What comes to mind when you think of autism? For many, autism is often misunderstood, with stereotypes obscuring the real lives of autistic individuals. This talk from Youjia challenges those misconceptions, sheds light on the invisible struggles autistic people face, and calls for a future built on understanding and equality. Youjia Ji is passionate about psychology and autism research. She focuses on addressing misconceptions about autism and promoting awareness and inclusion. Through her work, she explor ...

Neurodiversity Awareness and Understanding - The presentation emphasizes the need for increased awareness and understanding of neurodiversity, specifically ADHD and autism [1][25] - It highlights that ADHD and autism are spectrums with diverse presentations, challenging common misconceptions [2][3][13][14] - The speaker advocates for recognizing neurological differences as variations rather than deficits or mental illnesses [25] - The presentation addresses the limitations of a one-size-fits-all education system for neurodivergent individuals [5][9] - It encourages educators and others to consider alternative approaches to learning and problem-solving that accommodate different cognitive styles [10][12] Types and Levels of ADHD and Autism - The presentation clarifies that there are three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive, and combined [15][16][17] - It explains that autism is categorized into three levels based on the amount of support an individual requires [19][20][22][23] - Level one autism (formerly Asperger's) may involve difficulty with social cues and transitions [20] - Level two autism requires substantial support, potentially involving antisocial behavior or distress when change occurs [22] - Level three autism requires high levels of support, potentially involving difficulty or inability to speak [23]