Aspies For Freedom

Personally, I don't view accepting and taking pride in you who are - autism included - as the same as using it as a crutch.  It could be a fine line in some cases, though.

I think it's good to seize every possible opportunity in life, regardless of...neurotype?  A word?  Probably.  If I need or want to do something, I do the best I can to achieve it, even if I have a harder time than someone without AS might.  If I threw my hands up right away and said, "I can't do that, because I'm an Aspie"  I wouldn't be very pleased with myself.

At the same time, I know realistically that I do have certain limitations, so I refuse to beat myself up or say "If only I was a NT" or some such nonsense if something really isn't a good fit for me.

I think it only becomes a crutch when you stop trying.  I don't mean trying to be someone you're not, or trying to smother your autism to "fit in", but trying to get to where YOU want to in life.  As long as you're still pursuing your goals, you can hardly be accused of using autism as an excuse.

It does have its limits, and being okay with that is a good thing.  Some people really don't understand it.  The way some of my family talk about it, you'd think it was like bad cholesterol or something, and you'll be just fine if you do this and that....oh well.  I guess if it's not their life, it takes more time for them to grasp what it's like.

I know what you mean, though.  I didn't have the benefit of a diagnosis for most of my life either.  When I finally found out WHY I'd been struggling so much, it was a relief for me too!  I didn't have to feel like a failure or a freak anymore, and it was easier to accept my limitations.  My self-esteem has been so much better since I learned I was an Aspie!

And being on the other side of a diagnosis, you get a clear view of just how foolish social expectations, or the idea that we've all got to do A, B, and C with our lives to make it worthwhile, can really be at times!  

I prefer a quieter life myself....I'd rather read, write, and work on my art than do anything else.  As long as WE feel we're living life to the fullest, that's what really matters.  

Yeah, too often people think we live some kind of substandard life.   I'm a diabetic as well - is my life of a lesser quality because I put Splenda in my coffee instead of sugar?  I doubt it.  And really, it makes about that much sense.  

I didn't mean that last post to be quite as dismissive as it sounds, though.  I know that compared to a lot of people on the spectrum, my situation hasn't been so difficult.

nice posts ..its like you read my mind...did you?

Lol, that was actually a pretty coherent post.  Usually I ramble on and on before coming around to the point.  

Yeah, I noticed that when I reread it.  What I was trying to do there was share my own experiences, but it didn't quite come out like that...I certainly don't want to act like I know what everyone's experiences with Asperger's is like.   I tend to write a bit faster than I think at times

I think I do the same thing.  I'm not always sure if I'm doing something because I want to do it, or if I'm doing it because other people think I should.  But usually I can stop and think about it and decide if it's really good for me or not.

I have a boss who keeps trying to "help" me like that.  It's really frustrating.  I keep hearing "I KNOW you're capable of this."  Dealing with people's problems 8 hours a day?? No, I am NOT going to be okay with that!

I guess whether it's really "help" or not depends on how well the person understands you and your needs.

ATM: I often say to the kids I work with that "improvement" means Good Becoming Better, not Bad becoming Good.  With that attitude, we can take what is good and make it a better Gift.

Is that not a more positive way to look at things?  You can quote me to your family if you want.  No attribution necessary.

All the best.