The month of April is a lovely time of the year. With it being Autism Awareness month, I'm privileged to present 6 different aspects of Aspies (people with Asperger's or Autism) that you likely might not be aware of. As someone on the spectrum myself, I hope these facts are as enlightening as they are potentially shocking.
1. Aspies have creative ability, too
Whoever it was that said we're all dull, antisocial robots obviously hasn't seen some of the artwork that Aspies have produced. I don't have an artistic hand myself, but I am a poet (with it also being National Poetry Month, I had to throw that in there).
2. We can be just as sociable
Again, we're not all these robots that shut down when emotional monkey wrenches get thrown into them. When given the appropriate tools and guidance, we can be as people oriented and easy-going as someone not on the spectrum. I went to high school with a guy on the spectrum that made varsity on the football team and was liked by everybody.
3. We're capable of leadership
Though the more introverted types prefer to remain in the background, we have an ability to see things that others may not. It's because of this foresight that we can strategize and plan more calculatively, giving us an edge in leadership and management roles. As a retail employee, I'll often plan out what goes on for a closing shift with my coworker(s) and account for possible contingencies (they're bound to happen).
4. We are more compassionate than empathetic
The first thing you'll hear from someone that's read up on the spectrum is them asking "It says you lack empathy? Does that mean you don't care about how others feel?" Let's refer to the official definition of empathy. Empathy refers to the ability to feel the emotions that others are feeling. This doesn't reference what the empath may do with those feelings.
Aspies are human, too, and are generally selfless. They may not be able to read into how someone is feeling, but if they know something's wrong, they'll go out of their way to help.
5. Not all of us are computer geeks
I cannot place enough emphasis on this. Some of us aren't particularly keen to staring at a screen or monitor for a prolonged period of time. When I write, I generally do it by hand first, then translate it over to the screen. Some Aspies enjoy gaming, computers, and coding, but there is a rare breed that prefers to do most of everything old school (i.e. me).
6. We are walking encyclopedias
When it comes to topics of discussion, almost anything is fair game. Sports statistics, rock bands, market movers, and the like. If your Aspie friend has delved into the topic in the least, chances are he or she will talk your ear off about it.
Those are just a few examples of how the atypical have traits that are atypical to them. If you have any other odd facts that neurotypical people would be surprised to know, feel free to comment below.
