The Gifts of Autism

In the spirit of turning our program over to our coalition of spellers (if you haven't already, read our Blog Re-Launch Post about this here), we have decided to take a step back from offering writing prompts for our blog posts. Instead, our spellers will take turns starting off each new post in whatever way they choose!

This time, Jack - our founding member of The Speller Space - kicked off the discussion:

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Jack: I want to talk about the skills and special gifts of autism. Feeling like too many people focus on the negatives. We have challenges and strengths like the rest of humanity. What are your strengths or the things you love about your autistic self?

Sam: Overall I am happy to be me. The all encompassing thing is to accept yourself. Really think that those who think we are handicapped are the ones missing out.

Maudey: I am heart and soul in this conversation. I desire so much for us all. I desire a world that sees gifts in autism. Calling it a disability has never been accurate. I am so against the people trying to cure us. We don’t need a cure, we need support like anyone else. We are not broken. I am so passionately knowing this, I love that more people are starting to see this. I am feeling in my heart and soul that the world is changing. 

Danny: Jack this is an amazing question.

Joey: I am thrilled about this topic. It is all part of my current journey not only to accept the whole of me but to love it all too. The thing is all people have faults. If NT [neurotypical] people can love themselves faults included why can't we?

Rose: The truth is I am all in love with me. So many people want to fix us not support us. My goal for the world is that we all be more open minded.

Christopher: I agree with Rose about being open minded, more people could learn that from us.

Luke: I love that I feel the current of every room I am in. I am great at sensing the vibes. Also happy that I am not judgmental ever.

Alex D: Agree with all Luke said. All autistic minds I know are empathetic and non judgmental. Always think I am very lucky to see the world the way I do. Always think I have the greatest read on life. Always think I am strong enough to handle all challenges.

Joe: I also love many things about how I see the world. I look at people and truly see them it is a gift. 

Alex D: So true, Joe. Yes it is true that we are the best judge that has ever been. 

Maudey: Like Luke said I am awesome at sensing energy. I see people in their color energy. Joe is dark blue because he is intelligent and an old soul. Your energy tells everything. 

Christopher: I love talking about those very things. I think some of my best traits are because of autism not in spite of it. Glad others see it. I always understand people. I am always listening and taking in everything. For example I can hear that the wires here are older than the wires in my house because of how the electricity sounds. It can be overwhelming to take in so much but it also makes me really observant. 

Joey: I hear the electricity in here too. I hear electricity in all places. I hear everything. Many conversations at one time. My mom’s car coming down the street.  It is too much for NT [neurotypical] people to take in all at once. Their brains filter things out. Our brains do not work like that. I mostly love it. It keeps me in tune to the universe.

Jack: Really love these answers. Feeling empowered by the kinds of things you guys are saying. Also think we don’t need to be cured, Maude. We need to lean into our strengths and work on our weaknesses like anyone does. My strength that I love most is visual thinking. I am so great at rubik’s cubes. My record is 8 seconds but I may be even faster now.  I also am great at puzzles and putting things together. Also great at finding things. Like AJ’s orange letter magnet he lost on a hike in the leaves.

Luke: Also got to say that I feel finally not alone and that having other spellers with similar experiences means everything. 

Sam: Man, it is true. It does mean everything. 

Christopher: I feel that, Luke. It is easier to have confidence in community. Seeing you all be awesome makes me feel awesome too. 

Alex V: The most important thing even on hard days I know my heart is my true self. I love it even when my body is just noise. Even then just love my heart.

Maudey: I feel like this lovely conversation was perfect. 

Jack: All this good positivity has helped me. All the good things definitely keep showing themselves. Thanks!