How I Began Working with People on the Autism Spectrum

I have always been different. I have always thought I was different, but not in a good way. Then I began to understand the Autism Spectrum. I am not on the spectrum, but I do have autism traits. I think most of us do.

I am concrete in my thinking. Certain phrases have always made no sense to me. Like, “I literally died laughing”. You did not literally die. You are alive. This literal hearing of a purely nonliteral phrase is typical of an atypical person.

If a person said, “I really need to be going home so I don’t wear out my welcome”, I might say, “Let me get you your coat”. I did not understand that in their statement was a question, ” Am I wearing out my welcome?” This social error is typical with atypical people.

I do not like small talk. I do it because it is the social norm, people need that to segue into a conversation, and to get comfortable. For years I avoided haircuts because of this. I saw so clearly that the haircut was an interview by the stylist who wanted to know if this is my day off, what I do for a living, do I have kids, what do I do for fun, what my plans were for the day, etc., etc. I felt no desire to share my life with this total stranger. I merely wanted a haircut. This avoidance of chit chat is typical of atypical people.

Another person who hates haircuts encouraged me to go to his stylist who did not speak English. Perfect! This is a typical compensation for atypical behavior.

When I order a meal at a restaurant I have never been to before, and I like it, I never order anything different there no matter how many times I go. (If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.)  At every Mexican restaurant I have ever been to in my entire life, I order a Chile Relleno. One time I ordered something different. I was disappointed. This is typical for an atypical person.

I order the same fried chicken meal today that I ordered when I was in high school, at the same chain. Even at different chains. But I feel more comfortable at the chain I went to in High School. Trying to keep things the same feels safe and is typical for atypical people.

I went to work for an insurance company to help them develop a program that happened to be for people on the autism spectrum. I went through weeks of training on autism. I saw the traits I had. I understood this. I felt this. I could relate to many of the traits. What set me apart from actually being on the spectrum rather than just a guy with some autism spectrum traits? I can easily compensate for the atypical thinking and behaviours I have. People on the spectrum find this compensation most difficult.

If you are on the Autism Spectrum and want to talk. I’m here for you.