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Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): Compendium Thread

Delightful said:
That's how I live as a moral nihilist :)
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Do what thou wilt, and harm none. That's what I try, though I do not really stray much beyond mainstream social expectations. I try to push the expectations some when they are made to exclude people for no other reason than that a (social) group labels the person as outsider for purpose of exclusion.
 
Floyd1 said:
True, but the only other option is do what thou wilt.
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No it isn't. We could all learn to widen our definitions of The Other and stop trading on a passive need to conform that only some of the population have.

Humans NEED diversity. Our evolutionary adavantage (once you get further than opposable thumbs ;) ) is that we can adapt and make do, bodging our way into surviing. We specialise in being generalists. Heterogenity rather than homogeneity is the way to go :)
 
Frideswide said:
Humans NEED diversity. Our evolutionary adavantage (once you get further than opposable thumbs ;) ) is that we can adapt and make do, bodging our way into surviing. We specialise in being generalists. Heterogenity rather than homogeneity is the way to go :)
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In science fiction writing, this whole concept is easily taken in by the Star Trek Vulcan concept: IDIC - Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations.
 
It is true that diversity is generally good (though not always - we can all think of things we'd want removed from society and human variation/nature) on the species level.

Perhaps not so good for the divergent individual caught outside the mainstream.

One of the things that attracts me to the idea of neuroqueer is the idea that divergent folk are valuable to society, that most of the disabling effect of ND comes from the way NT societies are ordered (rather than being intrinsic), and that society can, and should, be changed and challenged (which my contrarian nature enjoys).
 
Spot the fault:

Results of your Autism Screening Quiz
Based on your responses, you may benefit from seeing a mental health professional for an evaluation
----------

(At least I assume it's a fault)
 
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Steven said:
That pesky Floyd causing trouble again. :D
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Well, I wasn't trying to.

I'm just pointing out that once you start telling people that they can't say a certain thing, or do a certain thing and even that they shouldn't think from a particular viewpoint, because it's 'wrong', then it is an artificial expectation and a constraint put on some humans by some other humans who have decided that their way of acting/thinking is best.
 
Floyd1 said:
I'm just pointing out that once you start telling people that they can't say a certain thing, or do a certain thing and even that they shouldn't think from a particular viewpoint, because it's 'wrong', then it is an artificial expectation and a constraint put on some humans by some other humans who have decided that their way of acting/thinking is best.
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where is this suggested?
 
Frideswide said:
where is this suggested?
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I suggested it.
It's either that, or do what thou wilt. There is no grey area.
I personally prefer the first option, as otherwise it would mean anarchy.

I don't know whether you mean diversity as in thought, action or culture-wise (maybe all three), but I'm not so sure that diversity does always warrant the promotion and adulation it receives.

Of course, on a very basic level we need more than one political party or style of music for that matter, but I'm sure that all the decimated tribes of the world would tell you what to do with your physical human 'diversity'.

And in any case, the people who continually talk about how great it is often only do so as long as it fits in with their narrative - whether it's via science, religious/cultural beliefs, foods you will/won't eat, car you drive, books you read..... they can start to get pretty angry if it doesn't suit their perception of what diversity means.

Once it doesn't, the thought, action or belief of the other person then becomes wrong, or even 'evil' and must be eradicated at all costs.
 
brownmane said:
I thought it was just my imagination about the eye colour. I was trying to see if it was the same person in both pics because of the eyes. The younger pic of him has blue eyes, as I see them.

And as @staticgirl mentions, his face has matured and is not as rounded. So, yes @Steven, the beard and hair style frame his face differently as you thought.
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His eyes are also a totally different shape. Squintier, if that's a word.
 
Let's not get to diverted from the context, eh?
There's expectations of behaviour which aren't in the legal remit; it might be frowned upon to swear loudly in front of children, but it's rarely taken to court as prosecutable action. I don't think we were talking about law versus chaos. I think we were talking about certain behaviour which some societies frown upon. There's socially acceptable behaviour which has nothing to do with legal restraint.
The standards being held have (usually) been held as a benchmark of behaviour. However, many neurodivergent (ND's) either don't know of this standard or they just don't understand it.
"We just don't do that sort of thing!" "Why?" "Well, we just don't" is not enough of an explanation.
If someone says something that offends the person being spoken to, the intention is important. Was it said because of a lack of awareness, or was it said to intentionally hurt? Many ND's say things inappropriately, not because they want to shock or hurt ... but because they cannot see why it's inappropriate.
And the 'rules' concerning what is inappropriate or not come from social acceptance, or normal expectation.
 
