functioning autism (HFA) was historically an autism classification where a person exhibits no intellectual disability, but may experience difficulty in communication, emotion recognition, expression, and social interaction.

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to autism:

Dr Jacqueline Carol Jackson is a British writer who consults, counsels, speaks and writes on most autism issues. Her doctoral thesis, entitled 'Nurturing the Engagement of Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder through Digital Polysensory Experiences', awarded from Coventry University, analysed the sensory differences of children with an ASD and the impact of the digital and built environment. Jackson consultants on the design of built environments and the impact of lighting and design on individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodiversities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stimming</span> Repetitive self-stimulatory behaviour common in neurodevelopmental disorders

Self-stimulatory behavior, also known as "stimming" and self-stimulation, is the repetition of physical movements, sounds, words, moving objects, or other repetitive behaviors. Such behaviors are found to some degree in all people, especially those with developmental disabilities such as ADHD, and are also frequent in people on the autism spectrum. People diagnosed with sensory processing disorder are also known to potentially exhibit stimming behaviors.

Jessica Kingsley Publishers (JKP) is a multinational publishing house headquartered in London. Founded as an independent publisher in 1987 by Jessica Kingsley, since 2017 JKP operates as an imprint of John Murray Press.

<i>Like Colour to the Blind</i> Book by Donna Williams

Like Colour To The Blind (1996) is the third in a series of four autobiographical works by internationally bestselling autistic author Donna Williams. Once published in the US using the American spelling 'color', it is now published worldwide by Jessica Kingsley Publishers using the UK spelling 'colour'. It has been published in several languages worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Societal and cultural aspects of autism</span>

Societal and cultural aspects of autism or sociology of autism come into play with recognition of autism, approaches to its support services and therapies, and how autism affects the definition of personhood. The autistic community is divided primarily into two camps; the autism rights movement and the Pathology paradigm. The pathology paradigm advocates for supporting research into therapies, treatments, and/or a cure to help minimize or remove autistic traits, seeing treatment as vital to help individuals with autism, while the neurodiversity movement believes autism should be seen as a different way of being and advocates against a cure and interventions that focus on normalization, seeing it as trying to exterminate autistic people and their individuality. Both are controversial in autism communities and advocacy which has led to significant infighting between these two camps. While the dominant paradigm is the pathology paradigm and is followed largely by autism research and scientific communities, the neurodiversity movement is highly popular among most autistic people, within autism advocacy, autism rights organizations, and related neurodiversity approaches have been rapidly growing and applied in the autism research field in the last few years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Classic autism</span> Neurodevelopmental condition

Classic autism, also known as childhood autism, autistic disorder, (early) infantile autism, infantile psychosis, Kanner's autism,Kanner's syndrome, or (formerly) just autism, is a neurodevelopmental condition first described by Leo Kanner in 1943. It is characterized by atypical and impaired development in social interaction and communication as well as restricted, repetitive behaviors, activities, and interests. These symptoms first appear in early childhood and persist throughout life.

Several factors complicate the diagnosis of Asperger syndrome (AS), an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Like other ASD forms, Asperger syndrome is characterized by impairment in social interaction accompanied by restricted and repetitive interests and behavior; it differs from the other ASDs by having no general delay in language or cognitive development. Problems in diagnosis include disagreement among diagnostic criteria, the controversy over the distinction between AS and other ASD forms or even whether AS exists as a separate syndrome, and over- and under-diagnosis for non-technical reasons. As with other ASD forms, early diagnosis is important, and differential diagnosis must consider several other conditions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Autism spectrum</span> Neurodevelopmental disorder

Autism, formally called autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism spectrum condition (ASC), is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by deficits in reciprocal social communication and the presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Other common signs include difficulty with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, along with perseverative interests, stereotypic body movements, rigid routines, and hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input. Autism is clinically regarded as a spectrum disorder, meaning that it can manifest very differently in each person. For example, some are nonspeaking, while others have proficient spoken language. Because of this, there is wide variation in the support needs of people across the autism spectrum.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) or autism spectrum conditions (ASCs) describe a range of conditions classified as neurodevelopmental disorders in the DSM-5, used by the American Psychiatric Association. As with many neurodivergent people and conditions, the popular image of autistic people and autism itself is often based on inaccurate media representations. Additionally, media about autism may promote pseudoscience such as vaccine denial or facilitated communication.

The history of autism spans over a century; autism has been subject to varying treatments, being pathologized or being viewed as a beneficial part of human neurodiversity. The understanding of autism has been shaped by cultural, scientific, and societal factors, and its perception and treatment change over time as scientific understanding of autism develops.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jennifer Cook O'Toole</span> American writer

Jennifer Cook (formerly O'Toole) (born October 24, 1975) is an American author and speaker. She is known for her six Asperkids books, which have been translated into six languages and include the winner of the Autism Society of America's Book of the Year Award. Her memoir Autism in Heels: The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum is a Wall Street Journal Bestseller, a "Best Book" title winner by Publishers Weekly, and named a "Best Memoir" and one of both the "Best Autism Books of All Time" and "Best-Selling Autism Books of All Time" by BookAuthority. She is the on-camera autism expert in Netflix's series "Love on the Spectrum US."

