Connecting with autistic people who feel positive about their identity.

You're an inspiration. Brutal honesty with yourself is hard work. 

That is exactly how I feel as well. 

I figure if you get something from this space and are able to give something too, then it doesn't matter if you're legit or not. We're here either as relief from NT world, for some support, some distraction, or some advice, so of it works for you then great! Lots on here aren't officially diagnosed.

I am totally positive about being Autistic. 

I do not accept the pathology model of Autism, I do not have a disorder, disability or disease. My brain is hard wired in a different way. Its not worse or better then having a neurotypical brain - its just different. 

As I work in NHS services for a range of presentations including Autism I am currently working on building a network of health professionals in my region who are also Autistic.

In addition to this I am always interested in joining other networks small, large or simply connecting with individuals where this an agenda of challenging stereotypes, raising awareness, peer support and focusing on positives. 

At the age of 61 I sometimes feel like I have been on a long journey as regards understanding myself, those around me and the world in general. Still lots to do. 

Always up for a chat / discussion. 

I am in social limbo at the moment. I'm 45, currently waiting diagnosis. I don't fit into an NT's world and have recently stepped away from the "friends" group I was caught up in, because I didn't get it! However, because I'm undiagnosed, I feel like a fraud being on here and making comments too.

on the whole though I'm much more comfortable with the idea of myself as an aspie because I can't tolerate the fakery that NT's exhibit.

nice read

Plastic said:

My Asperger's gave me the analytical abilities to do this

Totally agree - Autism give you wings

Even though I didn't know I was autistic at the time when I look back now I can see how my strong autistic focus & determination got me through. 

Recognise those wonderful assets autism has given you & use them to your advantage

Baggervance said:

I went through the process of self acceptance, I started by just brainstorming, writing down everything I knew about myself being brutally honest

That's what I did after diagnosis - process exactly why I respond to situations in the way I do and chase down every strange behaviour to its roots.

My Asperger's gave me the analytical abilities to do this. 

Hi,  I was diagnosed in 2018, aged 61, I think what you're looking for is self acceptance, if you can achieve this you'll feel liberated and free to be yourself & embrace everything autism has given you both the positive & negative aspects.

Long before I was diagnosed & still trying to find out who I was & why I had so many issues in life I went through the process of self acceptance, I started by just brainstorming, writing down everything I knew about myself being brutally honest, I did this for several months until I felt I had everything written down then categorised it into sub sections - just going through this process is worthwhile.

Heck I know I'm far from perfect (just ask my long suffering wife) but I'm now at ease with myself & accept all my failures & successes as I climb the mountain of life.

Best Wishes & hope you find the inner peace you're looking for.

yes I am positive about my future.  Temple Grandin has a great attitude and stated "You cant use autism as an excuse" .

Hi Namewig, 

I am an older female Aspie - I only found out when I was in my early 50s. It explained a lot and I have learned so much since then. I still get a bit cross when colleagues do not pay attention to detail and I have to chase them up to follow proper procedures, but since I found out that we have a lot of qualities that they lack I try to be a bit less judgemental of them.

The positive traits of autism include: Focus, Attention to detail, observation skills, ability to retain facts, visual skills, expertise in our own areas of knowledge, methodical, novel approaches leading to innovative solutions, creativity, resilience, integrity. These are detailed here : https://autismawarenesscentre.com/the-positives-of-autism/ and there are several other sites with positive traits of autism if you want to Google it.

Temple Grandin said that if everyone were NTs , we would all still be sitting around in caves chatting. She also said that most people working in 'Silicone Valley' were autistic. I think she could be right, as I think it takes an independent mind to think of new ideas and processes. But we need both NDs and NTs - everyone has a unique set of abilities and traits.

I feel that autism is too often dismissed as just a "disability" when it can also be a great enabler. 

I do have high self regard, although weak underlying self esteem, apparently quite typical. I am good at my job. I've built quite a good life around me. I do though struggle to 'connect' so tend to have acquaintances rather than friends and can feel quite profoundly lonely; and I'm hopeless at flirting so don't manage to get into relationships. But I'm pretty at peace with being the unique person I am whose differences happen to have a label that helps explain to me the bits I find difficult. There can definitely be strengths in autism for some of us.

This is a nice positive read: http://www.tonyattwood.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=79:the-discovery-of-aspie-criteria

The book 'Keep Clear' is also a positive tale.

I am 31 and only recently realized I might be on the autism spectrum. I am still seeking an official diagnosis. I am quite successful at what I do which I think is in some part due to my autism. On the other hand, I struggle a lot relationship-wise and I want to work on these skills. Feel free to reach out to me.

Hey!

I have just been diagnosed and looking for positivity too. Just finished listening to a podcast with Hannah Gadsby talking with Sue Perkins (An Hour With...) and its really good to hear humour being used to talk about autism. It shouldn't be a surprise to know that autistic people can be hilarious, of course but like you say a lot of stuff out there tends to be a bit more negative. 

Finding out I'm autistic has been life changing. My special interests aren't just "phases", my routines aren't just a bit odd and if I don't want to log into a zoom 'water cooler at work it's not because I'm anti social and a grump. Well, sometimes it probably is tbf. 

It is good, if not a little exhausting to get to know who I am and to stop faking it so much. 

I was tested for autism and learning disabilities when I was 4 years old and was diagnosed till age 20. So I have had a rough journey, I was having trouble coming to terms with my conditions at first, and been getting a lot of hate on social media and a relationship ended because of my dissabilaties. I have been feeling positive about myself and been moving forward. 

Also if you’re on a similar journey as I am - please reach out! Perhaps we can support each other. I just ask that you aren’t too doom filled and don’t dump too many negatives in the message, as I’m not super up for it just right now :)