Autism

Working With Those Who Have High Functioning Autism

/ Chase Blosser / Leave a comment

If you find yourself working with someone with high functioning autism on some project or something, it is essential to be as clear and precise as possible when giving instructions and handing out responsibilities. Those with autism are remarkably able to focus in minute detail on things that grab their attention, and thus under the right conditions are great at getting things done. At the same time, we can have problems with generalities or instructions that require an “interpretation” of some kind.

It is imperative to remember clarity when working with those who have autism; we need clear and precise instructions that tell us what needs to be done and how. This is something that cannot be understated if a person with autism is confused about what needs to be done because the instructions were not given in a clear and precise enough way before everyone involved in a project/job goes about getting it done. The autistic person will only do what he/she understands he/she is told needs to be done. Or he/she won’t start until he gets a clear understanding and will keep trying to get it until he/she does.

The beautiful thing about those with high functioning autism when it comes to working with others is that we tend to pursue getting clear and precise instructions very thoroughly. If we do not understand something, we will seek to understand it in the best way and as quickly as possible. If something is not clear to us we seek clarity, so you usually do not need to worry about or going out of your way too much in making sure everything is clear and understood to those with autism, we will let you know if we do not and just what needs to be clarified.

Even though those with high functioning autism should be more than able to let you know if there is anything to be clarified before you and they get started on whatever it is you will be doing, that does not mean you can ultimately let the matter be. You do need to be aware of those who are autistic that you are working with. You need to know just what their individual needs are because though we are autistic and do fit a general pattern of behavior, the same can be said for you and every other human on the planet. We autistics are human too and individuals especially and thus have our own needs. While those with autism can pay attention to detail and will seek clarity and understanding when needed, we all have our different levels of detailed attention care and just what makes us focus on the aspects.

Thus, the reason for you to be acutely aware of just who you are working with if they are in any way autistic and how instructions and responsibilities are given out. As long as you do that, you will have no problem working with those who have high functioning autism, and perhaps you will even be grateful for it, for they (we) may spot issues that you and others have not.

Why Hiding From A Problem Does Not Work?

/ Chase Blosser / Leave a comment

For those who have to live with “Autism,” it can be and often is no matter how one deals with it #a difficult road to travel. Even for those who have seemed to have made something of themselves and “have a life” still have to deal with their autism every day of their lives. They did #not get over it or somehow “cure” themselves.

No, instead we have embraced our Autism as a part of who we are!

As I have shared in previous posts, I am currently diagnosed with “high functioning autism” which means, for the most part, I am able to function in the world regularly, but do face some difficulties when it comes socialization. These difficulties for me at least include picking up on social cues and focusing on others in social situations among a few other things.

I am currently at the point where in most situations, my autism #does not limit me as it once did because I recognize #why I have the difficulties that I do and can adjust myself and my life accordingly. Because I know of and acknowledge my autism, I know that it is not a curse, burden, etc.. but a gift.

Yes, because of my autism I have a lot more trouble communication and getting to know others than most people do; yet at the same time, I am more able to spot things in my environment that others may not or at least quicker than most do. I see connections easily. I am able to remember a whole lot of what for most people would be insignificant details #from past conversations and such. And though I have more trouble in recognizing social cues than most do, as a trade-off I believe, I am a little more empathic to other’s emotions than most other men are.

The thing is if I had not embraced my autism and acknowledged it I would most likely not have realized the benefits that I get because of my autism, but would only see the negatives associated with it. Because I would have just “seen” the negatives of my autism, and continued to have viewed it as a burden to do away with instead of working with it.

My autism is starting to really no longer be a “#problem” in my life because I no longer recognize it as such. I still have to deal with it, make no mistake, but it is no burden for me. This I believe is the key for not just an autistic person, but for anyone with a so-called “problem” no matter what it is. We need to stop seeing the “problems” life throws at us as burdens to be rid of, and more as challenges to #work with and around of.

I have embraced my “problem” as a part of who I am and as a blessing, not a curse; have you?

 

What are your thoughts and views on this topic? Please do share them all are welcomed and wanted. 

 

 

Autism Is Not A Hindrance​, It Is Just Plain Awkward

/ Chase Blosser / 4 Comments

This #is #a response to the one-word prompt “Awkward” by “The Daily Post.”

For those who have to live with “Autism,” #it can be and often is, no matter how one deals with it #just #plain #awkward and strange. As I have mentioned previously on this blog, I have been diagnosed with “High Functioning Autism.” Although, I suspect that when I was growing up (I am 31) it was #not always that spectrum level.

I perhaps had a slightly lower function spectrum of #Autism, for growing up was definitely always socially awkward for me; I was still aware of my differences compared to others (I was never officially diagnosed, only thought to have some form of Autism as a kid). Now that I know that “my difference” was and is because of my autism, it has made going about my life so much better and more comfortable. My autism (my difference) is not nor has ever been a handicap or #hindrance, but is very much a part of me and a good/useful part.

Because of my autism, I see things and think of things differently than most people. That is a gift, to be able to view the world through different lenses than most would; it opens a whole lot of new opportunities. Yet, autism doesn’t come without its challenges, which bottom line can be summed up in just plain awkwardness.

It is awkward to be in social situations and not know how to respond and act (responding one way and everyone looking at you like you have lost your mind). It is awkward to have a deep conversation on a particular subject while your mind keeps going a mile a minute thinking up all the connecting topics and/or ideas related to such.

From what I have come to understand when it comes to social situations and behavior most people do not have to put too much “active thought” into it. That is not so with me. I have to constantly be in “active thought mode” to govern my thoughts and behavior; rarely if ever being on “auto-pilot” (my subconscious). So yes, while having Autism is not a hindrance, it is very much an awkward experience!

What are your thoughts on this subject? Please do share them; they are very much wanted.