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Explaining ASD to others

Daniel
over 6 years ago

One of the things I have found since my diagnosis is the amount of times I get asked to explain what ASD is, and if its the same for everyone.

My usual responce is:

"Everyones ASD is as similar as their faces. There are similarities, all are made from the same basic parts, but there are many differences and each is unique to its owner.

As for mine, I cannot deal with suspence, I have trouble with children as they do not fit my logical view of the world, and I cannot tell if your being serious or not."

As good as this is, I would love to find a better way to describe ASD, because as soon as I tell people they either start setting example situations and asking 'what would you do . . . ' or start seeing if I can tell if they are being serious when they say things. I don't mind explaining, but I feel like I may do an injustice to other ASD people in some way or another, and that what makes me think I am the best ambassador for ASD.

What are other peoples experiences with explaining ASD to others?

Has anyone come across any great explinations that can put more into words?

Parents
  • over 6 years ago

    Hi Daniel,

    My favourite - mentioned many times on threads, so people are probably bored with it by now! - is to say I'm like a cat in a room full of dogs.  I want to be accepted by the dogs, so I copy some dog behaviours so they won't think I'm odd or aloof.  I run after sticks occasionally.  I demand attention.  But none of these things is natural to me.  I'd just as soon do my own thing, or sleep.  I want attention on my terms.  Nothing else.  But... I also want to try to fit in.  Usually, though, it doesn't work out that well.  And instead of seeing me as a cat trying my best to be a dog - the dogs just see me as a failed dog!

    You're right.  Everyone on the spectrum is an individual.  Everyone has a different mix of behaviours, preferences, abilities.  No two of us is exactly alike.  We're as different from each other as we are from NTs.  It's hard, sometimes, to get people to grasp it.  The computer analogy is good: I don't have a processing error - I have a different operating system.  Still, though, I find people trying to 'normalise' what I tell them.  "I do that, too", etc.  My brother's like that.  He normalises everything.  Even though our lives are so completely different - him with his huge social circle, for instance, against me with no friends at all - he still struggles to understand.  I've given up trying, to be honest.  People either want to try to get it - or they don't.  And it's pointless bashing your head against a wall.

    Here's a meme I made, based on something I read somewhere else on this site.  I also find it useful.

    All the best,

    Tom

  • over 6 years ago in reply to Deleted User

    Hi Tom.

    I came across this and I thought it was quite good

    It certainly sums up how a lot of people see me, and also how many ASD people are portrayed in the media as well

  • over 6 years ago in reply to Daniel

    I'm not like you..,,any problems with that?

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