@lisalucier, allow me to clarify my previous statement. Do I consider my self sensitive? 100% yes, decidedly, yes. Oh, yes!

My hearing is off the charts sensitive.. It has been checked twice by a certified Audiologist. I keep earplugs in my purse at all times. I hear things most people do not.

This causes a lot of various problems. When I tune out the chaos, I might miss important information. And I do not want to appear rude.

I also sense other people's emotions and thoughts. Some folks refer to this ability as being an "empath." Which is pretty ironic,
Since lots of doctors in this country still maintain to this day that Autistics do not have empathy . This is a myth. Auties have tons of empathy. People see this and gravitate towards us.

I have a painfully acute sense of smell. Large gatherings can overwhelm someone on the Spectrum if there is too much perfume wearing. It makes it difficult to think clearly when all you can think of is Jungle Gardenia.

Touch. I can distinguish between objects in a bag merely by touch. I don't have to see the items to find them. I an able to play music I have never heard before. This comes in handy when a singer needs a piano player at the last minute and has no music. I can anticipate the next few notes as the musician sings.

Sight. I see all the things. Individual details that no one else sees. I have worked in schools where coworkers thought I was being a know it all . Because I could figure things out, and would say so, in group meetings.

It took a long time for me to see how these traits affected my family and my co-workers. They were/are Neurotypical. They think in an entirely different way than I do. Since they are in the majority, I must concede to them frequently . Yet at the same time, I must not "mask" so much thatt I lose myself in the process.

This is very important while we are discussing our young Aspies, who are learning how to get along in this world. We must build upon their very real capabilities, and encourage them in the areas they find difficult. Supports must be in place to assist them in every aspect of their lives. Respect for their transparency is pivotal to ensuring their success in this world. Our Auties will be world changers!

This does not mean that we are going to break the bank. While accommodations are mandated by law, a good teacher already does what an Autie needs, naturally. A good teacher discovers each child's learning style. She teaches each lesson using a combination of workable methods, to engage her pupils and keep the learning going. This can include, but is not limited to, small groups, visual displays and cues, music, art, movement (sitting at the desk on an exercise ball ), peer tutors, and so much more. Periodic breaks to a sensory room where it is quiet and soothing, are very helpful Even airports have sensory rooms nowadays

Oh there is so much out there! I am excited just thinking about all these possibilities that await our children.

To be continued.....
Mamacita Jane