Hello ~ As many of you know, I started my blog last week about autism spectrum disorders. As a mental health counselor specializing in ASD, I am excited to be starting a discussion about all of the wonderful people on the spectrum, how we can facilitate their having happy lives, and how the world can and does benefit from their gifts.
The prevalence of autism-related disorders is rising rapidly, a fact which is becoming well-known. In my 7+ years of working in this field, the general population is becoming much more familiar with the term. Ask any teacher, and they will most likely say they have at least a few children on the spectrum in their classroom. So, we can continue to view this as an anomoly, a disorder, or perhaps we may want to look at it as a significant change in the make-up of the population of humans on our planet. While there are some “issues” that those with ASD sometimes have, such as sensory processing difficulties, social skills deficits, and attention deficit/hyperactivity, even these things can begin to be seen in a different light. Perhaps the “different” neurology of those on the spectrum is just the flip side of their special gifts. For example, could a computer programmer who is an Aspie do such a magnificent job of creating programs without the gift of hyperfocus? Could an autistic musical savant be the creative genius she is without being someone who isn’t conventional?
When I think of all the amazing talents I have been exposed to in working with people on the spectrum, it embarrasses me to think that we “neurotypicals” have all the answers. Mathematical, computer, musical and artistic geniuses are in my office every day. The world needs their special gifts! The travesty of squelching a child, giving him messages that he’s “different”, “bad”, a “misfit” often have the disastrous effect of, by the time he is a young adult, convincing him that he is worthless. Many young adults on the spectrum come into my office depressed, feeling hopeless about their future, and hating themselves. And why? Because they aren’t quite like most people. Of course they’re not! They are geniuses, savants, special gifts to the world!
Another major problem those on the spectrum often face in adulthood is fitting into our current economic structure to make a living. For every successful computer programmer, there is an Aspie (perhaps many) who have not been able to get hired or keep a job consistently. Here they are, brilliant and possessing special talents, and having to depend on SSI for income (if they can get it). Not only is living at that economic level very challenging in obvious ways, the consistent message that they are “failures” is depressing and often prevents expression of their gifts.
One of the major stumbling blocks to getting hired is our rigid system of hiring. No matter what the job is, the “test” is an oral interview. Most Aspies are not good at reading non-verbal signals, making small talk, knowing when to stop talking, etc., thus the diagnosis. So, put them in an interview situation and they’re not going to make a great impression. Why do we make computer programmers pass an oral interview? Why don’t we just set them down with a computer and ask them to show us their stuff?
We need to open our minds, our hearts, to a different way of doing things. The conventional, pass-the-interview-work-for-the-corporation paradigm doesn’t work for many Aspies. Even our standard measure of success, which is buy-a-house-live-in-the-suburbs-raise-a-family isn’t one that works for everyone. Are there other lifestyles that can work and provide happy lives for folks that don’t fit the mold, but deserve a happy life as much as anyone? I believe there are, and that we need to facilitate creating them.
I recently learned about a place in New Mexico, a farm for autistic women to live and work. It’s called Mandy’s Special Farm (www.mandysfarm.org), and is home to four adult autistic women who work on the farm and sell their various products. While only four women live there at a time, it appears to be a wonderful, workable concept which provides a happy, creative, safe environment and productive life for the women who live there. Living by and with animals is ideal for many autistics, who have a special bond with animals. Perhaps our new society will have a lot of places like Mandy’s Farm, and other viable lifestyle opportunities so that Aspies can thrive and contribute their talents.
As always, I welcome your comments. Let’s get a good, positive discussion and brainstorming going!
