I'm reposting my old post from last year, 25 Things I Know as an Autistic Person from NeuroTribes. I will be posting my entry for this year later tonight.
25 Things I Know as an Autistic Person
by Corina Becker
1. I know that when I step outside my door each day, I enter a world
that doesn’t understand me. To me the world is a wondrous, confusing
place that I must work hard to navigate. I often wonder how everyone
else can stand to handle existence.
2. I know that if people really want to understand Autism, they
should be listening to Autistic people. We are the experts of Autistic
experience. Ignoring us won’t make us go away.
3. I know that I do not suffer from Autism. I suffer from a lack of understanding and support.
4. I know that being “high functioning” does not mean not being disabled. It means that my disabilities are invisible.
5. I know that having a disability does not mean inability.
6. I know that Autism isn’t what you think. I dare you to think differently.
7. I know that after the whirlwind of childhood, and the emotional
minefield of adolescence, I emerged as an adult — still as Autistic as
before, and still an adult, with all that entails.
8. I know that what is normal for me is not always normal for you. I
know better than to act upon the assumption that “normal” is the same
for everyone.
9. I know that if you meet one Autistic person, you’ve met one
Autistic person. The experiences, difficulties, strengths, personality
and characteristics of one Autistic person does not reflect upon all of
them.
10. I know that there’s a difference between not being able to communicate and not having anything to say.
11. I know that the world is an intense place. It screeches and
screams, burns, freezes, and bursts into brilliance. It’s a place where
words are too small to express the explosion of emotions flowing out of
me — a place where words have yet to be invented to express a fraction
of the howling fury of frustration and panic, the aching heartbreak, the
stabs of betrayal and embarrassment, the abyss of despair and
confusion, the weightless ecstasy of joy, the soaring heights of pure
wonder, and the warm embrace of security that I feel.
12. I know there are times when people just don’t make sense, but I
try my hardest to understand, even if I’m not very successful. I know
that even when I can understand, it doesn’t mean that I know what to do.
13. I know that what’s called a lack of social skills for me — and
requires me to undergo therapy when I mess up — is considered being rude
for everyone else.
14. I know that lashing out isn’t the right way to handle things, but
some days it’s the only way to deal with the thunder in myself.
Sometimes it’s only my rage that lets me focus on what needs to be done.
15. I know that no amount of time is enough to fully fade the most
intense memories; they stay just as sharp, crisp and clear as the day
they happened.
16. I know sometimes the only other people who understand are those
like me. But just because we’re similar doesn’t mean we’ll always get
along.
17. I know that humans aren’t perfect. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t
try our best, but we should realize that we all have our limitations
and we need to put things into perspective. A mistake isn’t the end of
the world.
18. I know that sometimes you need to let yourself fall apart so you
can pick yourself up again and carry on. Nothing lasts forever — the bad
or the good.
19. I know that one smile can go a long way.
20. I know that there’s no force in the universe that can make me
give up my interests, my “obsessions” and perseverations. These are my
strengths, the passions I breathe through my being. I will not let them
go without a fight.
21. I know the deep, dark fear of being alone, the stabbing pain of thoughtless words, and the empowering strength of friends.
22. I know you can have an excellent conversation without saying a single word.
23. I know that best friends are those who stay with you through all
sorts of pain and struggle, who you would do everything you can to help
without being asked.
24. I know that things don’t have to make sense when you’re having fun.
25. I know that diversity leads to the development, invention and
creation of new ideas. Differences in thinking should not be shunned but
celebrated and embraced. When we all work together to support one
another, we can make a huge difference in the world.
To raising Autism awareness and Acceptance, and battling negative stereotypes about Autism. To advocate for the inclusion of Autistic people in the community. To offer a forum to broadcast our stories and thoughts, and to help the messages of Autistic people and non-Austistic allies reach as many people as possible.
Showing posts with label 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2010. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Autism Simulation (2010 contribution)
(Summer 0 has graciously allowed us to post her entry for ASDay 2010, so that we can show you an example of a contribution and how we are setting up posts. We ask that every participant submitting an contribution post tell us whether we have permission to repost it here, with links to the original post. If we do have permission, we'll post it with the appropriate label tags. If something is considered to contain Triggering material, we will do a short summary of the post, with the Triggering topics, put the entry under a "Read More" cut, as well as a link to the original post.
