A-U-T-I-S-M

"A-U-T-I-S-M" is the third track from Christian and the Hedgehog Boys

The song is most notable as a view into Chris's personal definition of autism: a condition that makes him quiet and has rendered him so especially intelligent and different that he can't make friends. It is strange that he refers to fellow autists as "us," given the fact that he always tries to disassociate with "slow in the minds," hence the mention of the honor roll.

Interpretations

Students of the English language have been especially puzzled by the phrase "I look at you all, and I see a rainbow." Various explanations of this include:

• Chris looks at us all and sees a motley crew of homosexuals.
• It was an oversimplified explanation of Autism, (probably something like that the world is like a rainbow, with everyone being different and special) given to him by a doctor when he was a child which he has latched onto because he thinks it makes him different and special (it doesn't).

But since Chris can't use figurative language (let alone plain English to save his autistic ass), a more simple and plausible explanation is that Chris is drawing from the rainbow puzzle logo used by some autism charities, and the line is being said by someone looking at Chris, with an abrupt, sudden point of view change.

Listen

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Lyrics

[sung over The Backstreet Boys' "Larger Than Life"]

Are you ready to party?

I've been high and feelin' like an outcast, alright?
But let me tell you: I need some friends now, alright?
(’Cause) all of this time I’m livin’ unknown! [?]

A-U-T-I-S-M: what does it mean?
Silence and friends unseen!
A few brains as well: that is autism!
And that makes us seem special to you!

I'm lookin' at you all, and I see a rainbow, come on!
You think I'm different in every way, come on!
All of the times that I've earned honor roll!

A-U-T-I-S-M: what does it mean?
Silence and friends unseen!
A few brains as well: that is autism!
(And) that makes us seem special to you!

Oooh, oooh! Oooh, oooh!

All of this time, and I’ve never been known! [?]

A-U-T-I-S-M: what does it mean?
Silence and friends unseen!
A few brains as well: that is autism!
And that makes us seem special to you!

A-U-T-I-S-M: what does it mean?
Silence and friends unseen!
A few brains as well: that is autism!
(And) that makes us seem special!
That makes us seem special!
That makes us seem special to you!