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Robinson, Ann (December 2, 1997). "Health: Plight of the outsider: People who suffer from autism are made to feel isolated in many ways - not least, as Ann Robinson reports, when diagnosis confirms they are 'different'". The Guardian . Retrieved 13 March 2022– via Gale.
  2. 1 2 3 Barnbaum, Deborah R. (2008). The Ethics of Autism: Among Them, But Not of Them. Indiana University Press. pp. 106–. ISBN   978-0-253-22013-4.
  3. ↑ Suzanne Zeedyk (editor), 2008, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Promoting Social Interaction for Individuals with Communicative Impairments ..., (see page 180), Retrieved August 12, 2014
  4. ↑ Allen Shawn, 2011, Viking Publishers, Twin: A Memoir, (see last page of Chapter 2), Retrieved August 12, 2014
  5. 1 2 3 Anne Stenning (June 2020). "Understanding empathy through a study of autistic life writing". In Rosqvist, HB; Chown, N; Stenning, A (eds.). Neurodiversity Studies: A New Critical Paradigm. London: Routledge. pp. 108–124. doi:10.4324/9780429322297-11. ISBN   9780429322297. PMID   33724753. S2CID   219907712 . Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  6. ↑ Gerland, Gunilla (1999). "Living with an autistic disability". xoomer.virgilio.it. Retrieved 16 November 2013.
  7. ↑ Bogdashina, Ol'ga (2003). Sensory Perceptual Issues in Autism and Asperger syndrome: Different Sensory Experiences, Different Perceptual Worlds. London/New York: Jessica Kingsley. p. 14. ISBN   9780585471112. For our audience her conference on sensory problems really was an eye-opener.
  8. ↑ Svallfors, Stefan (2020). The Inner World of Research: On Academic Labor. Anthem Press. pp. 54–55, 68. ISBN   9781785273025 . Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  9. 1 2 Jones, Simon (2013). "Secrets to Success for Professionals in the Autism Field - An Insider's Guide to Understanding the Autism Spectrum, the Environment and Your Role". Nursing Standard. 27 (43): 28. doi:10.7748/ns2013.08.27.52.28.s35.
  10. ↑ Rhode, Maria (2004). "What Does It Feel Like? Two First-Person Accounts by Adults with Asperger's Syndrome". In Rhode, Maria; Klauber, Trudy (eds.). The Many Faces of Asperger's Syndrome. Tavistock Clinic series. London/New York: Karnac. pp. 70–85. ISBN   9781849404495.
  11. ↑ Sharp, Sonia (1999). "Preventing and managing specific learning difficulties in the classroom". In Whitmore, Kingsley; Hart, Hilary; Willems, Guy (eds.). A Neurodevelopmental Approach to Specific Learning Disorders. Clinics in developmental medicine. Vol. 145. London: Mac Keith. pp. 259–279. ISBN   9781898683117.
  12. ↑ Davidson, Joyce; Henderson, Victoria L. (March 2010). "'Coming out' on the spectrum: autism, identity and disclosure". Social & Cultural Geography. 11 (2): 155–170. doi:10.1080/14649360903525240. S2CID   143597803 – via SocINDEX with Full Text.
  13. ↑ Wing, Lorna (April 2005). "Reflections on Opening Pandora's Box". Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 35 (2): 197–203. doi:10.1007/s10803-004-1998-2. PMID   15909406. S2CID   181447.
  14. ↑ Bower, Bruce (August 12, 2006). "Outside Looking In". Science News. 170 (7): 106–108. doi:10.2307/4017271. JSTOR   4017271.
  15. ↑ Hagström, Torbjörg (2004). "Att inte känna igen ansikten – ingen bagatell för den drabbade" (PDF). Läkartidningen (in Swedish). 101 (41): 3191. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2014-08-12.
  16. ↑ Stubblefield, Anna (2013). "Knowing Other Minds: Ethics and Autism". In Anderson, Jami L.; Cushing, Simon (eds.). The Philosophy of Autism. Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield. pp. 158, 159. ISBN   9781442217072.
  17. ↑ Forder, Colette (September 27, 1997). "Also out; Books". The Times – via Gale.
  18. ↑ Tucker, Nicholas (18 May 1998). "Prisoner in an inner world". Times Higher Education . Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  19. ↑ Kinnaer, Marijke; Baumers, Stijn; Heylighen, Ann (June 2016). "Autism-friendly architecture from the outside in and the inside out: an explorative study based on autobiographies of autistic people". Journal of Housing and the Built Environment. 31 (2): 179–195. doi:10.1007/s10901-015-9451-8. JSTOR   43907378. S2CID   141679684 . Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  20. ↑ Chapman, Robert (July 2019). "Autism as a Form of Life: Wittgenstein and the Psychological Coherence of Autism". Metaphilosophy. 50 (4): 421–440. doi:10.1111/meta.12366. S2CID   181423539 – via Complementary Index.
  21. ↑ Kluth, Paula (April 2004). "Autism, Autobiography, and Adaptations". Teaching Exceptional Children. 36 (4): 42–47. doi:10.1177/004005990403600406. S2CID   143019879.
  22. ↑ Chamak, Brigitte; Bonniau, Beatrice; Jaunay, Emmanuel; Cohen, David (August 2008). "What Can We Learn about Autism from Autistic Persons?". Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. 77 (5): 271–9. doi:10.1159/000140086. PMID   18560252. S2CID   18277722.
  23. ↑ Levere, Ruth (July 2004). "Finding out about Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism and PDD". Tizard Learning Disability Review. 9 (3): 44. doi:10.1108/13595474200400027.
  24. ↑ Rose, Simon (2014). "The Asperkid's launch pad: home design to empower everyday superheroes/Intellectual disability: ethics, dehumanization, and a new moral community/The early identification of autism spectrum disorders: a visual guide/Secrets to success for professionals in the autism field: an insider's guide to understanding the autism spectrum, the environment and your role". International Journal of Developmental Disabilities. 60 (1): 54–56 – via EBSCOhost.
  25. ↑ Vermeulen, Peter (2000). I Am Special: Introducing Children and Young People to Their Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. p. 12. ISBN   9781853029165 . Retrieved 13 March 2022.
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