What do you want people to know about you?

Post Reply New Topic

I had an idea to use my facebook page to spread the word about autism during the month of April. What I would like to do is to give people information that they may not know, or may not realize about autism and autistic people. My goal is to get people to think differently about it, have more factual information, maybe spark an interest in learning more and especially to shed some of the steriotypes so they are able to understand you better in a more realistic way.

I don't want to regurgitate a bunch of factual information, although I may do some of that. I really want to be YOUR voice to my friends, and hopefully to theirs.

If you could say something in one or two sentences that you would like to share with those who do not understand, what would that be? I did read on here somewhere about how having autism can be like having a hangover, where everything is loud and physically hurts your ears. I would like to add something to that effect so I can share this in a effort to give people a better picture of what you overcome and deal with every day. I hope to post something every day.

Thank you in advance for your replies!! !

My autism enables me to work, independently. I don't need 100 people around me, for me to get my job done.

Great idea! You said you would like it to be more than just facts. Have you considered using a first-person description?

I would love for more people to understand what sensory overload is like and what to do (well, mostly NOT do) when dealing with a person experiencing overload.

I'm looking forward to seeing what you all contribute!

Hello again and thanks for your contribution on the other thread.

I would describe my Autism as being like cycling up a steep hill in the highest gear. That's what it feels like to have to process social stuff intellectually instead of intuitively.

NTz can get up the social hill so much faster cos they have gears that are more suited to steep gradients.

As for sensory stuff.

Noise, in shopping malls and restaurants can be overwhelming for me. I carry silicon ear plugs with me when I go out to those places. If I forget them at the Mall and the noise gets too much, I have to run for cover to the nearest pharmacy, where you would see me tearing open the ear plug pack as I am paying for them!

I'm sensitive to bright light too, sunlight or artificial so I carry sunglasses with me too.

I would like people to know that my engagement with the environment, which varies, does not determine how happy I am. If I'm having a "high-functioning" day I'm not necessary happier than if I'm having a "low-functioning" day.

Double post.....

Last edited by Blindspot149 on 29 Mar 2010, 3:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I brush my teeth regularly and can smile at same time . Please make clear to NT's I do this in bathroom, not in random inappropriate social circumstances, unless of course someone knocks on back door whilst I'm trying to get ready.

If you see me stimming, please don't laugh or stare, cause I'm having a hard enough day already.

Also, if I don't talk to you, make eye contact, or respond to your attempts to converse, it's not because I'm a snob or rude or that I don't like you. It's just too uncomfortable for me.

I need employers to know that I am technically competent (but not customer service-oriented).

I need hot girls to know I'm ready and willing.

I want my friends to know something slightly different about me and how unique I'am really.

I wish people would get rid of the idea that you are either totally disabled or else completely independent. I can do some things really well, and really suck at doing other things; and I wish people would stop assuming that because I can do one thing well, I must be able to do everything else; or that because I'm horrible at one thing that's easy for them, I must be completely incompetent at everything else. Just because I'm disabled, doesn't mean I can't do anything. Just because I'm talented doesn't mean I don't need help.

That if a Kinks obsession is all that I really have, autism wise, I feel pretty lucky.

Dear People!
I'm more friendly than you all think! I don't make any conspiracy against you. I really say what I think, there's no hidden meaning. Don't look for sth what's not!

And I think sometimes I feel something. You never know WHEN, so take care!

I am friendlier than I look and I hate nothing more than loud noises

If I'm avoiding something, particularly social situations, it has nothing to do with fear or nervousness. It's a self-preservation thing, as I get physically ill from being too overwhelmed. I know my limits, and they may be different from what most people think they should be.

If I say something or do something that appears to be rude, please ask me what I mean. Chances are it isn't what you're thinking.