Whether adrift or damaged, connections erected naturally and easily in the brains of most children are missing for those with autism. Some self-stimulate, flicking a light switch off and on for hours at an end. Others spin in dizzying circles in the face of anxious moments, learned responses with a purpose, if only to relieve stress or afford some abstract pleasure. A small but frightening number hurt themselves. Within all are brains functioning with but a few bridges in place.
Response is inconsistent or nonexistent.
They way they learn or what they learn and how they make use of what they learn are different. Approached with traditional teaching, these children may not resist. They simply do not attend. Rub fingers together. Stare at the fan.