This entry is trigger-free.
Summer originally posted this on her Facebook. Only changes that have been made are some minor editing of paragraphs for easier readability.)
As some of you may know, two events have been scheduled worldwide for today, November 1--Communication Shutdown and Autistics Speaking Day. The former is a movement from certain charities encouraging people to stay off of Twitter, Facebook, and other networking sites in order to experience the lack of communication many autistic people experience. The latter is a counter-movement to demonstrate that autistic people do have a voice by sharing their experiences while NTs (neurotypicals, or non-autistic people) remain silent. Both events are trying to get neurotypicals to understand what autism is like. In some ways, they both do, but really they barely scratch the surface.
Now, I understand that the only way to really know what autism is like is to be autistic. I also understand that not everyone with autism is alike and may not experience things the way I do. However, if you NTs really want to simulate autism so that you can have real empathy, I have some suggestions to try perhaps for next year.
--Spend the day daydreaming. Really, don't turn your brain off. Keep it engaged somehow. Perhaps read or listen to music (preferably instrumental), and try to picture a scenario with it. Whatever you choose, do whatever you can to keep your imagination going.
--Interact with your environment. Amanda Baggs says in her video "In My Language" that some of the things she does that are perceived by others as socially unacceptable, she does to communicate and interact with the world around her. Find some way to do that. Do something you haven't done since you were a child that gave you so much wonder that you had to do it again and again. Spin around and around in a desk chair and stop to get over the dizzyness. Speak into a fan. Run your hands under water. Flap your hands in front of your eyes and watch as fingers appear and disappear. Capture that wonder again.
--Find a stim. Do some kind of repetative behavior over and over and see how it feels. Twiddle your thumbs. Tap your fingers. If you have jewelry on, like a necklace, keep fiddling it. Here's one of my favorites--get a gum wrapper with aluminum foil and peel off the foil. Whatever it is, don't do it just a couple of times; try to do it most of the day.
--Delve into your favorite topic. If you like a TV show, go to Wikipedia and IMBD and find out all the information you can on the actors and the crew. If you like sports, learn all the stats of every player on your favorite team (that shouldn't be too hard for some of you). Or you can just pick another subject and google it, clinking on every link you see. Take notes if you want and see how much you can remember by the end of the day.
--Try to notice the details. Look for patterns in wallpaper or the bathroom tile. Get up close if you have to. Listen for sounds you don't normally hear, like the hum of the lights above your head, and ask yourelf if it's calming or irritating.
Even this barely scratches the surface. This doesn't get into social interaction or resistance to change. There are some things that go on with me that I don't want to talk about. But at least this gives you some ideas of things to try while you're not on Facebook and/or listening to autistics speaking. This could help you empathize more. I know some of these might not be pratical to do in public or when you're at work. If you want to wait until you're alone at home, that's your decision, but remember we have to face this 24/7, public, private, whatever.
Oh, and one more challenge--if you decide to do these things next November 1, on November 2, write down why you still think autism should be cured.
This entry is trigger-free.
Summer originally posted this on her Facebook. Only changes that have been made are some minor editing of paragraphs for easier readability.)
As some of you may know, two events have been scheduled worldwide for today, November 1--Communication Shutdown and Autistics Speaking Day. The former is a movement from certain charities encouraging people to stay off of Twitter, Facebook, and other networking sites in order to experience the lack of communication many autistic people experience. The latter is a counter-movement to demonstrate that autistic people do have a voice by sharing their experiences while NTs (neurotypicals, or non-autistic people) remain silent. Both events are trying to get neurotypicals to understand what autism is like. In some ways, they both do, but really they barely scratch the surface.
Now, I understand that the only way to really know what autism is like is to be autistic. I also understand that not everyone with autism is alike and may not experience things the way I do. However, if you NTs really want to simulate autism so that you can have real empathy, I have some suggestions to try perhaps for next year.
