Echo
AQ 41 etc etc...
Since I assume, by default, that no one has more than two minutes to listen to anything about me, I tend to speak on these (and other) personal topics in a sort of verbal shorthand that does more to confuse than to edify.
Imagine that I'm delivering this little epiphany (bomb) to an unsuspecting friend or relative. Also imagine that I'm speaking quickly and emotionally: "I finally found out, after all these years, what was wrong with me! I'm autistic."
*crickets*
"I mean... just a little bit." (Ha! My AQ is 41...)
*a concerned look... perhaps they're wondering if they'll need to tranquilize me*
"It's okay. I've mostly learned how to be normal." (Well, until you look at my work history, emotional issues, relationships, sensory overload etc. etc. etc.)
*they look elsewhere, thoughtfully? No, checking out the exits, most likely*
"I figured it out because I have synesthesia." (No, wait.. that made no sense. Hurry up and tell them something they can relate to, so you don't have to go into your synesthesia explanation again.)
"Remember all those times you took me out to karaoke and I would spend too much time outside, or in the bathroom? I was crying. Because it was too loud and overwhelming."
*is that a small glimmer of understanding I see? No, they're just asking me what I want for dinner*
"*Sigh* Pizza is fine."
Imagine that I'm delivering this little epiphany (bomb) to an unsuspecting friend or relative. Also imagine that I'm speaking quickly and emotionally: "I finally found out, after all these years, what was wrong with me! I'm autistic."
*crickets*
"I mean... just a little bit." (Ha! My AQ is 41...)
*a concerned look... perhaps they're wondering if they'll need to tranquilize me*
"It's okay. I've mostly learned how to be normal." (Well, until you look at my work history, emotional issues, relationships, sensory overload etc. etc. etc.)
*they look elsewhere, thoughtfully? No, checking out the exits, most likely*
"I figured it out because I have synesthesia." (No, wait.. that made no sense. Hurry up and tell them something they can relate to, so you don't have to go into your synesthesia explanation again.)
"Remember all those times you took me out to karaoke and I would spend too much time outside, or in the bathroom? I was crying. Because it was too loud and overwhelming."
*is that a small glimmer of understanding I see? No, they're just asking me what I want for dinner*
"*Sigh* Pizza is fine."
