Talking about your autism

Wombles said:

my autism

I think this phrase can cause problems, unfortunately.

Autism is a specific Neurotype and though we are all different, Autistic thinking is a specific set of variables much like extroversion or the definition of a coffee bean. There's 2 things to note.

Jung created a set of Archetypes which turned into the Myers-Brigg personality types. While we cannot squeeze all 7 billion humans into 16 types, each variable plays a particular key in degree to a functionality. A trait, like hair colour can be identified in the population on certain humans. Certain traits are noted a drivers license. Like Height. In itself, it creates a template which can be filled in with what defines the uniqueness of the individual, which might be their essence or personality. And all personalities can be matured or ruined, we can grow into the best of our selves or default to a limited version by not taking care to apply principles which help us grow.

Autistic thinking, from what we understand currently, is a particular way of perceiving, reasoning and experiencing the world. We're wired different, but there are some very specifics which make us autistic. Within this frame will be variations on how it manifests due to different childhoods, different traumas, different personalities. So, essentially it's Our Autism. 

What "My Autism" implies is a moving target. It implies that it cannot be understood like psychoanalysis has understood the NeuroTypcial brain for hundreds of years. It implies something that isn't grounded in science. And more importantly, it's a N-Typical phrase that started with Advertising in the 1990's. My coffee, my way. My M&S. My club card. 

One of the problems we've run into currently is everyone being forced to accept or tolerate everyone else. And at the expense of my feeling understood or even at the expense of time I don't have. I personally don't really care and don't really want to hear what others do in their bedrooms. I'm a bit more of a private individual and do care about appropriate boundaries. It's OK to not indulge, but it is somewhat Autistic to info-dump. We can have too many things going through our heads all at once and I find I process better out loud. But then I also use words different.

I think it's far more important to simply be an integrated human with good principles who genuinely cares and wants to create an aesthetic in the world around. What autism is, is still a mystery to most, and while we can appreciate one another oversharing, the way it's perceived by NTs can be hard for them to follow. But we are talking about neuroscience and psychology and sociology all at once. Most people don't read the news from a trusted source let alone peel through medical journals. 

And maybe their brains won't ever "light up" the same. Their connectors are usually focused in the language/semiotic "compartments", they might not make the kind of eureka connexions like we do, and that can come across in a way that makes them feel 'less' or tired or embarrassed. I try to focus on building a few important relationships because as time goes on, the understanding of Autistic Wiring will come better into focus and then I won't need to explain Gamma Waves and Beta Waves and signal to noise ratios and how primates shouldn't dull their senses and so on. 

Maybe try being discreet and choosy with your thoughts and self. You are under no obligation to share anything. There is something to nurturing our inner being like a greenhouse not just anyone is welcome to enjoy. Being responsible for what another must intake, carry, listen to, etc., can be an intentional act of kindness as well. But in the company of other Autistics? Share away. 

You write beautifully

Thank you. I really hope to help bring clarity about our neurodifference.

Thank you. I really hope to help bring clarity about our neurodifference.