So, most of us take things literally, have trouble picking our way through waffle to people's motives, don't do small talk, are direct in our requests etc...
I had a call today from NAS fund raisers who didn't quite go about things in a way that was er, tailored to Autistic people, lol. I had to laugh at the irony.
I'm familiar with the "we need a donation" format because of similar conversations with charity callers before, otherwise I dare say I'd have been scratching my head a good while to pick out what they wanted from me.
First there was a good 10 minutes worth of overly profuse "thanks" for support as a member. Really? Not necessary. And more on the importance of the NAS work. Yes, we know and agree! Before lots of tip toeing gingerly around the issue of "wills" and "donations". Took me a while, but when I caught on, had to direct her to the point before she waxed lyrical for another 10 minutes and I lost the will to live.
Oh dear! Don't get me wrong. I am passionate about the NAS. The Lorna Wing Centre literally saved my life when they diagnosed me, but as a fund raising approach...lol
Come on guys, we're Autistic! Just try: What we do matters, we're strapped for cash, any chance you can do a few more pounds now or leave us a bit when you peg it?
My answer: "Sure, no probs". And btw they'd whip through their 'to call' list ten times as fast.
To the callers: Honestly, I really don't need 10 minutes worth of that mysterious thing my lovely NT mate calls "feather smoothing" to pick my way through before you all too subtly tell me what you want. You can cut straight to the chase. It's fine. In fact I would rather you did. You need my cash to keep going. Gotcha! My pleasure.
Anyone else had a call lately and think we should slip them some friendly feed back?