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Aneirin -> RE: ASD ? (6/1/2009 5:34:01 AM)
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The diagnsosis was made by an educational psychologist who revealed later he also had asd. But he saw the asd as an enhancement in that his ability to think 'different' made him a leader in his field of expertise, he saw nuances where others did not. I had satisfying conversation with he, it awed me that not only someone was able to put up with my erratic train of thought, but actually seemed to understand it, and follow on the conversation from where I had left off. He explained this as he does not need someone to cross the t's and dot the i's, he assumes they are there and so ignores that sort of stuff. I can converse without having to explain myself. The observation was, when I am not relaxed and conscious, I not just look at the person I am talking to, but blankly stare at the person, relaxed, I don't look at people, but I am talking, but I am searching the room looking for something interesting to look at, that, and fidgetting. I do not use my hands in conversation. The explanation I had was I am not picking up the inflections in facial expression, so I cannot judge a mood in polite conversation unless they are blatant. Often it is I tell people to tell me to shut up if I am boring them, because I won't see it. The autistic traits are subtle, for I have learned to meet eyes in conversation, this I remember I was told to, as people who don't look at people when talking come across as shifty. I have always had the ability to stare through a person when talking, the movement in peoples eyes I don't have, ever notice the movement in the size of the pupil when someone is talking to you.
So, for me, I have an autistic spectrum disorder, a diagnosis by one so qualified to make a diagnosis. Autism has been mentioned in my past, twice in industry, one when I was at school, and my ex saw it too. I see it as a disability in some ways, but an enhancement in others, for I was always good at investigative work, technical stuff and creating things from ideas, I can see a finished product in my mind from all angles and in immense detail. The college am at, they saw the traits and so ordered the testing, as I was explained as being highly intelluctual and gifted in my subject, but lacking the ability to communicate with the tutors. The communication issue often gave rise to arguments and incorrect understanding of instruction. I took comments though they might have been creative or suggestive, as negative and so I responded negatively, often with sarcasm, and often what could be described as immature behaviour. I now at college have an interpreter, which is making life much easier, and I have regained interest in my course.
The upshot of all this, is now with a label, a description of the problem, I can recognise it for what it is, and there seek the tuition I need in modifying or correcting the behaviour. Not all labels are to be seen as negative. My intellect has been confirmed, I am not thick, but I have an issue with communication, that can be corrected.
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