‘Neural noise’ could be a hidden advantage of the autistic mind
But some research, including our own study, has explored specific advantages in autism. Studies have shown that in some cognitive tasks, autistic people perform better than allistic people.
Autistic people face ignorance, prejudice and discrimination that can harm wellbeing. Poor mental and physical health, reduced social connections and increased “camouflaging” of autistic traits are some of the negative impacts that autistic people face.
So, research underlining and investigating the strengths inherent in autism can help reduce stigma, allow autistic people to be themselves and acknowledge autistic people do not require “fixing”.
The autistic brain is different. It comes with limitations, but it also has its strengths.
Are you more likely to be drawn to a physical magazine or book when the image on the cover has a person or animal making eye contact with you, or if the person or animal is looking elsewhere?
I’m wondering if discomfort with eye contact IRL also applies to pictures AND in the same way, i.e. if it would make you drawn toward it or away from it.
This might not be such an easy thing to answer, so please feel free to leave a reply with more info!
Not all autistics find eye contact uncomfortable, and not all the time. Non-autistic people can also find it uncomfortable for many different reasons. This Q is open to be answered by anyone if they wish. I’m most curious about answers from people like me, though: autistic and find eye contact uncomfortable most of the time (it’s just so intense!)
I’m asking this because most marketing research advocates for front covers of magazines featuring images of subjects making eye contact, even if the subject is an animal. They say this “establishes a personal connection” on a subconscious level.
I actually feel it’s too confrontational, personally. I usually relate more to less direct styles. But subtle eye contact can be ok, where it’s not ALL about the face making eye contact in a bold way, but about the wider context provided by the rest of the image.
Or, an autistic who isn't afraid and/or shy to share that they are actually autistic?
Or, an autistic person who is active in the autism acceptance “movement” (if we can call it that)?
Or, perhaps, an autistic who were interviewed and disclosed they're autistic?
Maybe you have other considerations or criteria that defines “openly autistic” for you?
NOTE: Being openly autistic is a choice and is not for everyone. I think it is safe to say that we all face discrimination, stereotyping, and prejudice for being actually autistics, thus, most choose not to be open about it.
However, recently, there has been a slow growth in numbers of openly autistics, and like with most things in life, we have different criteria, definitions, and cultural considerations.
Thus, I am curious what you think, personally or maybe your immediate environment or organisation, is an openly autistic person. Or, when do you consider one as openly autistic.
Again, this is not about if an autistic person should be openly autistic or not. ^_^
As an autistic myself, there are some things I should have tried but did not have the courage to do so.
Thus, my personal advice, is to encourage your autistic (and NT) children to give it a try. Don't shield them because you “love them a lot”. Once they grow up, like in my experience, they will secretly always think, “I should've done this and that and see what happened, and maybe my life would be better”.
Here are some in my case:
Voice acting. Our teachers, my classmates, and later work colleagues, have always said I can do well in reading. They feel the emotions and get immersed in the story.
That's how far I did it. Today, I'm thinking, I should've taken a voice acting lesson, and maybe work as a voice actor.
Physical labour. I'm not choosy when it comes to job, especially at my current age, a job is a job. (As long as it isn't a crime and immoral, of course.) Sadly, I was shielded from it because they “love me so much and don't want me to go through what they went through in life”.
The result of that wasn't good at all. I got stuck in office and BPO for a long time, and now it is so hard to move careers. My heart is in service and “people watching”, and to this day, it is so hard to get into a hotel-type of work. They either want you to have graduated in Business Administration or Hotel & Restaurant Management courses; or can carry a 30 kg baggage. Both of which I don't have.
I had to take B.S. Mathematics and Computer Science because, well, that's what they told me… office work.
You see, your “love” and not wanting your children to go through what you went through, can be detrimental for your children. It's fine to shield them, but it is also very easy for that shielding to limit your children's future.
This is especially important for us autistics who are already experiencing discrimination at work, and prejudice against hiring an autistic.
