10 "Usual" Traits of Autistic People

There are SO many "deficits" of Autism - but for every down side to autism, there seems to be a positive -- an unusual trait that rarely appears among the "typical" community, but shines out among autistic folk. These plusses are well worth celebrating. (rec'd from a friend and then edited by me) :-)

1. Autistic People Rarely Lie
We all claim to value the truth, but almost all of us tell little white lies. All, that is, except people on the autism spectrum. To them, truth is truth -- and a good word from a person on the spectrum is the real deal.
Sal doesn't lie but it getting good about "kidding". She also has a different idea of reality sometimes. For example - moving her aside is a "push" according to her. :-)

2. People on the Autism Spectrum Live in the Moment
How often do typical people fail to notice what's in front of their eyes because they're distracted by social cues or random chitchat? People on the autism spectrum truly attend to the sensory input that surrounds them. Many have achieved the ideal of mindfulness.
OH MY YES!!! And for the most part it is refreshing AND necessary - because - Sal's speech is sometimes lacking so talking about here and now provides clues for me to be able to guess at the word being said. (even though I "put my tongue on my teeth" I usually need more help) :-)

3. People with Autism Rarely Judge Others
Who's fatter? Richer? Smarter? For people on the autism spectrum, these distinctions hold much less importance than for typical folks. In fact, people on the spectrum often see through such surface appearances to discover the real person.
BIGTIME - Sal can't describe people - but she can remember a name! :-) Or where she saw them or who they "belong" to. :-) She rarely sees "bad" in the world. :-)

4. Autistic People are Passionate
Of course, not all autistic people are alike. But many are truly passionate about the things, ideas and people in their lives. How many "typical" people can say the same?
Yes, at age 11 I can honestly say my daughter *prefers* my company - which is both a blessing and a curse. Not only does it get "old" - I worry what will happen when I leave this earth. So we work HARD on separating. Even though we seem to have a link that is unseen.

5. People with Autism Are Not Tied to Social Expectations
If you've ever bought a car, played a game or joined a club to fit in, you know how hard it is to be true to yourself. But for people with autism, social expectations can be honestly irrelevant. What matters is true liking, interest and passion -- not keeping up with the Joneses.
And what I wouldn't give to have her father be the same. :-) No, Sal could care less about what you have or what your status is. She couldn't care less if you like her shirt or not - SHE does. :-) She LOVES her Dora hat and will wear it no matter what. Jack is her hero because he's her brother - no other reason. He doesn't have to be *someone* or care for her - she's the picture perfect unconditional lover. :-)

6. People with Autism Have Terrific Memories
How often do typical people forget directions, or fail to take note of colors, names, and other details? People on the autism spectrum are often much more tuned in to details. They may have a much better memory than their typical peers for all kind of critical details.
MOST CERTAINLY! Sal's memory is infallible! She remembers where others put stuff. (This is why her brother will live with her in college - he needs someone to remember where he put his shoes) :-) The strange thing is that she's not real sure about numbers. Which, in my opinion, is SO memory - so unchanging - 2+2 will ALWAYS be 4. Leaves me scratching my head.

7. Autistic People Are Less Materialistic
Of course, this is not universally true -- but in general, people with autism are far less concerned with outward appearance than their typical peers. As a result, they worry less about brand names, hairstyles and other expensive but unimportant externals than most people do.
Yep, she's NOT into brands or what's the latest cool thing. Doesn't mean she doesn't say at almost every toy commercial "I want that". :-) But it DOES mean that she's OVERJOYED at hand me downs and trinky little cheap things. :-)

8. Autistic People Play Fewer Head Games
Who was that woman, and why were you looking at her? I know I TOLD you I didn't mind if you went out, but why did you believe me? Most autistic people don't play games like these -- and they assume that you won't either. It's a refreshing and wonderful change from the Peyton Place emotional roller coaster that mars too many typical relationships!
And this is a main reason why Sal gravitates towards boys. They are more "what you see is what you get". There's no politics with boys. No, "oh no you didn't" crap. :-) I've always said Jack will be the politician and Sal will be his right hand aide - remembering all the names and where he left his speech. :-)

9. Autistic People Have Fewer Hidden Agendas
Most of the time, if a person on the autism spectrum tells you what he wants -- he is telling you what he wants. No need to beat around the bush, second guess, and hope you're reading between the lines!
Oh yeah, Sal most certainly knows what she wants and what *should* be done. Doesn't always mean she does it. :-) But she's also very blunt about what she wants and in our society can be easily seen as "rude". We try to remind her of her "tone" and what's rude and not to say. :-)

10. People with Autism Open New Doors for Neurotypicals
For some of us neurotypicals, having an autistic person in our lives has had a profound positive impact on our perceptions, beliefs and expectations. For me, at least, being the mom of a son on the autism spectrum has released me from a lifetime of "should" -- and offered me a new world of "is."
Oh Sing It Sistah!!!!! True, true true! My life is MUCH better because of Sal. She has saved me from what I *thought* was important - and made me realize what REALLY is. She's made me MUCH more liberal. :-) (to Bill's horror) She's made me more patient and able to see blessings SO much clearer. She's also brought some of the most FANTASTIC people I've ever met into my life. From Lon all the way to Katie and Pauly from bowling - because of her my life has been enriched. ;-)