Feet on the Autism Spectrum

Psychotherapist Cary Terra works with adults with autism spectrum disorder -- the soon-to-be-official all-encompassing diagnostic term for that we currently distinguish as autism, Asperger's, and childhood disintegrative disorder. During her many years of practice, she's noticed what she calls an "unmistakable trend": that her patients have a tendency to sit with their feet stacked. "Not all of them, mind you, just many more than I had ever seen when working with varied populations." Lately when she notices a patient sitting this way, she'll ask if she can take a photo. She has almost 50, three of which she kindly let us publish above.

Terra is clear to note that this should be taken for what it is, one clinician's observations, not to be used as a diagnostic tool. But it's an interesting reminder that our awareness and understanding of the subtler behavioral associations and manifestations of autism spectrum disorder are continually growing. Cut everybody as much slack as you possibly can.

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