The autistic mind
can't be accurately described by someone who doesn't have autism, and
even the doctors who study the disorder can't describe its effects on
the mind as well as an autistic person can.
While I live a pretty normal life I have a lot of issues
with sensory sensitivity. Like loud noises, bright lights, certain
food tastes, smells and standing in crowds of people. These things make
me feel a bit stressed out resulting in various issues like headaches
and digestive problems.
While we're on the subject. Certain
non-autistic people have the misconception that those of us on the
spectrum would "lack empathy." That is simply not true. We often have a
hard time to "read" people, but we certainly do not lack human
empathy. That needed to be said.
So if you want
to know what it's like to live with autism you must go to the source
and ask those who've had their lives and minds disrupted by the
disorder.
Emotions can be more extreme, especially the negative
ones, unfortunately. There is a sudden trigger and a switch just flips.
I usually take a step back and take a breather to get myself to
baseline then.
This also ties in with control for me. I have a
hard time with unfamiliar situations/places or if I have no way out.
What's normal there, how should I behave, what if I do something wrong?
What if I need a moment to myself where do I go? I would love to
travel but everything about it can get me into a panic. But once I'm
there and have assigned a spot as my place to collect myself I'm fine.
Getting there is the hard part.
I also want to be really, really
sure someone likes a present. I am horrible at giving a gift without
them knowing what it is. I only not check if they would like it if
there is no doubt in my mind that they would love it.
Hopefully
knowledge about autism will teach us how to help autistic people live
more normal and therefore more fulfilling lives, as we demystify the
disorder and discover it's just another state of mind.
"So if I'm speaking to someone with autism, what can I do to make you feel more comfortable while taking to you?"
For
me, I just want to be treated with dignity, patience, and respect. Be
aware that I'm probably agonizing over your social cues that I may or
may not be interpreting correctly or even noticing.
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