I am not autistic. That’s a statement that would never be questioned by anyone. I simply, would not qualify for a diagnosis of autism.
However.
I firmly, truly, in my core, believe in what so many of us think and know: that autism is a spectrum. And it includes neurotypicals. NTs and autistics are not fundamentally different – they just fall on different parts of the spectrum.
So, if it’s a spectrum – that means that at some point there’s a midline, right? A midline where one thing becomes the other. Where Neutorypical meets Autistic. And that’s near where I fall. I am not autistic. But I am close enough to that midline to GET that other side of the spectrum.
I believe that’s why I love working with autistic kids. I believe that’s why I understand them. I believe that’s why they understand me. I believe that’s why sometimes I intuitively just KNOW why they do or say something.
I believe that I’m lucky to land on the spectrum where I do. I believe that I get the benefits of both the NT and the autistic aspects. I believe that despite not being autistic, I can firmly consider myself an understander, and an ally, because I Get It.
I believe that I’m lucky.
I believe in Autism Awesomeness.
3 comments
This post resonates with me so much. As someone who lives with ADHD, OCD, and anxiety; mother to a 9 year old girl with GAD, a 6 year old son with Asperger’s; and wife to a self-described Aspie, I fully agree that we all land somewhere along a neurological spectrum. I think it was Hans Asperger who described AS as “having your toes in autism.” I feel like you, that I am just barely on the NT side of the midline, a place from which I can empathize and understand autistic people a little more than others. It’s a blessing and allows me to appreciate all of the awesomeness of my son’s neurological quirks, but also increases my frustration with people who can’t or won’t see his subtle autistic traits as anything other than behavior issues or “just being a boy.”
I found your blog through Diary of a Mom, and I’ve been enjoying reading through your posts all morning. I’m glad I found you; really appreciate your perspective on things! :)
Thank you so much for your comment! I love that quote. Your kids are blessed to have you.