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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

  • "Be your authentic self". A lot of the time, I don't actually know what this is. How we are around others is usually in relation to those people (I think this goes for anyone). The only time I'm probsbly "my authentic self" is when I'm on my own or in flow. 

    Flexibility of ourselves is required depending on the situation.

  • in reply to Deleted User

    Thanks for your reply.  I too am unsure what "being authentic" means. Hehe tho; I think I'm being so now.  I reckon that what I wonder about is the extra layer of complexity that comes in social communication regarding having to work out what neurotypical experience and behaviour is and putting something in place to accommodate them and whether it is worth the effort in continuing to try. I agree with you about how selfhood changes when in social contact and flexibility is required.  :-)

  • in reply to Phased

    I don't go through interactions regarding them as neurotypical or not. They are taken on individual basis, of "interaction". There IS the cognitive working out most of the time, regardless of the other person's brain wiring. Although some are easier than others. I find what helps is trying to be open minded of others. Acceptance of situations, self and others rather than having problems with individuals. However this is constant work in practise and also takes energy.... which is often in short supply!!

  • in reply to Deleted User

    understood I think :-) interactional analysis is a good way strategy thanks for picking up on that  :-)  the less energy there is the less one has to use for cognitive analysis... and the less one has to be open minded to others.... and the less one has to be open minded to oneself as well perhaps... the strategy of preserving oneself as capable interactive individual relies upon being able to be aware of this as a factor and take behavioral steps to shepherd it perhaps? :-)

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  • in reply to Deleted User

    understood I think :-) interactional analysis is a good way strategy thanks for picking up on that  :-)  the less energy there is the less one has to use for cognitive analysis... and the less one has to be open minded to others.... and the less one has to be open minded to oneself as well perhaps... the strategy of preserving oneself as capable interactive individual relies upon being able to be aware of this as a factor and take behavioral steps to shepherd it perhaps? :-)

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