Difference between revisions of "Accept Your Autism"
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#* The autistic community often describes autism in a neutral or positive light. This may help you feel better about being autistic. | #* The autistic community often describes autism in a neutral or positive light. This may help you feel better about being autistic. | ||
# Read about the strengths that come along with autism. Autism is a complex neurological condition that comes with several blessings along with its impairments. You may experience some or all of the following: | # Read about the strengths that come along with autism. Autism is a complex neurological condition that comes with several blessings along with its impairments. You may experience some or all of the following: | ||
| − | #* '''Deeply passionate interests.''' These can lead to tremendous expertise, and possibly a very successful career or fun hobby.<ref>http://kidcompanions.com/students-with-autism-take-advantage-of-special-interests-and-strengths/</ref> | + | #* '''Deeply passionate interests.''' These can lead to tremendous expertise, and possibly a very successful career or fun hobby.<ref name="rf1">http://kidcompanions.com/students-with-autism-take-advantage-of-special-interests-and-strengths/</ref> |
| − | #* '''Helpfulness.''' Autistic people, in general, have a high sense of social responsibility, or the desire to solve problems and help others.<ref>Valerie L. Gaus, PhD. ''Living Well on the Spectrum.''</ref> | + | #* '''Helpfulness.''' Autistic people, in general, have a high sense of social responsibility, or the desire to solve problems and help others.<ref name="rf2">Valerie L. Gaus, PhD. ''Living Well on the Spectrum.''</ref> |
| − | #* '''Precision.''' It is often noted that autistic people focus on the small parts, rather than the big picture. This can lead to remarkable detail-oriented work, where a neurotypical person might be unable to focus so clearly on the individual aspects of something.<ref>https://www.autismspectrum.org.au/content/strengths-and-talents-employers</ref> | + | #* '''Precision.''' It is often noted that autistic people focus on the small parts, rather than the big picture. This can lead to remarkable detail-oriented work, where a neurotypical person might be unable to focus so clearly on the individual aspects of something.<ref name="rf3">https://www.autismspectrum.org.au/content/strengths-and-talents-employers</ref> |
| − | #* '''Visual intelligence.''' Autistic people have tested higher on visual and nonverbal intelligence tests.<ref>http://www.livescience.com/16849-autism-advantages-research.html</ref><ref>http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/09/autism-hidden-advantages/406180/</ref> | + | #* '''Visual intelligence.''' Autistic people have tested higher on visual and nonverbal intelligence tests.<ref name="rf4">http://www.livescience.com/16849-autism-advantages-research.html</ref><ref name="rf5">http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/09/autism-hidden-advantages/406180/</ref> |
| − | #* '''Sincerity.''' Autistic people tend to mean what they say, and act as a "voice of reason" without becoming mired in social complexities.<ref | + | #* '''Sincerity.''' Autistic people tend to mean what they say, and act as a "voice of reason" without becoming mired in social complexities.<ref name="rf2" /> Your honesty and genuine spirit can feel refreshing to others. |
| − | #* '''Creativity and a unique perspective.''' Autistic people can learn in unusual ways.<ref>http://autisticadvocacy.org/about-autism/</ref> This provides insights that neurotypicals may never realize, and can become a great asset in collaboration.<ref | + | #* '''Creativity and a unique perspective.''' Autistic people can learn in unusual ways.<ref name="rf6">http://autisticadvocacy.org/about-autism/</ref> This provides insights that neurotypicals may never realize, and can become a great asset in collaboration.<ref name="rf5" /> |
# Read about successful autistic people. Plenty of famous people have been diagnosed or thought to be autistic. Strong special interests, focus, and a unique perspective can lead to innovation and creativity. | # Read about successful autistic people. Plenty of famous people have been diagnosed or thought to be autistic. Strong special interests, focus, and a unique perspective can lead to innovation and creativity. | ||
| − | #* Historically, Einstein,<ref>http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn3676-einstein-and-newton-showed-signs-of-autism.html#.VIsre4vF-So</ref> Thomas Jefferson, Emily Dickinson,<ref>https://aspergersgirls.wordpress.com/famous-people-with-asd/</ref> Mozart,<ref>http://www.healthguideinfo.com/living-with-autism/p88340/</ref> and more people were thought to be autistic.<ref>http://autismmythbusters.com/general-public/famous-autistic-people/</ref> | + | #* Historically, Einstein,<ref name="rf7">http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn3676-einstein-and-newton-showed-signs-of-autism.html#.VIsre4vF-So</ref> Thomas Jefferson, Emily Dickinson,<ref name="rf8">https://aspergersgirls.wordpress.com/famous-people-with-asd/</ref> Mozart,<ref name="rf9">http://www.healthguideinfo.com/living-with-autism/p88340/</ref> and more people were thought to be autistic.<ref name="rf10">http://autismmythbusters.com/general-public/famous-autistic-people/</ref> |
