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Is discussing what it is like to be Autistic with Neurotypical people an exercise in futility?

Edearl

Good Morning Everybody,

I have read all the threads posted recently with great interest, and one of the most consistent themes is the frustration and a lack of understanding of fundamental concepts of what it is like to be Autistic.

For context, I am forty-two and was diagnosed with an ASC a little of over a year ago, after an eight-year battle with so-called “experts”; and I have had a lifetime of Autistic related issues which went undiagnosed – my school reports are great inspirational comedy in hindsight.

Since receiving my diagnosis my experiences have been confusing at best and at times disgraceful and frankly insulting. I would be fascinated to hear people’s opinions, experiences and general feedback.

Thank you all for your time. 

Parents Reply Children
  • in reply to Robert124

    The first rule of autism club is don't talk about autism club...

  • in reply to Sunflower

    My favourite moment was when the Regional Manager gave me my polite reprimand over my meltdown.  He asked how long I'd worked in care.  When I said 13 years, he said 'Ah... well I've been in care twice as long as you and have never been afraid to ask for help.'  I couldn't help it.  I replied 'With respect... I've worked in care half as long as you with an autistic brain, and have never needed to ask for help before.' 

    Put that in your pipe and smoke it!

  • in reply to Martian Tom

    Good for you - so important to speak up and remind people we are a minority! 

  • in reply to ) (

    The behaviour team where I work have had their eyes opened a bit by my recent travails, and the impact of it all.  I had to pull up the Behaviour Manager when she started down the old 'normalising' track with 'Lots of people get bullied at work, so you're not alone.'  Yes.  But lots of people aren't autistic.  In fact, most people aren't!

  • in reply to Robert124

    I'm already a social pariah!

    I tell everyone, and they can think what they like.  Most people seem interested.  They usually ask me what my special talent is (groan). 

  • in reply to Robert124

    I have given it to doctors who assume I am overly knowledgeable in the field of medicine, I am not, I research specifics to do with me, I need to understand to have control, or I dismiss,

     The last one I spoke with by phone I had the courage to say “ I am undiagnosed autistic and do not ask for help easily, I research , do my best but need experts to guide me, not internet, facts and professionalism. So a face to face to go through my back issues, result, 

    I was once in A&E the head nurse said “ you seem very clued up on medication ! Are you medically trained?” No I am autustic, it is my way to find out things, “ oh so we did cover that a bit” I interjected I was Aspergers, “ erm? So you are one of the super intelligent ones!”  I couldn’t be bothered to explain to her, but shows the level of understanding some have, one quick day coarse and they know it all, very sad indeed, 

    I make a point of trying to get across the many varied abilities on the spectrum, I always say I am autistic, then wait for a reaction,,, only then do I add aspie if it stops them patronising me, I then educate them, I am not super anything, I struggle to get by, I have fantastic ability to operate diggers, level and finish concrete, so I must be Sheldon cooper!