‘Neural noise’ could be a hidden advantage of the autistic mind
But some research, including our own study, has explored specific advantages in autism. Studies have shown that in some cognitive tasks, autistic people perform better than allistic people.
Autistic people face ignorance, prejudice and discrimination that can harm wellbeing. Poor mental and physical health, reduced social connections and increased “camouflaging” of autistic traits are some of the negative impacts that autistic people face.
So, research underlining and investigating the strengths inherent in autism can help reduce stigma, allow autistic people to be themselves and acknowledge autistic people do not require “fixing”.
The autistic brain is different. It comes with limitations, but it also has its strengths.
Or, an autistic who isn't afraid and/or shy to share that they are actually autistic?
Or, an autistic person who is active in the autism acceptance “movement” (if we can call it that)?
Or, perhaps, an autistic who were interviewed and disclosed they're autistic?
Maybe you have other considerations or criteria that defines “openly autistic” for you?
NOTE: Being openly autistic is a choice and is not for everyone. I think it is safe to say that we all face discrimination, stereotyping, and prejudice for being actually autistics, thus, most choose not to be open about it.
However, recently, there has been a slow growth in numbers of openly autistics, and like with most things in life, we have different criteria, definitions, and cultural considerations.
Thus, I am curious what you think, personally or maybe your immediate environment or organisation, is an openly autistic person. Or, when do you consider one as openly autistic.
Again, this is not about if an autistic person should be openly autistic or not. ^_^
👦 According to statistics autism spectrum is nearly 4 times more common among boys than among girls. However, this is only due to the fact that girls don’t fit autism stereotypes and because of that they often go undiagnosed.
🧠 #Neurodiversity brings different perspectives and ways of thinking, as well as nonconformity. All so important to drive change and #innovation. However, it needs an inclusive culture to make people thrive.
🚀 People with autism spectrum can have a significant impact on the world. Like Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein or Michelangelo.
I voted earlier today. We have two, one for Barangay (Town) and one for Sanguniang Kabataan (SK or Youth Council).
The election rep handling the ballots asked for my ID because he had to confirm my age.
SK (Youth Council) is open for 15 to 30 years old voters.
I look like I'm in my late 20s.
While he did not ask me for my age, better to confirm it with an ID to avoid election fraud, when people ask me, I used to say, "I stopped counting at 30" (now it's 28). It's half-joke, the other half is the truth, people do mistake me to be in my late 20s.
Many #ActuallyAutistics, for some reason, look half their actual age once we enter adulthood. I'm not aware of any scientific explanation regarding this, but it has been observed.
For me, this was not the first time. I was always mistaken to be underage (under 18) until I hit 25-27. It was always funny whenever I was with friends or colleagues because they all reacted. 🤣
It was a 5–10-year gap. Now it's a 20+ year gap. Maybe one day, there will be a 30-year gap with my actual age.
It describes it as:
“Autistic burnout is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic life stress and a mismatch of expectations and abilities without adequate supports. It is characterized by pervasive, long-term (typically 3+ months) exhaustion, loss of function, and reduced tolerance to stimulus.” ~Raymaker et al, 2020
Typically the Autistic person in question will still have multiple demands in their life that require cognitive resources, despite having little to no resources left to give. Life goes on, as they say.
Season 04 Episode 11 of Fringe featured the meeting of the two Agent Astrid Farnsworth, one an autistic and the other neurotypical.
This episode aired on 2012-02-04 and entitled “Making Angels”.
The autistic Agent Astrid Farnsworth came from the “Amber World” (the parallel world), and the NT Astrid is from the “Prime World” (our world basically).
The character is, I would say “basic” as far as portrayal of an autistic person. Some would say it's a stereotype. But I like her nonetheless because it was not exaggerated, and the focus was not on her autism instead it was about her many skills.
And in this episode, we saw through her that autistic people are humans too. That we have our own struggles, we do cry and feel emotions (contrary to the claims that we lack it), and we just want to live like everyone else.
The autistic Astrid was introduced in season 2 (2009–2010). The actress, Jasika Nicole, was praised for her performance of both the neurotypical and the autistic Agent Astrid.
How about you, what do you think of her character? How was the performance (specifically with autistic Astrid)?
Season 04 Episode 11 of Fringe featured the meeting of the two Agent Astrid Farnsworth, one an autistic and the other neurotypical.
This episode aired on 2012-02-04 and entitled “Making Angels”.
The autistic Agent Astrid Farnsworth came from the “Amber World” (the parallel world), and the NT Astrid is from the “Prime World” (our world basically).
The character is, I would say “basic” as far as portrayal of an autistic person. Some would say it's a stereotype. But I like her nonetheless because it was not exaggerated, and the focus was not on her autism instead it was about her many skills.
And in this episode, we saw through her that autistic people are humans too. That we have our own struggles, we do cry and feel emotions (contrary to the claims that we lack it), and we just want to live like everyone else.
The autistic Astrid was introduced in season 2 (2009–2010). The actress, Jasika Nicole, was praised for her performance of both the neurotypical and the autistic Agent Astrid.
How about you, what do you think of her character? How was the performance (specifically with autistic Astrid)?
A question to my fellow autistics / Actually Autistics, have you ever felt embarrassed about something? And do you understand what it means?
Some context.
I'm trying to think of an experience where I felt embarrassed, but I can't think of one. The way I understood embarrassment is you felt ashamed about something. Believe it or not, I don't remember feeling ashamed at all.
For example, there was a time when I slipped when I stepped on the sidewalk. The reason I slipped was because I was looking around trying to find where my crush was hiding (we were waiting to be let in at school for our turn in quarterly major exams).
I understand that it's supposed to be an embarrassing moment. My crush saw me that day, she told me after we started dating (it became a teasing moment, and a constant reminder she was turned-off that day LOL). Frankly, even to this day I can't help but laugh at it whenever I recall it.
But, to feel ashamed of it, I did not feel anything at all other than the pain of crashing into the concrete.
I mean, I just accepted it for what it is, I slipped because I wasn't paying attention where I was stepping, and that's that. I even laughed at myself (and as I've said earlier, still laugh at it to this day). It's my own foolishness to begin with (and oh, you are free to laugh, too, since I'm laughing at myself. :P )
And speaking of laughing… I never minded when people laughed at my expense. I didn't even think of getting angry, or reporting them, or retaliating negatively. If I can think of a comeback, not revenge, I do, otherwise I take it in stride. I am not saying I don't take offence, but I don't react the same way I've observed most people do.
Is that just me? Or, is that something observable with many?