Asperger's / Autism Toolbox
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In Praise and Gratitude
A Post by Monkey Plierson July 10, 2013
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Asperger's / Autism ToolboxH EO M In Praise and GratitudeA Post by Monkey Plierson July 10, 2013 View Blog Listings |
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So, here it is: My first blog post in months. Why? 1) Because my ability to deal with different sorts of things goes in cycles, so that I manage certain things at some times and others at other times. 2) Because my ability to deal with more than one type of thing in life at a time changes, so that I can manage more things during some periods of time and fewer at others. You can read a great post about this type of shifting and fluctuation, written by musingsofanaspie (@aspiemusings on Twitter): Decoding the High Functioning Label. The post explains very well the kind of struggle those of us easily labeled by others as "high functioning" have to face in getting others to understand how our challenges can be juxtaposed with our capabilities. That being said, the obvious question arises: Why post now? What earth shattering event could have happened to prompt me to break the lull? Alternately, what has changed in my life and/or current level of function to make posting now be possible? Well, I might better be able to shed light on the matter by simply stating how things have been going. When I finished the major portion of the work on construction of the Toolbox, I was kind of burned out. I turned to other things for a while. I've had ups and downs of energy, suffered some minor injuries, and been scrambling to get certain things back in order, such as my daily routines and some clutter that has been accumulating for a while. The hot, muggy weather we've been having lately hasn't helped. At the moment, I'm mostly doing okay, and I'm having a break in the latter part of a day that has involved a bit of satisfying productivity. I've been reading the posts of other bloggers, whose brilliant moments I've been very much enjoying, and who often say the things I might want to say, but better than I think I ever could. But the itch to speak my mind about my own experiences and opinions is beginning to return. I also have a boo-boo that's restricting some of my activity, leaving me free to use my time and energy for other pursuits for a while. I'm currently sitting in front of a fan, enjoying the relatively cool evening air, and appreciating the better sleep I've been getting during the last few nights, since finally getting a much needed new air conditioner for the bedroom. Will I make a regular habit of writing again just yet? I don't know. As always, I'll just have to see how things go. And what's on my mind today? Lots of things, so I've really been debating what to actually post about. I could say more about the other spectrumite bloggers and how their posts have helped me, in so many ways, to understand myself better. I love passing along links to their posts and praising their work. There's so much that all of us, neurodiverse and neurotypical alike, can learn from them. Certainly, the more "experts" and the general public read their words, the better. They provide a much needed antidote to the "epidemic/cure" and related hype. Simply put, their insight, clarity, creativity, and effectiveness in explaining things often make for brilliant posts. I couldn't be more grateful that they're out there, taking the lead, speaking out, and just generally sharing their experience with the rest of us. They're the real experts. Autism can have an up side and a down side, but these self-advocate members of our community are truly people to be proud of. I stand humbled to find myself amongst them. I could also sing the praises of the many wonderful parent bloggers. Having grown up undiagnosed, and having heard of the things that have happened to many who were diagnosed in childhood, I take great comfort in the progressive approach of these kind, loving mothers and fathers, and I'm encouraged by their honest and fierce fight to change the world's view of autism for the better for their kids. They confront negative attitudes, inept (at best) methods of treatment, lack and/or inappropriateness of services, and dearth of accommodation with a grace, style, and passion that provides a powerful model for their children to grow up to follow when the time comes for them to advocate for themselves. I'm inspired myself, and I find it very encouraging to know those of us on the spectrum are being heard by them. They're listening, they're incorporating what they learn into their view of their own lives and the lives of their kids, and they're giving back to us by way of their direct support, as well as the validation we gain whenever they speak of the things that really work for them and their families. They pass it along to others that we have worthwhile things to say, thereby broadening our audience. Folks, sometimes I just feel like adopting them! (Okay, enough gushing, now.) At this point, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention those professionals who actually do "get it" about us. Some of them go public with their understanding, and this furthers our cause by providing the stamp of officialdom some people need before they'll admit we could be right about ourselves. Others help us more in the private sphere, as therapists and other providers, who treat us with dignity and respect, following our cues and paying real attention to what we have to say about ourselves. They've dedicated themselves to grasping our true needs, desires, challenges, and capabilities. They've worked with us to develop useful strategies for improving our lives. They see us as full people, not simply as collections of symptoms and deficiencies. Coming across them at last is as thrilling for me as it is a relief. The influence of all these members of our autism community, in its more broad definition, is spreading, and it shows in how other types of helping professionals deal with autistics and autism, as well as the way whole organizations and media outlets have changed in their approach. Even when things initially go wrong, things can at least sometimes be righted more quickly and easily these days, thanks to everyone's efforts. Sometimes it's worth it to take a step back and look at all the good that's around us. Well done, folks. Thank you. I look forward to the brighter future we're all creating - together!
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