Autistish
"Have you ever seen the movie Rainman? He's very literal like that. A crosswalk sign turned from 'walk' to a flashing 'don't walk' and he froze in the middle of the street."
- My mom, trying to explain me to a caretaker at a development center for special needs children.
I have not been diagnosed to be on the Autistic Spectrum, and there is no such thing as being 'a little autistic', but sometimes I wonder. The term "Asperger's autism" didn't exist until I was an adult, and I never saw the value in going in for a formal diagnosis.
I did, however, spend a lot of my pre-teen years in various special-ed programs, back when those had the funding to deal kids that were a little off instead of being reserved for firestarters and retards. Growing up, I quite disliked child psychologists for being know-it-alls.
I also mentally developed 'out of order', so to speak. I could multiply numbers before I could speak. I was once told that I couldn't buy any more novels until my homework was caught up.
But also, I can make eye contact with people for short periods. I feel like I can read their emotions, but with the Dunning-Kruger effect I'll never know for sure. It makes intuitive sense that others are thinking, conscious beings like me, but I couldn't put my finger on when that Theory of Mind came about. It's all very confusing.
The internet was a Godsend. Not only could I communicate at my own speed, and in text, my medium of choice, but as it grew I was able to find people that do have an autism diagnosis. It's been supremely helpful to read the ways in which they cope with the world.
It still feels like I'm on the outside looking in, but man is there some good advice out there.
Stimming? That clicking or fidgeting or flapping about that gets more intense with nervousness? There's a name for that! For me it's repeating the phrase "ten tons of cheese" to myself. I do it a lot less in general since I've mastered public speaking.
See what people with autism like and dislike has given me a good predictive sense of things to seek or avoid.
I may never have a clear answer about my own neurodivergence, but it hasn't stopped me from using a simplification, a label, to find those similar enough to relate their experiences to my own. Labels are good, labels are useful for classifying and making sense of things. A label is a search term, a stake in the taxonomy that gives clarity.
- My mom, trying to explain me to a caretaker at a development center for special needs children.
I have not been diagnosed to be on the Autistic Spectrum, and there is no such thing as being 'a little autistic', but sometimes I wonder. The term "Asperger's autism" didn't exist until I was an adult, and I never saw the value in going in for a formal diagnosis.
I did, however, spend a lot of my pre-teen years in various special-ed programs, back when those had the funding to deal kids that were a little off instead of being reserved for firestarters and retards. Growing up, I quite disliked child psychologists for being know-it-alls.
I also mentally developed 'out of order', so to speak. I could multiply numbers before I could speak. I was once told that I couldn't buy any more novels until my homework was caught up.
But also, I can make eye contact with people for short periods. I feel like I can read their emotions, but with the Dunning-Kruger effect I'll never know for sure. It makes intuitive sense that others are thinking, conscious beings like me, but I couldn't put my finger on when that Theory of Mind came about. It's all very confusing.
The internet was a Godsend. Not only could I communicate at my own speed, and in text, my medium of choice, but as it grew I was able to find people that do have an autism diagnosis. It's been supremely helpful to read the ways in which they cope with the world.
It still feels like I'm on the outside looking in, but man is there some good advice out there.
Stimming? That clicking or fidgeting or flapping about that gets more intense with nervousness? There's a name for that! For me it's repeating the phrase "ten tons of cheese" to myself. I do it a lot less in general since I've mastered public speaking.
See what people with autism like and dislike has given me a good predictive sense of things to seek or avoid.
I may never have a clear answer about my own neurodivergence, but it hasn't stopped me from using a simplification, a label, to find those similar enough to relate their experiences to my own. Labels are good, labels are useful for classifying and making sense of things. A label is a search term, a stake in the taxonomy that gives clarity.
A frequent play therapy technique is floor time. Get on the floor with your child to play with them on their terms, whether it's you, a teacher, or a therapist. You participate by playing in the same manner as your kid and then you bring something new to the game. A new toy or a few words might be added to the game to include language. To promote greater communication between you and your kid and to give their play a fresh element, try to develop play that involves both of you. They should learn how to better focus their thoughts and experience emotional growth as a result.
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It's great to hear how the internet has been such a helpful resource! Understanding stimming and finding relatable advice from others with autism is truly invaluable. The idea of repeating "ten tons of cheese" is a fun and unique way to cope. It's interesting how different strategies work for different people. Also, exploring NDIS funding for autism can open up more opportunities for support and resources. Keep sharing these insights – they're incredibly helpful!
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