It's often very hard to tell that one has spoken inappropriately. I once said to someone (in a group) "Wow, that must've been really expensive!", about a coat they'd recently bought; later, a couple of people told me that this was rude behaviour. I still can't figure out how, really, as it seems harmless enough to me - I was trying to be complimentary.
 
Steven said:
It's often very hard to tell that one has spoken inappropriately. I once said to someone (in a group) "Wow, that must've been really expensive!", about a coat they'd recently bought; later, a couple of people told me that this was rude behaviour. I still can't figure out how, really, as it seems harmless enough to me - I was trying to be complimentary.
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I know exactly what you mean.
In that case, you were expected to know if a) you were implying they were too skint to afford it, b) they paid too much for it, or c) they didn't usually brag about expensive purchases for 'clout'.
Frankly, I can't see how that was rude! It's usually the feed line for "Oh, I got it in the sales for ..."
 
Floyd1 said:
I don't know whether you mean diversity as in thought, action or culture-wise (maybe all three), but I'm not so sure that diversity does always warrant the promotion and adulation it receives.
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I was talking genetics, whatever your instant assumption.
 
Steven said:
It's often very hard to tell that one has spoken inappropriately. I once said to someone (in a group) "Wow, that must've been really expensive!", about a coat they'd recently bought; later, a couple of people told me that this was rude behaviour. I still can't figure out how, really, as it seems harmless enough to me - I was trying to be complimentary.
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I understand your frustration about using words to express intent in spoken language. It is not always clear and, imo, people are too quick to react to something said that they perceive as an insult rather than look past it or actually try to find out what the intent was. People allow this for children, but not adults.

We all put our feet wrong at times and can word things awkwardly. Those who know us, usually just laugh.

Those who take what you say as "inappropriate" are not worth your time or thought. That can be difficult to practice, but it definitely makes life easier.

You do say that a couple of people later told you it was inappropriate. I take it by this comment, that the person you said it to did not say anything about it. I would then, if it were me, not worry too much about what the others thought. The person you spoke may have taken you comment for the compliment you intended.

Just as a general rule of thumb, cost of anything including someone's earnings is not mentioned. I like to talk about these things occasionally since some of these "niceties" are more of a control tactic that make people conform. People fear exclusion.
 
Thanks for that. :) If I'm ever patronised by others it's usually done with kind intent (which I appreciate); but this instance eventually 'felt' different.
 
Autism (and ADHD) amongst comedians:

'One myth these comedians are implicitly debunking is the idea that autistic people “don’t have any sense of humour”, as Wells puts it. I tell Novellie that I recently took an online questionnaire designed to identify traits of autism, which asked users how much they agreed with the statement: “I am often the last person to understand a joke.” He tells me that question is “out of date or misphrased. It would be more accurate to ask questions about taking certain things literally as opposed to figuratively – but it doesn’t mean you can’t understand jokes because there are plenty of completely literal jokes.”'

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2...rady-pierre-novellie-joe-wells-charlie-george
 
I've been writing, as requested ahead of my assessment, a 'checklist' of possibly autistic symptoms, and my responses to the given list are about a zillion words-long. *cries*

I would quote some here, with a view to see - by way of replies - if such symptoms are common to the thread's readers or not, but unfortunately I'm making War and Peace seem like a tweet. And in truth, I have doubts that such a desperate and perennial need to explain and clarify my behaviour and speech actually is a verified autistic 'thing' anyway.
 
Steven said:
And in truth, I have doubts that such a desperate and perennial need to explain and clarify my behaviour and speech actually is a verified autistic 'thing' anyway.
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It's a Thing :)

As is answering at length and in depth to be sure of not missing anything and in dread of not communicating properly!

Then there's feeling overwhelmed by trying to externalise emotion and internal landscapes.

Not to mention the terror of Getting It Wrong!
 
Steven said:
Had to laugh at myself, as I realised that not only did I include the zillion-word checklist in the body of the email to be sent, but also added a .txt, PDF, and a Doc file too ('just to be sure'). :D
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that's my boy!
:twothumbs:
 
Steven said:
Sent. I imagine the assessors have already packed and emigrated.
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Remember: the assessment is done by NTs using NT-developed tools. They usually get it "right" but I know of some very obvious false negatives. None of people The formal assessment cannot supercede your lived reality, only supplement it. You are you with or with the piece of paper.
 
