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working on change in core features of autism - is it worth the effort?

Phased

Hi all :-)

I'm two years into being ASD type 1 diagnosed and 60 years old.  I am slowly getting to understand what that means and the implications of it.

I am now wondering just how much autistic people can change in the expression of core features that define the condition.  Is it worth the effort to try or should one instead work on being "authentic" to one's true autistic self?

I suspect the reality will be a bit of both and finding one right answer might be impossible for now, nonetheless...

I've started a bit of analysis on this so far I've got this:

Just be your authentic autistic self – let your autism be free? 

 Advantages – less hard work cognitively, socially aligns oneself to other autistic people, be “true to yourself” and recognise self better has it's own reward

Disadvantages – problems with survival and thriving in neurotypical world

Potentially missing out on experiences and insights that would enhance and make life more meaningful

 

Change by adapting  Work hard and smart at learning to understand it – perhaps get the brain and behaviour to  both consciously or subconsciously do things to “fit in” to more neurotypical society and life.

Advantages less social conflict and increased potential for social “advancement”

Disadvantages This is in itself potentially “masking” behaviour so the risk of “losing oneself” might be higher

Relies upon “knowing oneself” and recognising other things that might be impossible for autistic people so really a waste of time and effort...

 

I would like to ask what is the knowledge and experience of other members in the community please - can you help with this analysis?

Parents

  • I try to keep things very simple, I have an instinctive dislike of theories of behaviour. I tend to view the concept of 'unmasking' as problematic, to me it is just another pressure on autistic people to behave in a certain way, a way that is not attainable by some, or not useful for others. 

  • in reply to Martin

    Having jumped into a study of behavioural theory I can appreciate how you feel.  Unmasking too - what the devil does that mean.  I agree that the simplest solution to a problem is often the best - I'd love to be able to avoid situations which are complicated however, mainly work, requirements confound that.  Hmmm... how good would it be if there was an organisation that goes out of their way to search out, support and employ autistic people... Maybe another question for me to pose the community...

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  • in reply to Martin

    Having jumped into a study of behavioural theory I can appreciate how you feel.  Unmasking too - what the devil does that mean.  I agree that the simplest solution to a problem is often the best - I'd love to be able to avoid situations which are complicated however, mainly work, requirements confound that.  Hmmm... how good would it be if there was an organisation that goes out of their way to search out, support and employ autistic people... Maybe another question for me to pose the community...

Children
  • in reply to Martin

    Understood - the key bit I'm picking up on here is the recognising bit...  then being able to do something about it.

  • in reply to Phased

    I have come to the conclusion that my masking and camouflaging are as inherent in me as my autism. Since my autism self-realisation and subsequent diagnosis, I have been kinder on myself when I recognise that I'm not coping well with a social situation or sensory overload and now feel less inhibited from getting away, if I can. However, I still abide by societal (neurotypical) norms of behaviour when in public. Doing so causes me little or no distress, it is just exhausting to socialise for too long or with too many people. Fitting in with expected behaviour has positive benefits, as neurotypicals are in the vast majority and, for good or ill, dictate social norms.