Adults On The Autism Spectrum

we have to make being autistic neurodiverse as not threatening or intimidating and to mingle and interact with able bodied peoples and make them comfortable with us warts and all

@teresa,hopeful33250 , I was so excited when I saw her bracelet. Of course, I ended up telling her that I was Autistic as well, and we chatted a bit about some of the common misconceptions people have about Autism. We just about had a support group meeting right in the middle of the store!

I told her about Mayo Clinic Connect, and that little Auties grow up to be grown up Auties. I told her that some of the best information she will ever get about Autism is from #actually autistics. As ASAN says, " Nothing about us without us." This is the going trend amongst almost all of the Autism specialists, authors, and speakers that I know. These are the people who stand up for all children and adults. These are the individuals who tell us to find out the best way for the child to learn, all the while focusing on his skills and his natural abilities.

Just like the support group, Supporty McGroupFace, this discussion site focuses on the individual who is Autistic. We are not concerned about levels, such as "high functioning" or "low functioning" or anywhere in between. Autism is fluid, and as such, each individual is going to grow and learn on their own pace. Everyone hasn't had the same opportunities or support systems that I have had, for example. That is why it is so unfair to tack on a label and pigeon hole someone.

"You can't be Autistic, you're so smart." Or "You can't be Autistic, you are so socialble." The thing is, people have no idea what it took to get to that point. We can look you in the eye, be sociable all day long, have high IQ scores, and be successful in all kinds of endeavors. But we all have worked very hard to fit in and put on a mask, if need be.

Those of you reading this, you probably know what I mean. You are a grandparent, a mom, dad, or maybe you are on the Spectrum yourself. You are all welcome here. This is the place where we can be ourselves and take off the mask. Welcome!

Mamacita

@sirgalahad , thank you so much for your very valuable contribution here. You have hit the nail on the head, sir! I like to wait until I have people laughing and talking before I tell them I am actually on the Spectrum myself.

I usually mention first that I am a very proud Gramma to a little boy who is Autistic. That gets them talking. And everyone is comfortable. Then I sort of sneak it in, so they are in a place to accept the stereotype busting that I do.

I love telling people about Autism. The opportunity always presents itself. I never have to force it. Have a wonderful day and talk to you again soon!
Mamacita

I try to talk from the perspective of my life if people are interested but also to make able bodies not to be afraid of us and the neuro diverse community .we are simply living via a different operating system I will stand up for the non verbal members of our community and assist them . I will help them and speak for them via what they want me to say or not and help them to speak for them selves

I also act as bridge between able bodied and the autie community a lot of my friends on face book are able bods

I like that word picture of "bridge" @sirgalahad. I think we are all called to be bridges that unite people in spite of their differences.

Thank you , @sirgalahad , for being a bridge between the ones who cannot verbally speak for themselves, for whatever reason. We can help them speak their minds in ways we might never have imagined. Technology, sign language, and ever increasing developments in neuroscience give us a promising future. It takes all of us, willing to step up and speak out. We become vulnerable because we must be to tell others about our lives. We are everywhere, from Sweet Home Alabama, to Australia and Germany. France and South Africa. Together we are better. Thank you, sir. Godspeed!

Mamacita

Very insightful, @mamacita.

Mamacita ,can you let people in this group know what has happened regarding my sister Gillian .I just cant write it out all again huggies

It iis with a heavy heart that I share this message with all of you from our friend and colleague, @sirgalahad. His sister Gillian received some very distressing news recently. She had some testing done and the results came back positive for cancer. Unfortunately, it is not localized in only one place. It is everywhere, and because of that, she is determined not to seek heroic efforts in the form of any kind of treatment.

Obviously, this has been very distressing for our Aussie friend. I know if my loved one was facing similar circumstances, I would want them to try anything and everything to get better. My own daughter is struggling even now with health issues that normally an elderly person would have. We try it all, and hope for the best.

Let's keep Sir G. In our thoughts and prayers, and send all the positive encouragement we can to him. He will appreciate it very much, I am certain. Thank you, Mayo Clinic Connect family. @lisalucier, @gingerw, @colleenyoung . Thank you all for being such a caring community.

Mamacita