Reading Signs and Solving Puzzles

In the essay Reading Signs and Solving Puzzles - On Communication in Autism Pia Hämäläinen, an autistic theorist, discusses the challenges of autistic cognition, and the use of language for interaction and communication. The core concepts of the discussion include the notions of kind contact (Durig and Hämäläinen), nudge theory and choice architecture (Thaler), Gestalt language (Prizant quoted by Bogdashina), sign-based language (Durig), and perceptual reasoning (Theodore T). Hämäläinen also proposes the use of selected meta-concepts that might facilitate both expressive and receptive communication.

Pia Hämäläinen, BA, is an autistic theorist who applies theory to autism and constructs new theory. Her special interests include communication theory, process philosophy, autism theory, complexity theory and Christian theology, especially process theology. She has translated books, written poetry and autism theory, in both Finnish and English. The English publications include The Shape of Autism (Durig and Hämäläinen), Autism in Code. Extrapolating from Theory and Experience (Hämäläinen), An Autism Upgrade. On Patterns and Processes (Hämäläinen) and Elaborating on the Double Empathy Problem. An Essay on the Compatibility of Neurotypicality and Autism (Hämäläinen). Hämäläinen also made a contribution to Paula Moraine's book on autism and Executive Function entitled Autism and Everyday Executive Function.