| − | #* Famous autistic people today include Tim Burton,<ref>http://www.imdb.com/list/ls004013291/</ref> Susan Boyle,<ref>http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/dec/08/susan-boyle-autism</ref> Adam Young (from Owl City),<ref>http://www.citypages.com/2012-08-22/music/owl-city-s-reclusive-adam-young-opens-up/</ref> Jerry Seinfeld,<ref>http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2014/11/07/jerry-seinfeld-i-think-im-on-the-autism-spectrum--brian-williams/18641527/</ref>, Temple Grandin and more.<ref>http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/article_2086.shtml</ref> | + | #* Famous autistic people today include Tim Burton,<ref name="rf11">http://www.imdb.com/list/ls004013291/</ref> Susan Boyle,<ref name="rf12">http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/dec/08/susan-boyle-autism</ref> Adam Young (from Owl City),<ref name="rf13">http://www.citypages.com/2012-08-22/music/owl-city-s-reclusive-adam-young-opens-up/</ref> Jerry Seinfeld,<ref name="rf14">http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2014/11/07/jerry-seinfeld-i-think-im-on-the-autism-spectrum--brian-williams/18641527/</ref>, Temple Grandin and more.<ref name="rf15">http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/article_2086.shtml</ref> |
# Consider your special interests. Special interests are a clear upside of autism: you have an incredible memory about these facts, intense focus, and the ability to act like a walking encyclopedia of information whenever you want. You also get to have a lot of fun doing the things you love. | # Consider your special interests. Special interests are a clear upside of autism: you have an incredible memory about these facts, intense focus, and the ability to act like a walking encyclopedia of information whenever you want. You also get to have a lot of fun doing the things you love. | ||
#* Most non-autistic people would be jealous of the way you can recall and discuss information. | #* Most non-autistic people would be jealous of the way you can recall and discuss information. | ||
| − | # Read about the social model of disability. The social model holds that disability is not caused by defects in the brain or body, but by society's failure to accommodate and accept a certain variation.<ref>http://www.scope.org.uk/about-us/our-brand/social-model-of-disability</ref><ref>http://www.pwd.org.au/student-section/the-social-model-of-disability.html</ref> | + | # Read about the social model of disability. The social model holds that disability is not caused by defects in the brain or body, but by society's failure to accommodate and accept a certain variation.<ref name="rf16">http://www.scope.org.uk/about-us/our-brand/social-model-of-disability</ref><ref name="rf17">http://www.pwd.org.au/student-section/the-social-model-of-disability.html</ref> |
#* For example, most nearsighted people are not disabled: they are fully accommodated within society (glasses, contacts), and have the same opportunities that non-nearsighted people have. Their body can't do the same things, but technology makes up for that, so it is not an issue. | #* For example, most nearsighted people are not disabled: they are fully accommodated within society (glasses, contacts), and have the same opportunities that non-nearsighted people have. Their body can't do the same things, but technology makes up for that, so it is not an issue. | ||
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#* Options include sensory integration therapy, talk therapy, occupational therapy, special diets, behavior therapy, and seeing a psychologist for emotional issues. | #* Options include sensory integration therapy, talk therapy, occupational therapy, special diets, behavior therapy, and seeing a psychologist for emotional issues. | ||
#* Always check with a doctor before altering your diet or attempting an alternative treatment. | #* Always check with a doctor before altering your diet or attempting an alternative treatment. | ||
| − | #* [[Tell if an Autism ABA Therapy Is Harmful|Be careful about behavior therapies]]. Some therapies are based on compliance and may hurt more than helping.<ref>http://www.thinkingautismguide.com/2013/02/the-cost-of-compliance-is-unreasonable.html</ref> If your therapist's goal is to make you more normal (rather than more comfortable or more competent), or if you feel upset and anxious about seeing them, then find a better therapist. | + | #* [[Tell if an Autism ABA Therapy Is Harmful|Be careful about behavior therapies]]. Some therapies are based on compliance and may hurt more than helping.<ref name="rf18">http://www.thinkingautismguide.com/2013/02/the-cost-of-compliance-is-unreasonable.html</ref> If your therapist's goal is to make you more normal (rather than more comfortable or more competent), or if you feel upset and anxious about seeing them, then find a better therapist. |
