Positives about being an Aspie

(2021 note: I do want to note that this video is very old by now, and this is reflected in both my choice of terms, and in the information I conveyed in the video. Please keep in mind that when this was recorded, I did not have the education I now have, nor was the same knowledge even available.

I do feel that this was one of my first attempts at moving past the deficit focus that is so often placed on autistic people and for that reason, I want to keep it available.)

Too many people focus on telling us what we're bad at, or can't do - so I just thought I'd bring up some things that might be your good traits, remind you that it's not all bad.

You're not wrong, just different. :)

[GFINHK]

I'm a female Aspie scientist. I've been known to work for 72 hours straight without taking breaks, sleeping or going home. I hardly ate or drank water. It's unhealthy (& gross), I know. But it had to be done. My focus is amazing. Not even if the world fell down around me could remove me from my work.

[AnAutisticPsychologist]

I know we all like free speech and all, but I ask that you all remain civil towards one another.

I know how difficult that is to do, especially when others are insulting and rude, and I also fail at times, however, it does seem to produce better results in conversations, long term.
It is quite possible to disagree in a civil manner. Please try.

[BillyMaysFan]

I'm an aspie and my parents think I've "overcome" my disability. I don't know, I feel as though my life is terrible when everyone says I'm gifted. I don't know why aspies, like me, get so sad. I've always wished my life was filled with joy, but I just don't know what to do. Other than that, I try to make people happy and help out as much as I can. But at the same time, I ask myself, "will anyone do the same for me?" :/

[juliettemay]

You are beautiful! I have a little aspergirl (a beautiful red head with blue eyes, she looks like she could be your little sister!). If someone gave me a cure for Aspergers I would never ever want it. She is loyal, honest, creative, funny and loving. Just like you, she does not need to be fixed as she is not broken. Thank you for the positive words about being an aspie!

[neilmiller]

I can't connect with people, I et lonely. it feels like I'm watching people from outside through a window

[shanerichardson]

I'm glad that I found your video, I'm 43 and am just coming to terms and being diagnosed. During the section of the video where you mentioned loyalty, even to the degree of trying to make those who are mean to us like us I broke for just a moment. It is so good after all these years to begin to understand. Thank you for this.

[AnAutisticPsychologist]

Here goes again, then:
I have been diagnosed two seperate times by professionals. My diagnosis has been confirmed by yet another specialist, who has known me for years.
So by now, any doubts I have had, are long gone.
I understand fully that I'm not a "rain man" aspie. I never said I was. I'm a mild case. But when I read my diagnostic papers from age 13-16 and age 19, I fully understand why I was diagnosed.

[dustinrobertson]

You're awesome! Thank you for sharing this. I'm an Aspie myself, and I have my own travel channel. Most Aspies I know are afraid to leave the nest. I live in Vietnam as an English teacher. I taught last year in Thailand. Many people thought I would be codependent on my family for the rest of my life. I'm now proving them wrong and crushing it on the other side of the world. I want to inspire other people on the spectrum, too. Cheers!

[AnAutisticPsychologist]

I quit after 3½ years of being told to lose weight. I've gained 10 pounds or so since quitting the business, and am quite happy with my choice. I feel much healthier, both physically and mentally, being out of that environment.

[brightclouds]

Offensive people who spit their two cents worth on a video that is talking about positive things about autism really make people like us think that there is something wrong with this world. It almost explains why some of us hide in our houses and don't come out for a while.

We go out of our way to bring positive things to this world and then we get negativity. Now I know why she said that we are very loyal and nice people.

[mariacovasneanu]

You are a wonderful person; the sensitivity and the honesty gently flows through every aspect of your speech. Uploading these videos is a great thing, I think, for both Aspies and NTs. 

[sQueezedhe]

I've been trawling youtube for asperger stuff and finding that a lot of people are very uncomfortable talking to the camera (shock!) but you've got the technique down - so thanks for sharing and communicating it effectively.

[neotrinity]

i am an aspie, you just made me proud about you.... ❤❤❤

[AnAutisticPsychologist]

I'm sorry that you think aspies can't learn these things. I spent 3½ years working as a model, which taught me to deal with cameras, and also allowed me to observe what make-up and hair looks good on me. I've actually seen many beautiful aspies, and also met quite a few that have no problem looking at the camera.
Eyes are a lot more difficult, and takes longer to learn, but it's also possible for many (not all).

[AuSableBrownie]

Too many folks have trouble accepting people that are different.  Perhaps your intelligence, gentleness, and grace will help some of them get over that.

Creativity is the eternal voice of love singing to us.  Keep at the creative work.

Thanks for the honesty and courage!!  You are a winner.

[uziyah]

I was so blessed by your sharing this. Thank you for doing so. I Am discovering the likelihood of AS at the ripe old age of almost 80. The freedom I Am experiencing is beyond words. ☺

[AnAutisticPsychologist]

Thank you, Roy. Getting messages like yours, is the reason I keep doing this. So thank you for writing it. You've made my day :)

[trishfitzpatrick]

I knew our son was quite different but had trouble defining what made me think this. When a second son came along, the difference between them brought it out even more. I feel so sorry for those who haven't been able to help their kids but I would urge them to teach them at home rather than putting them in group environments in the early years. Even though I had never heard of Asperger's Syndrome, I dealt with my son by staying connected. Our whole family worked at creating an atmosphere of correct and positive feedback, at times telling him exactly how to behave in all the ways average people do. 

It is such a wonderful thing to see your children be able to embrace the world. We showed them how we felt about the world and they have retained that positive attitude all their lives. Can you imagine having a conversation with an Aspie that lasts for three to six HOURS and never repeat anything? Can you envision sharing any subject, talking about anything with complete and utter joy? 

The love between him and his younger brother set an even better example for us. Little brother was solidly in his big brother's corner and included him in all activities of our neighborhood circle. When our Aspie was trying to master rollerblading, little bro could be seen skating backwards, encouraging him all the way, waiting patiently for him to get back up on those many discouraging falls. The two brothers were seen pretty much everywhere together so other kids came to accept them as a package deal.

Our sons are grown men now and have such different lives. They each chose their path but still routinely talk at great length even though one is terribly religious and the other not very spiritual. By teaching our sons outside of an artificial school structure that wears people down, we were able to help them keep their special identity and see that identity as a good thing.

Asperger's Syndrome is a challenge worth facing. If you know someone, or if you suspect you line up that way, please don't be discouraged. It's a better world than you think...

[AnAutisticPsychologist]

Well it's a spectrum, so of course there are "mild" cases. We end up having different problems from the "severe" ones, but we are still on the ASD spectrum.
And I can tell you very certainly that specialists in the field would firmly disagree with your statement that there's no such thing as a mild case.
I can, someday, function in the world, somewhat normally, but I know that without the help I've had over the last 10 years, it would've never happened.

[Malakren]

Every time someone tries to be the Aspie victim I sent them here.
We can be wonderful amazing creatures, if we don't let all the noise of the NT overwhelm us