I was scheduled to have two, separate assessment sessions of four hours each but I received the following emailed notification once I returned home after the first appointment (which took place from 9.30am-1.30pm):

'Hi Stephen,

It was lovely to meet you today.

Thank you for attending the assessments with our service. We have reviewed all the information provided, and feel that the traits you described do meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ASD.

In the next few weeks, you should receive a report, based on everything that you have shared with us, which will clarify why we think you meet the criteria for diagnosis. (Please note, the report often focusses on the difficulties you have had). We ask that you read/ check the report to make sure it is accurate to you.

Please let us know if there are any inaccuracies or changes that need to be made and we will do this before we send a copy to your GP, so the diagnosis can go on to your medical notes.

You will also receive a ‘To Whom It May Concern’ letter which you can use if you need to confirm your diagnosis.
We will offer you a follow up appointment in around 8-12 weeks so we can answer any questions you may have about your diagnosis or any advice/support in relation to ASD going forward. We can do this over the phone or via Attend Anywhere.

I have attached some information about strategies, called a Survival guide, that you may find interesting. I have also included other articles that may be of interest.

Can I also suggest you look at autismwales.org website where you will be able to download 2 useful books, called ‘a guide to Understanding Autism for those recently diagnosed, and ‘a guide to those supporting people who have a diagnosis of ASD’. There is also something called a Personal Profile that you may find useful as it will help you to think through and highlight things that you may find challenging together with strategies/adjustments that may help you.

Please come back to us via email or phone call if you need any further clarification. I will include an attachment about our advice service which you would be welcome to access.


Twenty-four hour listening line now offering support to families living with neurodivergent conditions | GOV.WALES


Advice sheets for autistic adults - Awtistiaeth Cymru | Autism Wales | National Autism Team.

Many thanks,
Harriet

Integrated Autism Service'
 
Steven said:
I was scheduled to have two, separate assessment sessions of four hours each but I received the following emailed notification once I returned home after the first appointment (which took place from 9.30am-1.30pm):

'Hi Stephen,

It was lovely to meet you today.

Thank you for attending the assessments with our service. We have reviewed all the information provided, and feel that the traits you described do meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ASD.

In the next few weeks, you should receive a report, based on everything that you have shared with us, which will clarify why we think you meet the criteria for diagnosis. (Please note, the report often focusses on the difficulties you have had). We ask that you read/ check the report to make sure it is accurate to you.

Please let us know if there are any inaccuracies or changes that need to be made and we will do this before we send a copy to your GP, so the diagnosis can go on to your medical notes.

You will also receive a ‘To Whom It May Concern’ letter which you can use if you need to confirm your diagnosis.
We will offer you a follow up appointment in around 8-12 weeks so we can answer any questions you may have about your diagnosis or any advice/support in relation to ASD going forward. We can do this over the phone or via Attend Anywhere.

I have attached some information about strategies, called a Survival guide, that you may find interesting. I have also included other articles that may be of interest.

Can I also suggest you look at autismwales.org website where you will be able to download 2 useful books, called ‘a guide to Understanding Autism for those recently diagnosed, and ‘a guide to those supporting people who have a diagnosis of ASD’. There is also something called a Personal Profile that you may find useful as it will help you to think through and highlight things that you may find challenging together with strategies/adjustments that may help you.

Please come back to us via email or phone call if you need any further clarification. I will include an attachment about our advice service which you would be welcome to access.


Twenty-four hour listening line now offering support to families living with neurodivergent conditions | GOV.WALES


Advice sheets for autistic adults - Awtistiaeth Cymru | Autism Wales | National Autism Team.

Many thanks,
Harriet

Integrated Autism Service'
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Wow! That's a whole lot of stuff they've thrown at you. Hope you don't feel overwhelmed.
 
I'm just very relieved to have an answer & solution after so many decades of mystifying myself i.e. being clueless about the possible cause(s) of behaviours. :)

To anyone reading who's anxiously awaiting an assessment: the clinicians were lovely, wise, and endlessly patient. This kind of experience is, I guess, always going to be emotionally painful and therefore 'difficult' for all (not least oneself) because it necessitates an examination of, practically, one's whole life; but the people in charge were just marvellous in their consideration and insight.
 
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