Minister and musician Lori Sealy providing a #DATC2024 workshop “Actually Autistic Autism 101” drawing from her personal experience and her child’s journey. Sealy begins by defining autism as a neurodevelopmental disorder, where the “root” is neurological, while the “fruit” proves psychological in nature. While the DSM includes a range of indicators (a spectrum), that include both a) persistent deficits in communication and social interaction and b) restricted, repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech.

Neely, who often presents on Autism and Evangelism (see www.lorisealy.com) notes that every individual with autism is different (and changing day to day) yet a general characterization might be that of a frayed speaker wire, which can produce either perfect sound, or with a slight movement, sends nything from simple static to excruciating white noise.