Instead of overprotecting your children, work with them. Identify what they want and see what can be done with it. If what they want would lead to “disaster” then nudge them gently to better options. Options, plural, not “what you want”.
There are autistics who can join the workforce, and in various capacities. Encourage us and guide us, but don't be overprotective and showing only one path. It might look good at that point in time, but how about the future?
Provoked by a dollop of hopeful shame, there are times I still wonder if I’m “on the spectrum”. Then something about human society wallops me right into “Yes. Yes, I really am so bloody autistic.” No matter how consummately I try to emulate, anticipate, script, conscript, or model it… neurotypical human social brouhaha is a game I can never ever really play at, never mind win.
I’m too old to really care to try anymore. So… cheers to us. 🥂
You mentioned, you've only watched the first episode? In Episode 3, IIRC, it was a case about another #Autistic, and she explained to her co-workers that #Autism is a spectrum.
If you judge it by its cover, you'll miss the objective of the show. They cannot possibly pack everything in a single episode just to appease the audience. 😉
Secondly. An autistic like her does exist. It is not exaggerated. You are just different from her. 🙂 Saying she's exaggerated is indirectly telling those like her as "you're exaggerating". Think about it.
Third. Many #ActuallyAutistics approved of that show far more than most other shows (#TV and #Movies) about autism.
Fourth. The show also exposed and brought to the surface, the many discrimination, stereotypes, and prejudice, the autistic community faces daily. Even in the realm of romance.
The thing about EAW is that, the audience reaction during its run compliments the show.
For example, when EAW touched on romance, there were audiences who showed their true colours with comments like "people with mental disability should not enter into a relationship nor have kids, they'll only spread their disease", etc.
That kind of people were the target of the show, and the show made them reveal their true colours.
Fifth. The show changed lives. Not everyone, obviously, but it did. Like mine.
I used to mask a lot. I used to hide that I am autistic. But because of EAW, it gave me courage to stand against discrimination, stereotypes, and prejudices; as well as, to be #OpenlyAutistic. It was helpful for my mental health and identity.
I am NOT saying that those who chose to still mask are not doing anything to fight the prejudice. NO. It is a personal matter, and it depends on where you are and your culture. For me, the reason I was masking a lot was because I'm tired of the discrimination. I grew up thinking "something is wrong with me" and "this is the way to do things to be accepted by society".
So, me going open is a fight against the wrong things I personally experienced and the things wrong around me. It is deeply personal. I hope no one misinterprets me on this.
Conclusion: Was EAW perfect?
Of course it isn't. However, based on the number of productions I've seen "about autistics" and where "autistic characters were included just for the sake of including", EAW was the best so far.
The actress herself was a psychology graduate. She initially did not want to take on the role because she's fully aware how important it is to get it right, and it is impossible to appeal to autistics, after all, autism is a spectrum. There will always be "that's not how I am" or "that's not how my relative is".
They made her character a mix of various autistic characteristics. In the latter episodes, they even depicted a meltdown and shutdown, and she did a very good job. I highly applauded her for that scene.
You mentioned, you've only watched the first episode? In Episode 3, IIRC, it was a case about another #Autistic, and she explained to her co-workers that #Autism is a spectrum.
If you judge it by its cover, you'll miss the objective of the show. They cannot possibly pack everything in a single episode. 😉
Secondly. An autistic like her does exist. It is not exaggerated. You are just different from her. 🙂 Saying she's exaggerated is indirectly telling those like her as "you're exaggerating". Think about it.
Third. Many #ActuallyAutistics approved of that show far more than most other shows (#TV and #Movies) about autism.
Fourth. The show also exposed and brought to the surface, the many discrimination, stereotypes, and prejudice, the autistic community faces daily. Even in the realm of romance.
The thing about EAW is that, the audience reaction during its run compliments the show.
For example, when EAW touched on romance, there were audiences who showed their true colours with comments like "people with mental disability should not enter into a relationship nor have kids, they'll only spread their disease", etc.
