this post was submitted on 17 Mar 2026
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Autism
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I'm guessing because it is using toys outside of an intended mode of play? We're kind of characterized as just generally doing things wrong, whether or not that's a value judgment, can come entirely without any stigmas attached. Just like, we might experiment with the tactility and stacking of toys instead of say inventing a family for them.
Just guessing, I'm basing this on work that was done with me as a kid where my doctor was really interested in how I played and interacted with other kids and games.
But... stacking blocks... you know, with just letters or numbers or simple shapes on them?
That's been a very common thing kids do, with very common toys for like, 100 years.
Also, the entire point of toys, from a child development perspective, is to allow for the kid to develop their creative potential, to discover new conceptual and physical concepts.
The idea of 'an intended mode of play' is... kinda stupid, from an evaluation standpoint?
Unless you're testing specifically for 'ability to consistently follow instructions'?
That might have some use in diagnosing ADHD, but not Autism. They're different things, different behavior sets/spectra, and do not always present themselves at the same time: You can be just Autistic or just ADHD.
In fact, following directions extremely literally, dutifully, and consistently would potentially be an indicator of Autism, while also being a contraindicator for ADHD.
But anyway, from a child development standpoint, the whole point of toys is to discover how to have fun with them, to develop new mental and physical skills while doing so.
It really doesn't make any sense to associate simply stacking things with autism, unless maybe its taken to extreme levels of determination and effort to sort things into categories, sets of categories, or create genuienly complex, consistent patterns, or spend so much time at it that it shows signs of fixation, almost as if they're addicted to it.
I'm going with "neurotypicals broadly continue to not actually understand neurodivergence at all, because they literally can't think that way, so they continue to inaccurately attribute to neurodivergence overly simplified stereotypes".
I guess I haven't seen the imagery op mentioned portrayed with stacking blocks. I was picturing toy cars or action figures because that's what I've thought I've seen. Or maybe that one toy with the shapes you are supposed to fit. I retract what I said if I'm way off.
But, one of the worst things about how autism has been studied is that it's been from the viewpoint of there being proper intended ways of doing all kinds of things. It totally IS stupid, I never defend that. But that's how science from normative society tends to work. They have traditionally diagnosed us based on things they arbitrarily see as dysfunctional instead of what actually impairs quality of life.
But it kind of sounds like you maybe disagree with the premise of this thread? If so then why are you asking me? I was just weighing in with the way I may have noticed what OP is talking about
Sorry, I didn't mean to come across as hostile, that was not my intent.
I am perhaps ... just a bit sassy.
I do fundamentally disagree with the premise, that simply stacking blocks is any kind of useful indicator of autism, but I don't mean to... target, or attack you, personally.
I mean to critique the idea.
No harm, I just got intimidated 🤗 I read your other comment too and obviously you have complex thoughts about this too. PsychoNot explained the whole "playing wrong" idea better than I did.
Okay yeah then I actually agree with you. "Doing things wrong" is a terrible measuring stick for diagnosis. It's just a stigma that's been applied to people with autism.
Super curious now: What's your take on ABA? No wrong answers, I just like to hear people's opinions because it's a really split topic
ABA?
First time I've ever even heard of it.
From a cursory review uh... my thoughts... are...
This basically sounds like torture/brainwashing/grooming to me.
Waaay too intensive, especially with some weird person who isn't your mom or dad.
Also, all you apparently need to be a 'certified' 'behavior technician' in this is a high school diploma, and 40 hours of training.
That's a fucking joke.
To even diagnose autism, properly, you need at least a Master's degree, 6 years of higher education, more likely a PhD, 8.
You're gonna shunt off, long term, intensive session, 'behavioral training' to... an average American high school graduate, who reads at a 5th grade level, and took a month of weekend classes?
This is quackery and abuse, which seems to be mainly pushed by Autism Speaks, an organization well known for not actually listening to autistic people, infantilizing them, and speaking for, over them.
This just reads to me as 'My Personality is Mom of Autistic Child' people got together and attempted to formalize 'mother knows best'.
Fair enough, thanks for your reply 👍
Yeah it's from a time back when our understanding of autism was way different but there's still places that use it today. Unfortunately.
Oi. Yeah.
Well, happy to talk with you 😊
... I... I need breakfast now, too much thinking, not enough calories.