--Spend the day daydreaming. Really, don't turn your brain off. Keep it engaged somehow. Perhaps read or listen to music (preferably instrumental), and try to picture a scenario with it. Whatever you choose, do whatever you can to keep your imagination going.
--Interact with your environment. Amanda Baggs says in her video "In My Language" that some of the things she does that are perceived by others as socially unacceptable, she does to communicate and interact with the world around her. Find some way to do that. Do something you haven't done since you were a child that gave you so much wonder that you had to do it again and again. Spin around and around in a desk chair and stop to get over the dizzyness. Speak into a fan. Run your hands under water. Flap your hands in front of your eyes and watch as fingers appear and disappear. Capture that wonder again.
--Find a stim. Do some kind of repetative behavior over and over and see how it feels. Twiddle your thumbs. Tap your fingers. If you have jewelry on, like a necklace, keep fiddling it. Here's one of my favorites--get a gum wrapper with aluminum foil and peel off the foil. Whatever it is, don't do it just a couple of times; try to do it most of the day.
--Delve into your favorite topic. If you like a TV show, go to Wikipedia and IMBD and find out all the information you can on the actors and the crew. If you like sports, learn all the stats of every player on your favorite team (that shouldn't be too hard for some of you). Or you can just pick another subject and google it, clinking on every link you see. Take notes if you want and see how much you can remember by the end of the day.
--Try to notice the details. Look for patterns in wallpaper or the bathroom tile. Get up close if you have to. Listen for sounds you don't normally hear, like the hum of the lights above your head, and ask yourelf if it's calming or irritating.
Even this barely scratches the surface. This doesn't get into social interaction or resistance to change. There are some things that go on with me that I don't want to talk about. But at least this gives you some ideas of things to try while you're not on Facebook and/or listening to autistics speaking. This could help you empathize more. I know some of these might not be pratical to do in public or when you're at work. If you want to wait until you're alone at home, that's your decision, but remember we have to face this 24/7, public, private, whatever.
Oh, and one more challenge--if you decide to do these things next November 1, on November 2, write down why you still think autism should be cured.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Last year's ASDay participants
I thought it would be a good time to remind everyone of the participants of last year's ASDay. Here is the list I made then.
1. Action for Autism’s Mike Stanton explains why Communication Shutdown is offensive, and what it is like when autistic people shut down in real life. http://actionforautism.co.uk/2010/11/01/today-is-autistics-speaking-day/
34. John Elder Robinson posts his support here. http://www.facebook.com/JohnElderRobison
38. Julian Edward Frost posts on his own experience with autism. http://autismjungle.wordpress.com/2010/11/01/autistics-spoke-and-you-listened/
75. Zachary Lassiter on why many autistic people won’t be participating in Communication Shutdown. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HwgbMTmR3I
76. I missed Nick Walker's post before, but here it is now. http://nickykaa.com/2010/11/an-autistic-speaking/
77. Also missed Jo's blog post here about the difficulties she has encountered raising a son with Asperger's. http://mumtoj.wordpress.com/2010/10/27/an-explanation/
78. Wendy on alt med, food allergies, and other things. http://raisingbutterfly.blogspot.com/
79. Spectrummy Mummy on her experiences with Autistics Speaking Day. http://spectrummymummy.wordpress.com/2010/11/02/an-ongoing-dialogue/
1. Action for Autism’s Mike Stanton explains why Communication Shutdown is offensive, and what it is like when autistic people shut down in real life. http://actionforautism.co.uk/2010/11/01/today-is-autistics-speaking-day/
2. Alexander Cheezem writes an awesome open letter to Buzz Aldrin. http://aspieperspective.blogspot.com/2010/11/open-letter-to-buzz-aldrin.html