That kind of people were the target of the show, and the show made them reveal their true colours.
Fifth. The show changed lives. Not everyone, obviously, but it did. Like mine.
I used to mask a lot. I used to hide that I am autistic. But because of EAW, it gave me courage to stand against discrimination, stereotypes, and prejudices; as well as, to be #OpenlyAutistic. It was helpful for my mental health and identity.
I am NOT saying that those who chose to still mask are not doing anything to fight the prejudice. NO. It is a personal matter, and it depends on where you are and your culture. For me, the reason I was masking a lot was because I'm tired of the discrimination. I grew up thinking "something is wrong with me" and "this is the way to do things to be accepted by society".
So, me going open is a fight against the wrong things I personally experienced. It is deeply personal.
Conclusion: Was EAW perfect?
Of course it isn't. However, based on the number of productions I've seen "about autistics" and where "autistic characters were included just for the sake of including", EAW was the best so far.
The actress herself was a psychology graduate. She initially did not want to take on the role because she's fully aware how important it is to get it right, and it is impossible to appeal to autistics, after all, autism is a spectrum. There will always be "that's not how I am" or "that's not how my relative is".
They made her character a mix of various autistic characteristics. In the latter episodes, they even depicted a meltdown and shutdown, and she did a very good job. I highly applauded her for that scene.
To quote two:
“If your workplace is dominated by extroverts who criticize those who prefer to work alone — or skip after-work cocktails — as “not team players,” it may inadvertently alienate gifted people.”
“there is no difference in conforming responses given to high- and low-pressure levels by introverts.”
It feels like they described #autistic me. Then again, I'm an #INFP ( / #Introvert) type of autistic, so it fits.
In addition, I experienced that “not team players” from some managers from a certain company years ago. I don't join after-work cocktails, or any party, and was branded as “not a team player” by some of those in position. I was actually very glad I did not because I later found out they force people to drink, and I can't because I have #gout (other than the fact, you can't make me drink if I don't want to).
Anyway. What about you, my fellow #ActuallyAutistics? Or, are you an extrovert autistic yet still find similarities from the article and studies mentioned in it?
> For this reason, autistic communities prefer the use of identity-first language.
I'll be surprised if #Autism NGOs doesn't lobby against that.
The “person-first” language is strong in many members of autism NGOs in the country.
Majority of it are a “go” for me. I'm just 50-50 on the database part. While I understand why, it lacks requirement on ensuring the privacy and security of such a database; and a bulleted list and details on what that data will be used for. It should be specific, not broad. Otherwise, I think it is best not to build that database.
We've already seen how useless the #SIMregistration is. They pushed for it simply to collect data. They used scams and spams as a reason, and though people were warned against the uselessness of #SIMreg, the majority fell for it. (We're getting 100% more scams and spams after it was implemented.)
I've been seeing an increase in discussions (within the autistic community on another social media platform) about whether the term "disorder" is a fitting and acceptable descriptor of #autism.
What do you think, my fellow autistics? Do you have a disorder?
@obrerx@actuallyautistic In my case, I would definitely say it's more disorder than not. That said, I have seen that not all #ActuallyAutistics have found it to be so. So I'd say that the use of disorder really depends on each person's individual situation, and how being #ActuallyAutistic impacts a persons life. I guess I'd sum my perspective on it up as saying, not all autistics have ASD, but some of us do.
It gets ask oftentimes why an #Autistic person would choose not getting an official diagnosis.
Some clarification first:
“Official diagnosis” = recorded in your file (which also reflects in your government record, usually).
“Unofficial diagnosis” = not recorded in your file
“Self diagnosis” = self-diagnosis, which typically take years of study before the person comes up with their final self diagnosis.
Now back to the topic.
A common reason is: to have an option to not disclose it. Consider the following:
There are countries which won't allow a visitor (regardless of purpose), or a migrant, to enter without declaring someone already living there; or without a companion.
