Selective Memory

I was watching (or rather listening to) a video on YouTube by Orion Kelly aka That Autustic Guy. He's an Australian content creator and author of a book about his experiences being an autistic dad with anautistic son (just like me).

This video was about memory. He said there is a trait called selective memory. This sounded like the perfect excuse for forgetting birthdays and anniversaries, but in fact it's about not recollecting certain moments in your past, like having mole holes in the lawn on your memory. It struck a chord with me, as it is the sort of thing that has happened to me, and has caused arguments with my spouse. Let's face it: it is kind of hard to justify not remembering stuff. It's not like you can peer into someone's brain and check for holes (my brain is like a sieve at the best of times).

I've had something of a good day, kinda. The YouTube vids have helped the time pass quicker, I felt enlightened and I was in a better mood when I got back home.

Anyway, what are you "thoughts" (or lack theteof) regarding this aspect of autism? Does it ring true with anyone else?

Parents
  • I've had something of a good day

    That's great! Slight smile 

    He said there is a trait called selective memory.

    That totally describes my experience! I think it might be an ADHD thing though, because some autistics have exceptional memory.

    I forget about namedays, birthdays, the names of new people I meet, and lots of other stuff. It's not an excuse, it's the truth! That's how my brain works! I won't apologise for that and neither should you! Wink

    I hope you have an even better day today! Blush

  • Thank you Evi Heart️

    I know I have an exceptional memory, but it's for music. I can tell you about a particular album, who plays on it, where it was bought, the circumstances in which I came ro hear about it, etc. However, give me a date I need to remember and it goes in one ear and out the other.

    I guess that's the "selective" part. GrinThumbsup

  • You know, my memory isn't bad either. It fails me only when it comes to certain things. You think that autism is the only reason? Hmm... This topic is very interesting and I'm going to do some research on it! Wink

Reply
  • You know, my memory isn't bad either. It fails me only when it comes to certain things. You think that autism is the only reason? Hmm... This topic is very interesting and I'm going to do some research on it! Wink

Children
  • Yeah. Check Orion Kelly on YouTube. He's been doing podcasts, vids, streams etc for 3 years now, so there's a lot to go through. He can rant a bit too (especially recently about RFK Jr. and his ridiculous views on tackling the "autism epidemic"!) But, he makes the rants funny, so he's quite entertaining too. WinkThumbsup