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Connecting with autistic people who feel positive about their identity.

Namewig

Hello

I was diagnosed late, age 32 (now 33) and it has been... interesting. 

I am trying to feel more positive about my identity and focus on my strengths. I would like to build for myself, a community of others who have similar experiences, because I feel isolated (particularly during lockdown) and defective, very often. I think I have to do some work to put down internalised ableism and masking and pick up who I really am. Its a bit disheartening to only hear fear and worry when I look online for support. 

Are you an autistic adult who has come to terms with their identity and feels positive and strong sometimes? Would you be interested in chatting? Perhaps sending some emails? Or whatever you’re comfortable with - this is my first post, if DM’s are a feature on this forum, thats cool too. 

:)

Parents

  • 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. 

Reply

  • 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. 

Children
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