So you think you know Aspergers/Autism (ASD)?
In this post I intend to quash the myths that many neurotypical (NT for future reference) people seem to have about us Aspies.
I am diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, and I am becoming tired of NTs assuming things about me and how I feel, so the aim of this blog is to educate and illuminate.
MYTH 1: Children grow out of ASD.
A child with ASD will become an adult with ASD: They may become better equipped to deal with life, but it doesn't just go away. The reverse is also true; an adult with ASD was once a child with ASD, whether or not they had a formal diagnosis. I myself was finally diagnosed at 24, but this just puts a label to the lifelong difficulties I have encountered.
MYTH 2: Adults with ASD can't go to college/university/get a job.
Simply put, I have been through college, university and have held down part time employment, so therefore ASD is not a complete barrier. However, it has made my educational career and employment difficult, I will admit this. I have had many periods of illness which have been put down on the most part to psychological stresses and strains. However, I still have a degree, and a part time job whilst seeking appropriate full time employment if possible.
MYTH 3: People with ASD do not get married or have meaningful relationships.
I'm the first person to admit that I'm not a 'people person'. I get annoyed easily and I have a short social battery (http://www.wrongplanet.net/postt120383.html). However, I have had boyfriends, and I do want to meet the right somebody; I think I'm just very picky!!! I would need somebody who would accept me for me, accept my Aspergers and understand my foibles. Somebody who knows when I just need some alone time rather than cuddling on the sofa, without questioning. I'm quite capable of getting along with people in short doses, I just need to be able to escape when I get overwhelmed.
MYTH 4: Adults with ASD have social phobia.
Granted, I know I'm not the most social being, but I'm not scared of people; I just prefer to be around people on my own terms. Sometimes I actually avoid people because I think they don't want to be around me, and I know that when I become anxious I become brash and a bit aggressive. It's not that I don't want to be social, I just don't know how. So I notice what other people are like that seem confident and try to copy them... Except because I'm acting I do it about 20x the amount that's needed, so I always end up saying things that make people shout at me, or turn away from me... I am not scared of society, but I sometimes wonder if society is scared of me.
MYTH 5: People with ASD are just being rude.
You may notice that I'm not looking into your eyes. This is not because I am being dishonest or 'shifty' as I have been accused of before. It is because looking into your eyes HURTS!!! Unless you have felt it you won't understand, but to look into your eyes actually makes my brain hurt. Once I know someone I become better at it, but initially I will make myself acquainted with your teeth!!!! Put it this way, I only found out the other day the eye colour of my dad!!! My sister told me!!!
MYTH 6: People with ASD lack emotion.
I can understand why this has become a myth about ASD. I will never forget the response of a housemate when the film The Notebook ended and I didn't cry and stated that the ending was 'obvious'; she told me I must have a swinging brick in place of a heart and subsequently cried into her cushion.
However, I do feel emotion. I feel embarrassment, anxiety, sadness, happiness and I like to laugh! Just because I don't respond how you expect me to doesn't mean I don't feel!!
In conclusion....
Hopefully this first post has given you a insight into what ASD isn't. The rest of the blog will be aimed at helping you understand what it is, and how different it is...
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