# [[Give Up|Stop trying to do things]] that are too hard. With the media constantly encouraging people to "do your best," sometimes people forget that it's okay to quit. You do not have to put forth 110% effort all the time—this can lead to burnout. If something is draining your energy or adding a lot of stress to your life, consider not doing it anymore. Sometimes saying "I quit" is freeing. | # [[Give Up|Stop trying to do things]] that are too hard. With the media constantly encouraging people to "do your best," sometimes people forget that it's okay to quit. You do not have to put forth 110% effort all the time—this can lead to burnout. If something is draining your energy or adding a lot of stress to your life, consider not doing it anymore. Sometimes saying "I quit" is freeing. | ||
| − | #* Disability doesn't just mean that there are some things you can't do. It can also mean that some things are painful or extremely draining.<ref>http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/</ref> Give yourself permission to quit or find an alternative way. | + | #* Disability doesn't just mean that there are some things you can't do. It can also mean that some things are painful or extremely draining.<ref name="rf19">http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/</ref> Give yourself permission to quit or find an alternative way. |
# Focus on your skills and character strengths. This will help you spend less energy mourning your disability, and more energy on doing positive things and enjoying your life. | # Focus on your skills and character strengths. This will help you spend less energy mourning your disability, and more energy on doing positive things and enjoying your life. | ||
#* Spend time on your hobbies and things that you're good at. Enjoy the feeling of competence and expertise. | #* Spend time on your hobbies and things that you're good at. Enjoy the feeling of competence and expertise. | ||
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# Stop apologizing for being autistic. You have the right to ask for accommodations, stim in public, and do what you need to do in order to function. Toning down your behavior is [[Stim Discreetly|your choice]]—not something to be pushed or coerced out of you. You are not required to act more neurotypical just because everyone else is used to it. | # Stop apologizing for being autistic. You have the right to ask for accommodations, stim in public, and do what you need to do in order to function. Toning down your behavior is [[Stim Discreetly|your choice]]—not something to be pushed or coerced out of you. You are not required to act more neurotypical just because everyone else is used to it. | ||
# Recognize that autism is just one piece of who you are—a kind, thoughtful, and lovable human being. People can love you and your autism. You can love yourself and your autism. You are not a lesser person. | # Recognize that autism is just one piece of who you are—a kind, thoughtful, and lovable human being. People can love you and your autism. You can love yourself and your autism. You are not a lesser person. | ||
| − | # Talk to someone if you are overwhelmed by [[Stop Hating Yourself|self hatred]]. Anxiety, depression, and self esteem issues are unfortunately common in autistic people.<ref>http://aut.sagepub.com/content/4/2/117.short?rss=1&ssource=mfc</ref><ref>http://aut.sagepub.com/content/10/1/103.abstract</ref><ref>http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/autism_spectrum_disorder_self_esteem_teenagers.html</ref> Identify someone you trust and explain to them how awful you feel. | + | # Talk to someone if you are overwhelmed by [[Stop Hating Yourself|self hatred]]. Anxiety, depression, and self esteem issues are unfortunately common in autistic people.<ref name="rf20">http://aut.sagepub.com/content/4/2/117.short?rss=1&ssource=mfc</ref><ref name="rf21">http://aut.sagepub.com/content/10/1/103.abstract</ref><ref name="rf22">http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/autism_spectrum_disorder_self_esteem_teenagers.html</ref> Identify someone you trust and explain to them how awful you feel. |
#* If you think you may have anxiety and/or depression, schedule or ask for a doctor appointment. The doctor can give you a screening. | #* If you think you may have anxiety and/or depression, schedule or ask for a doctor appointment. The doctor can give you a screening. | ||
#* You are not being selfish or burdensome by sharing negative feelings. People can probably tell if you are feeling awful, they just don't know why or what to do. If you tell them, this is helpful to them, because then they can know what to do and worry less. | #* You are not being selfish or burdensome by sharing negative feelings. People can probably tell if you are feeling awful, they just don't know why or what to do. If you tell them, this is helpful to them, because then they can know what to do and worry less. | ||
