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Carlos Alberto González

Carlos Alberto González

Photo: taken from ZenKlub.

Autism, between blue and hope

Until a few years ago, autism was practically unknown to the general public. That it does not continue to be that way is largely due to the different symbols that have been used to give it visibility. Among them, the color blue or the symbol of a blue ribbon are the most widespread ways to represent it, because they uniquely capture the idea that the life of those who live with this condition can be like the sea: sometimes calm and bright; others, dark and terrible; but always wonderful. Autism is not a disease per se, but a group of syndromes that are grouped into what is known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). These are defined as “developmental disabilities” caused by “differences in the brain.” People with ASD have problems with communication and interaction, as well as repetitive or restrictive behaviors or interests. By restrictive interests is understood the unusually intense attraction for an object or part of an object, such as, for example: the tires of toy cars. Although its causes are not known for sure, it is known that for all the symptoms of autism to appear, an individual must be a carrier of 15 to 20 different...