Autism project ideas that I have no clue how to start/run
- Autistic mentors network, connecting young Autistic people with older Autistic mentors, a sort of You Are Not Alone, we can get through this together thing to help with self-esteem and mental health issues
- a guide to give to house/room mates of Autistic people. I find it so exhausting to try and educate each housemate I encounter, and find I forget the little things, like the need to have plates stacked a certain way, my annoyance in wet floors, and sensory issues. It’s great that there’s materials for Autistic people, but what about the other people in the household? Why do we always have to be the ones to compromise? Especially when other members are willing to learn about what we need to live comfortable?
As for the network, haven’t heard much about that sort of thing, but I think it might be good to have. It just seems like something that I don’t have the spoons to do.
Make up your own list. Take a few days to do it and keep adding to it.
ReplyDeleteList the things you are willing to compromise on and those you really can't... and you should always be willing to meet people half way b/c they too will have things they prefer a certain way.
I have found people are very receptive if you do.
My eldest (finishing Gr 7) is going to be meeting with the Councillor next year at school... I know how much you adult autistics hate Baron-Cohen and his "lack of empathy" theories but he describes this child perfectly... ironically the severe ASD 10yr old is emotionally "normal"... but sometings gotta give and he has to learn that the world does not revolve around him and he has to meet us half way.
I'm willing to bend, but I'm entitled to the same respect. Ditto with your roommates.
That is a good idea; I was also thinking of creating a general document that could be used for other autistic people as well, with maybe check boxes for the points that especially apply to that individual person.
DeleteIn order for that idea, I think I'd open an google document and open it up for the autistic community.
Part of the problem is that given various people's social skills, initiating this sort of dialogue in person can be very intimidating. A pamphlet or little guide or handbook could be useful to help educate new housemates (especially strangers) as well as help break the ice on the conversation.
And honestly, I don't think it's too much to ask that things like utensils go back in certain drawers, and wet floors be mopped up after a shower/bath. It's the sort of general respect for common spaces that has to be in place for housemates to co-exist peacefully in general. What needs to be understood is that breaking general housemate etiquette can cause major anxiety for autistic people.