3. Allecto on dispelling myths about autism. http://allecto.tumblr.com/post/1456668266/autisticsspeaking
4. Alysia Krasnow Butler on her own son’s autism diagnosis and her friend’s son’s recent unexpected diagnosis. A beautiful post. http://trydefyinggravity.wordpress.com/2010/10/31/voices-carry/
5. Amanda Forest Vivian on problems with the kinds of things non-autistics are trying to “fix” in autistic people. This is really awesome and you should read it if you’re not familiar with the concepts of “ableism” and why it’s not necessary or even beneficial to “pass” for non-autistic. http://adeepercountry.blogspot.com/2010/11/autistics-speaking-day-post.html
6. Ari Ne’eman from the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network on Communication Shutdown and Autistics Speaking Day. http://www.autisticadvocacy.org/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=122
7. AS Parenting has an awesome article on autism (including nonverbal autism) and advocacy. http://www.asparenting.com/2010/11/01/asd-autistics-speaking-day/
8. ASD Mommy-I don’t know this blogger’s name, but it is a good post. http://asdmommy.wordpress.com/2010/11/01/i-will-not-be-silent/
9. A.S.S.G.O. (AS Support Group Online)’s post for Autistics Speaking Day. http://www.assupportgrouponline.org/apps/blog/show/5212238-supporting-autistics-speaking-day
10. Bev from Asperger Square 8 on communications and other things. http://aspergersquare8.blogspot.com/2010/11/squawk.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FZooX+%28Asperger+Square+8%29
11. Brigy Staples on the double standards people use with autistic people. http://speakingon.wordpress.com/2010/11/01/autistics-speaking-day/
12. Britt Kravets on social interaction and acceptance for the whole spectrum. http://blackbird3398.wordpress.com/2010/11/01/autistics-speaking/
13. Clay on Autistics Speaking Day; also contains Ari Ne’eman’s post. http://cometscorner-clay.blogspot.com/2010/11/ari-neeman-on-autistics-speaking-day.html
14. Codeman busting myths about autism. http://aut.zone38.net/2010/11/01/speaking-up-for-autism/
15. The Coffee Klatch on their Twitter event, which you should totally check out if you have Twitter. http://thecoffeeklatchblog.blogspot.com/
16. Corabelle Li Crol on the power of the Internet and autistic people. http://aspiegirlworld.blogspot.com/2010/11/autistics-speaking-day-post.html
17. Corina Becker’s guest blog on things she knows as an autistic person, and her post on her own blog for Autistics Speaking Day. http://blogs.plos.org/neurotribes/2010/10/31/corina-becker-communication-shutdown-for-autism-awareness-no-thanks/ http://nostereotypeshere.blogspot.com/2010/11/autistic-speaking-out-loud.html
18. Craig Thompson posted a video about autism and communication. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wEO2oJ-qKc
19. Cripchick (Stacy Milbern) on the dangers of donating to non-profit autism organizations that are all about profit and do nothing for autistic people. http://blog.cripchick.com/archives/8612
20. Danillion on the Internet and autism. http://dannilion.com/2010/11/autistics-speaking-day-autism-communication-and-the-internet/
21. Darcy Reed is an autistic writer who writes beautiful poetry. http://spectrumhouseart.com/5Darcy1.html
22. Ed Ised had posted some things that I don’t quite agree with but his voice deserves to be heard as much as anyone’s. http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%253A%252F%252Fdiversityrules.typepad.com%252Fmy_weblog%252F2010%252F11%252Fowning-ideas-and-selling-autism-awareness.html&h=2ff90&ref=nf
23. Elaine Caul on awareness. http://one-autistic-in-ireland.blogspot.com/2010/11/but-you-look-normal.html
23. Elaine Caul on awareness. http://one-autistic-in-ireland.blogspot.com/2010/11/but-you-look-normal.html
24. Elspeth Thorne on growing up with autism. http://ysabet.thorne.id.au/2010/10/on-growing-up-as-alien-robot-among.html
25. Emily on autism and bullying. http://daisymayfattypants.blogspot.com/2010/11/autism-and-bulling.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FZgJi+%28A+life+less+ordinary%3F%29
