While I write this post, I get the feeling that my idea may not be heard in the circles that need to listen to my opinions the most.
Friends accused me of propagating ideological differences, in my own autism self-help group. I feel the blame passing around, which could be unseen in various places. Plus, my message wasn't heard because of poor communication and understanding of my ideas.
But I think the most important thing for autistic people is not revealing autism. It is not even advocating for change - which will come anyway if societal opinion of autistic people change, to improve their capabilities. And it is needed in my society and community.
It is more of self-improvement.
Every willing autistic individual, no matter what are their gifts, creed or individual beliefs, should be given the opportunity to grow and master at their own pace, and contribute to the world in the way they are able to.
Sometimes, parents might be the people stopping us. They have their own concerns - they want us to be independent in life (which I cannot deny, is indeed an important concern). They want us to get a better-paying, honest job that looks the most professional. They also want us to take care of them, if we have the ability - this is especially true in Asia.
I will do my best to provide for my family.
But I also think that for some capable ASDs, perhaps it would be a distraction for Aspies to try to fit into a societal mold - instead of being their best selves.
Indeed, we see the phenomenon of boomerang kids. Nowadays, the price of housing is out of reach, while the employment situation is dire. It's an option for some people to just collect unemployment benefits if they, due to their own limitations, can't take a job. They can perhaps do other things that best use their talents - like making rap beats on YouTube, on their parents' basements. At least, in this way, they add to the diverse music of the world while making the best out of their innate talents.
If one could make nice music, he can go all out and sing in a band or work odd jobs in your local record company - but if he can't handle any interpersonal troubles, he should might as well just accept the status quo and do whatever that sounds terrible, but still feasible.
The key is, he has to feel the desire to improve and to do even better, in his gifts and talents.
Friends accused me of propagating ideological differences, in my own autism self-help group. I feel the blame passing around, which could be unseen in various places. Plus, my message wasn't heard because of poor communication and understanding of my ideas.
But I think the most important thing for autistic people is not revealing autism. It is not even advocating for change - which will come anyway if societal opinion of autistic people change, to improve their capabilities. And it is needed in my society and community.
It is more of self-improvement.
Every willing autistic individual, no matter what are their gifts, creed or individual beliefs, should be given the opportunity to grow and master at their own pace, and contribute to the world in the way they are able to.
Sometimes, parents might be the people stopping us. They have their own concerns - they want us to be independent in life (which I cannot deny, is indeed an important concern). They want us to get a better-paying, honest job that looks the most professional. They also want us to take care of them, if we have the ability - this is especially true in Asia.
I will do my best to provide for my family.
But I also think that for some capable ASDs, perhaps it would be a distraction for Aspies to try to fit into a societal mold - instead of being their best selves.
Indeed, we see the phenomenon of boomerang kids. Nowadays, the price of housing is out of reach, while the employment situation is dire. It's an option for some people to just collect unemployment benefits if they, due to their own limitations, can't take a job. They can perhaps do other things that best use their talents - like making rap beats on YouTube, on their parents' basements. At least, in this way, they add to the diverse music of the world while making the best out of their innate talents.
If one could make nice music, he can go all out and sing in a band or work odd jobs in your local record company - but if he can't handle any interpersonal troubles, he should might as well just accept the status quo and do whatever that sounds terrible, but still feasible.
The key is, he has to feel the desire to improve and to do even better, in his gifts and talents.
