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Autism and the pursuit of a life worth living...because just being alive is not a 'life'.

NAS49761

I came across this video - link below - while exploring how other autistics live unconventionally, although this is not what the talk in the video is about.

There were many parts of her talk which made reference to difficulties I have not been able to express or be understood by a system which expects us to operate like our NT relatives and writes us off as being 'untreatable'/can't help if we don't, or worse still 'non-compliant'.

It's helped me identify some of the major issues conventionally living is causing me and the massive impact this is having on my mental health and desire to 'live'. It has helped me understand how joyous special interests have slowly faded away to be replaced by special interests which only purpose it seems is to protect and defend me from harm, this is good but also bad which causes me no end of confusion/frustration.

I've tried all my life to fit into this system and with having to face yet another move which will be the 18th time, don't I have a right to be supported to live in a way which works for me? I can't do this again...

There was part of her talk where she talks about the most dire of situations for some autistic people, this triggered some little bit of hope somewhere deep inside me that maybe, just maybe, I could be useful to my fellow autists, who, despite my difficulties are in a worse situation than I. This would never enter my mind unless it's pointed out to me, like many things unfortunately, often misunderstood for selfishness or not caring. But, unless I can change my environment to one which works for me any potential or usefulness to this world is not accessible.

She is American but the issues she speaks of are global.

I'm always amazed at a person's ability to be so articulate when speaking of such issues, I often have it all there in my brain but something gets lost in the translation of that to my mouth.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wjsZqvhGzIA

  • in reply to Desmond79

    I love All I want for Christmas is a Dukla Prague away kit. Was that Half Man Half Buscuit or am I thinking of someone else?

  • I'd like to upvote everyone's replies so far but to avoid the top of the post getting confusing I hope a thank you to everyone will suffice.

  • in reply to NAS49761

    I've just answered my question.

  • in reply to NAS80873

    'there is no way around it if nobody can pick things up for us....'  this is why it's imperative to get our environment right, I just can't 'settle' when things arent right.

  • in reply to Art

    I don't understand that. Does that mean it's not your environment that's the issue, it's 'you'?

  • in reply to NAS49761

    yes, my counsellor pointed out that I struggle most likely because I am differently wired... I didn't even consider that, and even if I do, there is no way around it if nobody can pick things up for us....

  • I try to make the best of my life. I'm not like most people who go out, watch a movie, go to large gatherings ... I just chill and cruise through life.. I do gaming and graphic design for a job, can do that from home, so I don't need to go out to work.

    I like this quote from Doctor Who which says a lot about life and people Grinning 

  • in reply to Desmond79

    Is the FSO you mention who I think you mean? (The only high profile visit of the day I can think of). I wasn’t aware of that being part of his story but I must admit I’m not as up on it as many would be. My brain doesn’t absorb political biogs very well

  • in reply to NAS80873

    ....'deal with some of the things an independent adult should be able to manage by themselves'...thank you for this comment, I think you will speak for many other autistics trying to manage their day to day lives. 

  • My intention is to enjoy life, rather than endure it, but the Wobblies thrown at us derail plans, on a whim.

    I went to Belfast, this evening, for a meeting. And the bus to Belfast was delayed due to a certain Famous Sex Offender being in the City. However, I utilised. I never analyse. In the end, I was able to walk to Castle Court and get stuff at the Holland and Barrett there; before it closed. Then, I bought two sausage rolls, at a Deli in Castle Court, for two homeless men in Belfast. It's me getting out of myself and helping others.

    I got home, in the end. And I need to freak out. National S**te Day by Half Man Half Biscuit was my anthem for today.

  • Thank you for posting this. Your post really spoke to me. I will watch the video when I get the time. One of the things I have been working on lately is not trying so hard to live "conventionally" and to live in a way that suits me more. 
    This is often little things like wearing clothes I actually feel comfortable in rather than ones which are fashionable or cool and not replying to people's messages until I feel ready, which is often a few days, rather than replying straight away for fear of seeming rude. It is small steps but it is helping a lot 

  • Your post very much speaks to me and I will be posting soon about my experience. 

    Like you, my special interests are a lot around fitting in and functioning, rather than just what brings me joy. This is something I need to address or rather am starting to address, slowly. 

    Trying to function in this NT world cost me a lot of energy and I am so so so tired of it all. I wish I'd have more money and just pay some folks to deal with some of the things an independent adult should be able to manage by themselves. 

    I'll be watching the youtube video soon. Title sounds already promising and it's prob just what I need right now. 

  • Hello Malojian

    I may have misinterpreted your reply or vice versa, but what I meant by living 'normally' was living in a regular house surrounded by regular people as opposed to living in a self built cabin or even a half buried cave at considerable distance from the nearest human settlement.

    What is it about your 'abnormal' living which you think may be causing you difficulties?