Published on 12, July, 2020
Are people with Autism: More likely or less likely to keep the rules re self-isolation or wearing a mask? I think lots of people are not keeping the rules whether they are Autistic or not. Lots of naughty children who are sent to their room or bed do not stay there or go there. Lots of Adults and Children who are supposed to self-isolate do not.
This is a paradox.
I think most autistic people are very good at keeping to written and well defined rules. However we break the unwritten rules of social behaviour all the time because we are unaware of their existence.
That's one of the things I've been trying to work about this idea that autistic people follow and like rules. Because it seems to me if that was the case we'd surely fit in more?
Yet I also recognise some truth to it. It's confusing. I break a lot of 'traditions' and seem to have no problems with doing that. There are certain rules I have spotted people seem to have, yet lack any interest in following those rules. They do seem to be the social rules that aren't written though. I will also break some written down rules (as long as I don't fear massive consequences like trouble with police) if I believe them to be illogical. But written down rules, in general, I stick to, too literally apparently. But I don't understand how a rule can be adhered to while not being literal about the rule. If the rule isn't to be taken literal then it is just a suggestion and not a rule then isn't it? So, it's not even a rule...