Published on 12, July, 2020
Everyone experiences things differently, of that there is no doubt. I’d like to gain other people’s perspectives, to gain other people’s view on the neurotype which we have in common, Autism. Perhaps through sharing, we can gain insight and help each other, or perhaps it might just be cathartic for people to share, in any case:What does your Autism mean to you?
I’ll start by conveying what my Autism means to me:
My Autism means freedom, from expectations of fitting in with the majority of people. My Autism means that I’ve forgiven myself for being different/odd/weird. I am as I am, as long as I kind and caring towards others to the best of my ability then that is good enough for me. I do not need other people’s approval for the way my brain functions.
My Autism means that I’ve finally found where I belong. My diagnosis has opened up a world of other autistic people who ‘get it’, who I can speak with on the same level. It was of course, a world that was always there, I just didn’t realise that I belonged before.
My Autism means I have a unique insight into how my youngest daughter’s mind works (nearly 3, also Autistic, still pre-verbal). It means that I can read her, translate her non-verbal communication (which too be fair she’s pro at) into verbal communication for those that don’t understand her. My Autism means that I can advocate for her, with ‘inside knowledge’ to family, nursery staff, professionals, etc.
My Autism means that I can advocate for other Autistic people. At support groups for parents of Autistic children; When my Autistic friends are struggling to get to appointments or do other tasks.
My Autism means that I‘ve found a purpose building community within the Autistic population. It led me to start my group for other autistic women in my local area. Because members of any tribe are stronger together as opposed to being dotted around on their own. Through this group I also learn about a lot of resources for both autistic adults and children and I signpost people who I meet, whether it is the lonely autistic adult who needs to find a social group or the parent who doesn’t know what to do to help their child. I’d love to be able to take this whole advocacy thing further actually, to be able to make more of a difference to the access to resources for autistic people but this at present is just an idea.....
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I don't socialise at the moment either. I was referring to my past above. Stuff that happened to me years ago (i'm in my late 30's)
Do you live alone or with parents?
I see exactly(i believe) as you do.....On every point! except i have no NT friends and i doubt i'll enjoy having any Autistic friends. but who knows what will pan out!
There's a lot to be said for dreams. I've always been a daydreamer.
Hello Malojian. Nice to meet you and everyone here. Please don`t be offended, but be realistic! We have to be, don`t we? .
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What do i actually want? Some some of internally constructed fantasia probably. A utopia created in my own mind. Nothing approaching reality that's for sure.
And so, what do we all actually want? Just say it. I dare you all!
She wanted to see other people as well as me. I got stuck with her because all the nicer ladies in that social group paired off with all my mates. The ASD guy is never the alpha in the group.
I wouldn’t cut myself off from people per se as I have children that need looking after and I’m quite a sociable person. But I’m definitely better single. It seems like you had a bad experience with the person that you were with for a bit?
I often think that i am better off on my own. I guess that's why i decided to cut myself off. It's all SUCH hard work. The person that i was with for a bit. Well i don't have a politically correct way of describing them. Sexually free would be the closest description i think.
That’s a shame. Be careful though, one thing that I’ve learned the hard way is that those of us on the spectrum are far more vulnerable to being taken advantage of due to our ‘differences’ in being able to read other people’s intentions. I’m just 39 and in the process of splitting up with my husband and I fully intend to stay single afterwards because I am just too mind blind to be a reliable judge of character. I’m safer being on my own.
It's alright. I can't meet anyone in real life until i've sorted myself out a bit to be honest. I'm 38 soon and still waiting for my first long term relationship. I've only had short term flings so far,
Sorry to hear about your injury. My mum was in a car accident and hit her head of the dashboard about 20/25 years ago. So she has memory issues also.I know lots about current affairs and a little about history. I also love books of all kinds, Music of most kinds, art and football.
Aw! I’m sorry to hear that!
That seems like a good idea. What are the subjects that you have collected a lot of knowledge on? I think a lot of autistic people do the same. I used to too but my memory isn’t so great these days!
I’m really sorry to hear that you were feeling like this! Did anything in particular trigger you feeling like that? How are you now?
i know mate. I know believe me. I think their are ways to make it in their world. Look at Greta and Chris Packham. But yeah of course most people can't be celebs Autistic or not.
I think i would write a short story collection. I've got lot's of knowledge on a plethora of subjects as i have spent almost my entire life reading. I wonder how many other people on the spectrum are like this. All this information but no outlet for it. I left some highly appreciated comments on facebook today so that's my "Achievement" haha.