Published on 12, July, 2020
I used to do the whole "us vs them" thing with this, and on reflection I questioned whether this was a good idea. After all, we want them on our side.
However, I kind of get it. We are used to being "othered" and the double empathy problem exists for a reason.
I feel for me, it's almost like I'm speaking a completely different language at times, but I struggle with the translation. Even with autistic people, I may struggle with explaining what's going through my head, but it's still easier.
They're less likely to effectively shut me down and tell me to move on. I know NT's are well meaning but it couldn't be less helpful, which then leaves me feeling more ashamed and embarrassed, wishing I'd bottled it up instead.
I feel I'd want them to try and see it from my perspective but then I feel I'm asking for too much.
Where I live there's a specialist Autism education site with a primary, secondary and college all on site. They look quite good, lots of interesting and well thought support. Sometimes children can get good support. Similar to the mental health system, it tends to be harder to get good support when you're an adult. There's usually less sympathy for adults. I'm sure this will change as more celebrities come out as Autistic and the number of diagnoses rises.