So there I was sat in Sbarro's eating my lunch today. On the adjacent table there were two guys, and I could hear them talking -- it seemed the older guy was interviewing the younger one for something, maybe a job. As the younger guy was talking I was thinking to myself, wow he talks and sounds just like me, it was a strange feeling. He was even repeating himself quite a bit exactly like I do, and when I looked at him, his facial expressions and body language just made me think we were really alike. The interviewer was asking him questions and I was trying not to eavesdrop, but then he asked "give me an example of a hardship or barrier you've overcome in your life". and the guy replied "well the biggest barrier I've overcome was when I was young, I was diagnosed with autism" and he went on about the help he received and how he's been overcoming it and focusing on his strengths. I couldn't believe it! But at the same time I was so happy and laughing at myself for seeing myself in him somehow just a few minutes earlier. So there you have it, the first time I have ever (knowingly) encountered another person on the autism spectrum in real life! I really wanted to say hi and that I couldn't help overhear him mention he has autism and that I had it too, but I didn't want to mess up his interview or catch him in an overstimulated state.
So yes, this is one of the coolest things that has happened to me in a while, and it feels good knowing I'm not alone with this condition and that I apparently have a working Aspie-dar! Only regret was not saying hi =)
04 Oct 2011, 9:17 pm
