Ten Things an Autistic Adult Wants You to Know

[KamaAina]

No, not me.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/ten-things-an-autistic-adult-wants-you-to-know-1431463652

1. I remember conversations from when I was two and phone numbers I haven’t seen in two years. But I need direct support in the grocery store and when crossing the street. The first sounds impossible and the second ridiculous to most people, but it’s the only normal I know.

2. Just because I have the words to type it doesn’t mean I have the words to say it, and when I do say it, it’s rarely as I wish I could. Sometimes, I can explain my quirks; other times, I need a keyboard and some time.

3. I never like being too loud or interrupting or getting upset at a noise, especially in public. It takes a lot of effort to manage my interactions and reactions—and sometimes I still fail.

4. If I ask a question or say I don’t get it, it means I’m confused. Please don’t make me feel worse. I don’t laugh when others flop at recalling a date or the spelling of a word—things that are effortless for me.

Two years?! I remember my phone number from Cockeysville, Md. in the early '70s: [phone]!

[lumberjack_jeff]

1. Something I've learned to do from working with people on the spectrum.

Ask the question, then shut the hell up. I've gotten comfortable with long silences, and I'll get a thoughtful answer if I don't interrupt him while he's composing it.

[notemason]

2. That is a wise observation, lumberjack

As an older Asperger I would expect you to find those answers rich with deep insights.