Published on 12, July, 2020
There's another question that sprang to mind this morning.
What defines your autism?
I have noticed that most of the posts on the forum appear to be about our vulnerabilities.
So, is our autism defined by our vulnerabilities?
Certainly the sensitivities and communication difficulties can make us more vulnerable to stress and isolation.
Any positives anyone?
I'm still thinking about that one.
There is a lot of food for thought once we have obtained recognition either personally or professionally.
Yes a "turn of phrase" as they say.
Lemmings. The most infuriating game of the nineteen eighties...
I did enjoy the fun facts bit of truth about lemmings, which I did not know, unlike the rest of you. Thanks for bringing me up to speed!
Sam likes to draw,
I just looked a a picture of a lemming. They are so so cute!
Yes, I did know but decided to use that anyway.
Yes.
Did you know lemmings don't actually run over cliffs, and the myth was popularised by White Wilderness where Disney film-makers cruelly staged the cliff scene just for dramatic effect in the 1958 film?
Ok you're not a lemming. I think that characterises the majority of auties in our own individual ways which is self-evident.
Some more additions to my last replies: A strong sense of ethics, an ability to empathise with and naturally ally with other marginalised groups. An indomitable spirit. Unswayed by popular opinion, as my Dad would say "if everyone else jumped off a cliff would you?" and teh answer is no. XD
Thank you everyone who replied to this thread.
Reading your responses has been fascinating.
I too can struggle with positivity, though I'm trying to be easier on myself since discovering I'm autistic.
I had extra medication added after my last one and I haven’t one since, I’m still not sure about taking steps forward bc I don’t usually have any warning before they happen. As for putting myself in a “safe place”, I can say I need to be around small groups, I don’t like large groups, but the people are there to keep an eye on me in case something happens. I use this for my work, so I can’t really branch out at all bc of certain restrictions, like for example.. long hours in front of a computer screen will probably cause me some problems
Are your fits under control. Can you feel it coming on to give you time to put yourself in a safe place?
Life really had some twists and turns for me. I can remember in my youth on my return to NYC after a four-year absence serving overseas in the Air Force how lucky I initially felt to be back again. No place like home, but something was different. Maybe it was me who changed but something wasn't quite right. Memories of my inward thinking ---"there is nowhere else I would rather be" --- were banished. I then understood why my older brother chose to leave the city for his work-related travels and never to return. I believe he too was an aspie but unlike myself he recognised marriage was not compatible for him and remained a bachelor. I'm waffling off-piste which brings me back to the point of how some past radical choices had such a dramatic effect on my life.
Merry Xmas to you mate, and to all who enter this saloon
I do my best with work and life stuff bc I also have epilepsy thrown in, so it’s been quite challenging in choosing suitable jobs and life choices. I don’t mind working alone, but need small groups to be around me bc of my epilepsy.
My diagnosis was also late at age 77. Up to very recently I needed answers as to why my life was so strange. Now I know!. Ran my life on the 6P principle ( Proper Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance)
Well, I'd love for you to pull up a stool so I can buy you a drink in this saloon and so we can have a good old fashioned honest chat. You seem like a good'un to me.....definitely "my type of people.". Your words ring with a rare and joyous authentic honesty.
Merry Christmas brother.
Indeed. I did have the privilege to visit NYC when I was flying high like Sinatra. I loved it, but within the context of a lived experience, rather than feeling it was my kinda place.
Good morning, I echo your take with a preference for the company of animals. Despite your irony NYC is probably the worst move you could make. The majority of people there --to my experience--put on a facade. It's an unforgiving city that one needs fortitude and courage to take a first bite, as it will bite back. It is a "black hole" city with a huge pull for ambitious people who gravitate to it, most of whom let nothing stand in their way. It's certainly not a place for wimps.
Your description is my description. I have a "nothing" box that I have to force myself to escape from. Dealing with others' emotions has been/is a mountain for me to climb. You've taught me some new jargon -- alexithymia. Portions of its meaning describe me perfectly.