The Spectrum in plain English?

Post Reply New Topic

Hi, I would like us to work and practice and get better describing the Autism Spectrum in plain English. I'll start off . . .

1) Sensory issues. For example, the buzz of a malfunctioning fluorescent light or the flickering of even a properly functioning fluorescent light or the strong smell of fresh paint or chemical cleaners may bother us quite a bit more than the average person.

2) . . .

3) . . .

And now, your turn.

The constant high-pitched whine I hear ALL THE TIME and sometimes need loud music or talk radio to drown out (sitting in silence makes it the most noticeable).

Laughing at a joke because of the funny sound of a word.

I like football in part for the same reason! All the interesting names that are cascading.

Social issues. Freaking social issues. Saying something and offending someone without intending to. Going on a tangent about something I'm interested in, and not realizing the other person could care less. Some of us are able to function somewhat normally in social situations, but 90% of the time, it's difficult.

Repetition, repetition, repetition. Repeating something that someone else says after they say it. Repeating a word under your breath cause you like how it sounds. Listening to a song over and over for however long it takes to get through our system. Doing repetitive motions; hand flapping, tapping something, rocking.

I like other people just fine. But all the same, after intense interaction, according to my own terms, even intense positive interaction, I need alone time, recoup time, centering time, personal time, private time.

Some social issues are like mine. Never knowing how to get beyond hello.
Unless of course they say "nice weather we're having." and weather is your special interest.
Then they get the complete 10 day forecast and regional historical data.
....and, that's when the eyes glass over and they make an excuse to go away.

I learned early on that the best way not to say something offensive is to not say anything at all.
Unless I don't want to be bothered by someone, then I have found that negativity is a great chit chat repellant.