Jobs. While some countries require companies to have at least 1% of their workforce to be from the PWD community, they won't pick an autistic person. (Note: this is a job where the autistic person is safe, and qualified.)
Generally, if your diagnosis is “official” (it was placed on record), and a situation arises where you are obligated to declare your health and disability, you have no choice but to disclose.
But if your diagnosis is “unofficial” (not on record), then you have an option not to disclose. No record = no record. (Of course, some will find a way to justify that “you know it and you still did not disclose it”. Though ironically, if there was no incident, they won't even acknowledge your disclosure.)
There are also disadvantages to it, like not enjoying government and NGO support. For example, in the #Philippines, you'll enjoy tax deductions (income tax) and discounts (public transportation, cinema, grocery, and so on).
So, yes, please remember that #ActuallyAutistics who chose to have their formal diagnosis as “unofficial”, they chose to have an option to not disclose. Not only that, they potentially sacrificed any benefits and support they might need later. (Don't forget, diagnosis is also expensive in many countries and still they chose not to put it on record.)
Bottom-line, don't dismiss, don't laugh, don't discriminate against #Autistics who decided to have an “unofficial diagnosis” and “self diagnosis”. They have their reasons, you more likely than not are not aware of. Reasons that probably doesn't exist in your country, but an issue in theirs.
For example, mine is “unofficial”. Other than the reasons I listed above, there is another important reason: family. There are family members from their generation where they'll be devastated if someone's “officially” recorded as PWD psychologically. (Ironic, one of them I suspect to be autistic as well.)
As an #Asian, the #family unit is very indispensable for us. I'd rather make the sacrifice because I know I won't pass this way of thinking to the next generation. (Trust me, there are times when I want to afford the benefits stated in our law for PWDs.)
I voted earlier today. We have two, one for Barangay (Town) and one for Sanguniang Kabataan (SK or Youth Council).
The election rep handling the ballots asked for my ID because he had to confirm my age.
SK (Youth Council) is open for 15 to 30 years old voters.
I look like I'm in my late 20s.
While he did not ask me for my age, better to confirm it with an ID to avoid election fraud, when people ask me, I used to say, "I stopped counting at 30" (now it's 28). It's half-joke, the other half is the truth, people do mistake me to be in my late 20s.
Many #ActuallyAutistics, for some reason, look half their actual age once we enter adulthood. I'm not aware of any scientific explanation regarding this, but it has been observed.
For me, this was not the first time. I was always mistaken to be underage (under 18) until I hit 25-27. It was always funny whenever I was with friends or colleagues because they all reacted. 🤣
It was a 5–10-year gap. Now it's a 20+ year gap. Maybe one day, there will be a 30-year gap with my actual age.
1 + 7 = 8, although an even number, it symbolises infinity and eternity, and us #ActuallyAutistics
13 is also special.
A Prime
An Odd
A Fibonacci number
And depending on whom you ask:
The 8th Fibonacci number
The 7th Fibonacci number
Ironically:
The anniversary of my first romantic relationship was on: 1997-07-17. It was my first love who picked that, and she had no idea what my favourite numbers are.
My height is 175 cm or 5'7.5" to 5'8.5" (depending on whom you ask).
Favourite time of the day: 07:00 and 19:00 (7pm). 19 is the 8th Prime. (There's 8 again.)
It describes it as:
“Autistic burnout is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic life stress and a mismatch of expectations and abilities without adequate supports. It is characterized by pervasive, long-term (typically 3+ months) exhaustion, loss of function, and reduced tolerance to stimulus.” ~Raymaker et al, 2020
Typically the Autistic person in question will still have multiple demands in their life that require cognitive resources, despite having little to no resources left to give. Life goes on, as they say.
Something to which I've never admitted, and here I am posting it publicly...
How many of we #ActuallyAutistics have quietly, secretly nursed the dream that we could reach people with some talent? Singing? Playing an instrument? Writing? Use some innate talent or skill to connect in ways we can't seem to manage otherwise?