26. Estee Klar on the dangers of trying to normalize autistic people with medication. http://www.esteeklar.com/2010/11/01/what-are-the-lies-we-believe/
27. Gavin Bollard on why a day of silence doesn’t work. http://life-with-aspergers.blogspot.com/2010/11/day-of-silence.html
28. Gaynell on the harm that society has allowed to be done to autistic people, particularly on physical abuse and restraint. This is an important issue in the community right now. http://wildflowersforjade.blogspot.com/2010/11/autistics-speaking-day-autism-mom.html
29. Gerry Lockhart on ASDay. http://www.asandtheirpartners.org/as-resources/16-interesting-articles/333-autistics-speaking-day.html
30. Heather Sedlock on her autistic son’s life. http://heatherbabes.autisable.com/734878474/thom-part-2/
31. Ian on his experiences with autism. http://youhaventmetyourselfyet.blogspot.com/
32. Jennefer explains what she would like people to know about her three-year-old autistic son, referred to here as HRH. http://www.thekingandeye.com/2010/11/communications-shutdown-day-for-autism.html
33. Jill with some general info on autism and ASDay. http://bookish-nerd.livejournal.com/13273.html
34. John Elder Robinson posts his support here. http://www.facebook.com/JohnElderRobison
35. John Scot Thorburn on how autistic voices should be heard. http://colorvalues.blogspot.com/2010/11/autistics-speaking-day.html
36. Julia on needing to talk. http://flashbackdreamsequence.blogspot.com/2010/11/we-need-to-talk.html
37. Julia Charlotte’s Anatomy of an Autistic. http://www.facebook.com/notes/julia-charlotte/anatomy-of-an-autistic/464893465232
38. Julian Edward Frost posts on his own experience with autism. http://autismjungle.wordpress.com/2010/11/01/autistics-spoke-and-you-listened/
39. Karen Baum writes her first blog post on Autistics Speaking Day, for which I am honored. http://theautisticstepmom.blogspot.com/2010/11/autistics-speaking-day.html
40. Karin has written several posts for today, which can be viewed here: http://bewaretheaspie.blogspot.com/
41. Kassiane on what she can tell you and explain about living with autism, and being on your autistic kid’s side. http://timetolisten.blogspot.com/2010/11/inaugural-post-autistics-speak-day.html and http://timetolisten.blogspot.com/2010/11/im-on-your-kid.html
42. Kathleen on autistic people and communication. http://autismherd.blogspot.com/2010/11/autistic-people-communicate.html
43. Kathryn Bjornstad writes about Autistics Speaking Day and shares a list of participants. http://autistickat.blogspot.com/2010/11/autistics-speaking-day-is-today.html
44. Kerry Cohen on her autistic son, who she has written a memoir about. http://www.kerry-cohen.com/musings.html
45. Kevin Healey shares the voices of autistic people. http://www.kevinhealey.net/?p=1056
46. Kim Wombles on supporting autistic people instead of shutting down. http://kwomblescountering.blogspot.com/2010/10/supporting-autistics-whoever-they-are.html
47. Leah Jane on how the Internet made it possible for her autism club to pull off a successful event. http://quixoticautistic.blogspot.com/2010/11/autistics-speaking-day.html and on the aftermath of ASDay http://quixoticautistic.blogspot.com/2010/11/aftermath.html
48. Lindsay on listening to disabled people. http://autistscorner.blogspot.com/2010/11/stop-look-and-listen-its-autistics.html
50. Maddy Keene on her experience with autism/Asperger’s. http://mmkeene.deviantart.com/journal/35987525/
49. Luna Lightning on her own experiences with autism and life in general. http://spin-infinity.blogspot.com/2010/11/introduction.html
50. Maddy Keene on her experience with autism/Asperger’s. http://mmkeene.deviantart.com/journal/35987525/
51. Matt Friedman explains how social media has helped him and why autistics must speak for themselves. http://dudeimanaspie.blogspot.com/2010/11/autistics-speaking-day-path-to.html
52. Maya Brown-Zimmerman on battles with the early intervention system. http://marfmom.com/archives/2656
53. Melissa Fields on not feeling welcome in the non-autistic world. http://iamautistic---thisismylife.blogspot.com/2010/10/autistic-i-am.html
54. Nicole Nicholson shares an awesome poem with us for Autistics Speaking Day. She is also sharing other poems, so check them out. http://ravenswingpoetry.com/2010/11/01/wwp-poem-26-back-door-blues/#more-2517
