Positive Points and Comminication - Help please
I was wondering if people could tell me - What are some of the positive points about having AS? What do you like about being an Aspie?
Also, my Aspie and I are having a hard time with our communication. It seems to be our biggest problem.. so I was also hoping I could get an idea of what ways of communicating with others work best for you as an Aspie? ("You" meaning everyone here with AS - and yes I understand that he will be different but I could use a starting point...)
Thought maybe if I got some insider info it would help.
Thanks in advance to all those that respond.
I have a lot of drive. Usually to try and make up for my other shortcomings. Also, it seems like everyone I've ever met has told me I'm smart. The bad part is it distances me from them in some ways. Some days I don't mind having AS. A lot of days, I absolutely hate it. I think it feels worse than it actually is sometimes aswell. I have some days where I feel like it has destroyed my life, but that's probably not true. It's not so much the AS itself, but its the loneliness and frustration it often causes me that I hate. If I stop and think about it sometimes, it is worse than death. It's like being partially deaf, blind, and mute.
How to Communicate very effectively with an Aspie
These aren't all 100% true and vary from aspie to aspie....
1. The Aspie has problems reading facial expressions.
2. The Aspie has problems reading body language.
3. The Aspie has problems reading verbal tones.
4. The Aspie has problems with slang
5. The Aspie has problems with hidden agendas
6. The Aspie has problems with dishonesty/trust
so...
Level the playing field
Face to face is a big disadvantage to the aspie
Telephone is a big disadvantage to the aspie
Writing is perfect.
Write a letter or chat online for the best results.
but.
Avoid slang and say what you mean. Be honest with them.
Well, aspies have a certain number of "superpowers"...
(Disclaimer: once again, this list doesn't apply to everyone in the same degree)..
While they can't always be emphatic, they can put themselves in the shoes of people, objects and animals to see the world from their perspective.
They have this amazing long-term memory which enables them to recall conversations from their childhood - and bring them forward for re-evaluation.
They have a gift for mimicry - can quote movies, act parts, make amazing animal noises, machine noises etc..
When the want to know something (special interest) they become an expert.
They have amazing willpower - if they set a rule, they can stick to it.
They generally have pretty good imaginations, drawing/writing abilities.
They can approach problems from completely different perspectives