IS ASPIENESS A DISORDER OR A GIFT? “Firstly, is autism really a disorder? For al

IS ASPIENESS A DISORDER OR A GIFT?

“Firstly, is autism really a disorder? For all of the arguments to say that it is, I would strongly suggest that there are counter arguments against.”

“But, having said that, what about the counter-side: the honesty, the straight talking, the saying what they think as opposed to making things up, the very genuine nature found in so many individuals with autism? What about all of the extraordinary qualities rife within the population, the attention to detail, perfectionism, drive, and focus?”

“I would say that the only reason we use the term disorder is because there are more NT (neurotypical) people than there are people with autism. “

COMMENT

Really, I have a very mild case. I have absurdly narrow focus, and an obsessive form of subconscious concentration, that I can barely control and can crush me physically and mentally if I don’t constantly keep it fed with problems to chew on. And while I can’t read subtle facial expressions it’s not that I can’t read facial expressions at all. And I can read body language exceptionally well – well enough to compensate. And I can understand any emotion that is verbally communicated to me. I just can’t physically empathize well.

A GIFT

I love other Aspies. We are AWESOME to each other, and endlessly fascinating to one another. 🙂

But more importantly, all the significant accomplishments in my life are due largely to taking a long term focus, and letting my inner aspie just act like a jackhammer on any problem I throw at it. So to me, it’s bit of genetic magic that I just worship>

My most difficult challenge was in learning how to speak to people in mutually communicative terms. It was extremely difficult.

But with extra effort on that issue, everything else was much easier than it is for neurotypicals.

WHY

eh. I’m advocating for other folk like me.