55. Ole Ferme L'Oeil on the wide range of people in the autism spectrum; also includes some awesome links to other important blog posts that you should check out. http://humainsvolants.blogspot.com/2010/11/autistics-speaking-day-jour-de-parole.html
56. Pamela Harvey on the use of silence. http://thestampedenvelope.blogspot.com/2010/11/using-silence.html
57. Paula C. Durbin-Westby shares her e-mail to Buzz Aldrin about Communication Shutdown and Autistics Speaking Day. http://paulacdurbinwestbyautisticblog.blogspot.com/2010/10/facebook-message-to-buzz-aldrin.html
58. Rachel Cohen-Rottenberg on empathy and communication. http://www.journeyswithautism.com/2010/11/01/speaking-my-mind-and-heart/
59. Sandy challenges the idea that verbal communication is the best form of communication. http://www.aspieteacher.com/2010/11/press-pound-for-more-options/
60. Sarah Schneider on Autistics Speaking Day. http://www.kitaiskasandwich.com/2010/10/31/autistics-speaking-day-november/ and http://bit.ly/dkFBp4
61. Savannah posts poems about her experiences with autism. http://crackedmirrorinshalott.wordpress.com/2010/11/01/poem-articulate/
62. Scottish Mum on why Communication Shutdown is not for her. http://scottishmum.com/?p=85
63. Shanti writes about her life, selective mutism, and her obsessions. http://latedx.wordpress.com/2010/10/31/celebrating-autism/
64. Shelly Valladolid on autistic special interests and their validity. I don’t know a better way to put it; it’s a short but good post. http://stillfabulous.blogspot.com/2010/11/fab-speaks.html
65. Socrates from the New Republic on Autistics Speaking Day. http://the-newrepublic.blogspot.com/2010/11/autistics-speaking-day.html
65. Socrates from the New Republic on Autistics Speaking Day. http://the-newrepublic.blogspot.com/2010/11/autistics-speaking-day.html
66. Stuart Duncan on breakdowns in communication. http://www.stuartduncan.name/autism-communication/communication-breaking-it-down/
67. Sunday Stillwell writes an informative post on Autistics Speaking Day. http://www.extremeparenthood.com/2010/11/autism-shoutout-loud-and-proud.html
68. Sullivan from Left Brain/Right Brain will be returning to Facebook today. http://leftbrainrightbrain.co.uk/2010/11/catch-me-on-facebook-november-1/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LeftBrain%2FrightBrain+%28Left+Brain%2FRight+Brain%29
and here http://leftbrainrightbrain.co.uk/2010/11/autistics-spoke-and-you-listened/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LeftBrain%2FrightBrain+%28Left+Brain%2FRight+Brain%29
69. TMBMT on the pain of growing up undiagnosed. http://tmbmt.livejournal.com/26305.html
70. Tony Belcastro writes about what autism is like for him and how it has affected his life. http://elsmystery.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=3&Itemid=43
71. Toxicology Doc on communication. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idszVltvc3Y
72. Unstrange Mind on what you would have to do to really understand how her autism affects her. Hint: it’s not turning off your computer. http://unstrangemind.wordpress.com/2010/11/01/will-turning-off-your-computer-for-one-day-teach-you-what-its-like-to-be-autistic/
73. The Untoward Lady on autism and love. http://vibratingsquare.blogspot.com/2010/11/reclaiming-love.html
74. Vector’s post for ASDay. http://thautcast.com/drupal5/content/voices-autistics-speaking-day-alex-olinkiewicz
75. Zachary Lassiter on why many autistic people won’t be participating in Communication Shutdown. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HwgbMTmR3I
76. I missed Nick Walker's post before, but here it is now. http://nickykaa.com/2010/11/an-autistic-speaking/
77. Also missed Jo's blog post here about the difficulties she has encountered raising a son with Asperger's. http://mumtoj.wordpress.com/2010/10/27/an-explanation/
78. Wendy on alt med, food allergies, and other things. http://raisingbutterfly.blogspot.com/
79. Spectrummy Mummy on her experiences with Autistics Speaking Day. http://spectrummymummy.wordpress.com/2010/11/02/an-ongoing-dialogue/
80. Elesia Ashkenazy's ASDay post. http://aspitude.blogspot.com/2010/11/autistics-speaking-day-2010.html
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