Why does it seem that the things which should be obvious are often times also the most difficult to see? This isn’t just for Aspergers people, but also neurotypicals. Knowing more now about how differently the mind of one on the autism spectrum thinks verses how the NT mind processes information has me also knowing that there is no way for NTs to reach this conclusion. I am not saying this to boast. I’m saying it because if I don’t, people on the other side of human neurodiversity will remain ignorant. There is a reason God designed the Asperger mind to be highly analytical, logical, and deep thinking. Some people appreciate this, but most people actually hate it.
It’s only logical to conclude from my need for books written by NTs who try to understand AS people (in order to understand how the typical world is perceiving people like me) that the reverse must also be true. NTs need books written by Aspies¹ so they can understand people who think differently from what they’re accustomed to, but NTs don’t want them written. You’ll find books which reflect the experiences, thoughts, and feelings Aspies have. That’s acceptable so long as an Aspie doesn’t start to sound like a professional who is informing the world on how NTs should act in ways that are ‘normal’ for Aspergians. There is a reason there is no market demand for such books.
It’s ironic that in my quest to better understand what’s going on with this whole neurodiversity issue, I should find statements made by a NT professional who writes about her observations of Aspies to be so blind to her own theory. Add to that, the title of the book focuses on the theory of the mind. All theories are assumptions, even the ones this author comes up with.
This psychologist stated that a lot of Aspies have the mentality of ‘us against them.’ She also stated that the very things Aspies complain about NTs (probably like what I’m saying here), are the same things they cannot perceive in their own selves. If I could have a sit down talk with that author, we would probably remain in an endless debate because I know I would not be listened to. Instead, I would be dictated how to think and it would have to agree with her point of view. This is not fair.
I do not, nor would I ever, insist that neurotypical people think and perceive things like I do. First of all, I know they can’t because of their brain structure being different than mine. I respect neurodiversity, but I also know it would be argued that I don’t because I’m constantly pointing out differences instead of complying nicely like typical people wish I would. The more insistent I am upon protecting my self identity from being stolen, the more I’m perceived as being a hypocrite.
It’s beginning to appear that Aspies need to be reminded: “You [Aspies] have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of social correctness run by NT authorities. You have the right to have an NT attorney (who loves, understands, and unconditionally accepts you) present during questioning. If you cannot find such a valuable attorney, one should be appointed for you.”
My suspicions about many other things are also starting to get confirmed by much of what I observe and read. Those Aspies who sincerely make attempts to be someone they are not, eventually pay a high price for their desperate attempts to conform. From the perspective of the NT world, typical people think Aspies are ‘cured’ if they act normal. That’s all most people want — an act. The truth is less important today than appearances.
Aspies who remain reclusive (they’re usually the smartest ones) are happier and healthier.² I was happier before I began trying to teach what I know about neurodiversity in my blog online. If and/or when people get disturbed by reading what I write, they should realize there are two groups of people here who are being pulled out of their comfort zone.
If I was really being selfish, I would never have bothered to share what I have. I’m not gaining anything for myself by doing so. It should be obvious that I don’t seek kudos for what I write. I care about the whole human race and see what’s important. It’s important that people put aside their pride so they can stop with the nonsense of feeling so offended all the time. So much personal insult stems from simply being spoiled.
When people like me will not be listened to but rather be talked at (which is the very thing I’m accused of doing), then there is no point in trying to solve this puzzle. What it means then is that the picture isn’t pretty and those, who continuously twist the things we Aspies do and say, do not really want the pieces of truth snapped together. What most typical people truly want is everyone to behave ‘normal’ and for no one to be uncomfortably ‘weird.’
¹I have no desire to ever write such a book.
²If you like what’s in these two links, then you might also like the similar third one, Eccentrics Live Longer, kept aside in my category for Healthy Living listed to the right of my posts. When David Weeks did his research, he wasn’t even aware of Asperger Syndrome’s existence.
