Things I like about Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.
My better half suggested that I write a blog about the positive aspects of having ASD or Asperger’s Syndrome. I have always found these posts difficult to write as they aren’t so much ‘what do you like about…’ more ‘what do I like about me’. Asperger’s, if that is indeed what I have, is a part of me. It is in the wiring of my mind and how I view the world. It is not a superpower nor is a thing apart from me. It is me. Simply that.
I am not someone who has a deep, unbreakable focus. My mind often wanders going on little a little journey and then eventually being mugged down a back alley for all of its valuables. I can, when pressed concentrate on a task but then so can most people who would class themselves as of average intelligence. I can remember facts, details, stories from a wide range of subjects. But then again, so can anyone who is culturally literate and reads. So, as I said, I have no specific superpowers or abilities out of the ordinary.
If I have an idea for a story or a creative project it can stay in my mind for a very long time. Years in fact. The idea will bounce between my conscious and unconscious mind like a tennis ball in a rally. The only difference is that the idea will grow and will develop over time. Details that I wasn’t sure about become fleshed out. Story arches and characters form and then never get written down but they are there. In my mind, waiting. Is this Asperger’s or is it any one with vague pretensions on being creative.
This really isn’t the blog for happy clappy, happy autistic posts. Mainly as I am not that type of person.
I have characteristics that I like about myself. I am quick witted and due to a combination of the Asperger’s or just not really giving a shit, I say things that most people would not. I get on well with kids and can interact with them on their level. Again, this is an important characteristic of an educator. My general knowledge is decent. I can talk to, if pushed, almost anyone about almost anything which is a skill. I know myself well enough to know that I don’t know anything and will ask others for help. Which of these are autistic traits? Which of these are just traits of someone in a performative job?
Unlike a myriad of other bloggers, podcasters and people who are open about their ASD I genuinely don’t have any traits that I like and that is not a “woe is me” kind of statement. It is just simply, as I have said above, it is part of me, and it is just who I am. Most days I like myself irrespective of ASD or anything else.
Apparently Autistic 