Who’s selfish in this scenario? Is it the NTs or Aspies? But before I present the actual scenario, I must mention this first:
What bad timing for me receive and start reading another Asperger book today! I had a book on hold from the library for weeks and now finally have it.
Two days ago, I went to an adult Asperger group meeting. I previously explained that they are emotionally exhausting in My Metamorphosis post, along with stating that my energy level decreases for almost a week from such things.
The next day (yesterday), I went to an annual Walk for Autism event. That really accelerated my adrenaline which was already surging from the previous day. I cannot afford to be having anything ‘rocking my boat’ emotionally right now. I must have peace and relaxation until the end of this week so that my body can recover its strength and stamina. It doesn’t mean I can’t do emotionally safe chores like laundry or dishes, but it does mean I MUST stay away from such things as hearing a woman’s voice singing at a microphone attached to speakers (that’s the sound my ears cannot tolerate!), especially if I’m too close to it physically!
The scenario needing expounding came from the first chapter I chose to randomly glance through in Suzanne C. Lawton’s book Asperger Syndrome: Natural Steps toward a Better Life. I was shocked to read what I did about employment politics, especially since I’ve been in this situation many times in my past:
Supposedly when someone chooses to spend her lunch break from the office by taking walks alone outdoors, she jeopardizes her chances of promotion and even risks losing her job! Where is the compassion there for those who get overwhelmed and need that mid-day break to recharge?!?!
It is NOT a human NEED to have 100% of everyone from the office chit-chatting small talk (and/or gossiping) together during lunch time!!!! It IS a NEED for some people to get away from others when they can so they’re able to function better at their job!!!! Those who are offended by people that wonder off alone during lunch are the ones who have a problem. What if I was an employer and I got offended because someone went to the bathroom daily at work and I didn’t like that? Could I refuse her a promotion or fire her because I didn’t like that she went to use the ladies room?
The way some other things were presented in that chapter are also rightfully disturbing. In fact, now that I think about it I’m realizing that it’s not even safe for me to read that book this week. There is a lot of good information in that book, but too much is being presented in a highly insulting way.
[Edit added 12-12-8] I had neglected to mention what book I was talking about, so now this post not only says which one it is, but also has a link to its sale on amazon.com. I purchased my own copy of the book on May 2nd, 2008, so I could take time to glean through it more carefully. It’s not one of my favorite Asperger books, but it’s not one of the worst either.
