Autistic Language

Being autistic means, that every day has its struggles.

Everyone has daily struggles, but meanwhile your struggle is level two,
I have the same struggle at a level nine.
It is always a level nine but the intensity changes
depending on my sleep and having all the stars aligned just right.

It is true that many autistic people struggle with
problem-solving and I am one of them.
However, I do not struggle with being able to decide
once I know my options; and that is something, that I do need help with.

Every autistic person most likely needs help with things,
that are an obvious solutions to some, but
it does not mean you tell the person what the options are,
AND also tell them what to do about those options AND expect them to do it.

And what is even harder, is that an autistic person,
most likely has a hard time expressing, what they are capable of.
I know, I do.

For example, I might need help with explaining three different products
so I am able to understand, but I do not need someone choosing for me.
There is a two step process to each, “translation.”
Most people do not understand that I only need a person to - help me with - one step -
but with the second step, I can most likely decide myself.

Most people think, that just because I need help to understand,
that I also need help with someone telling me what to do.

Every autistic person is different, and it is always appreciated,
when you ask someone, what kind of help they need from you specifically.
Because the type of help someone can give, varies from person to person.

Being autistic comes with a lot of confusion and unwritten rules,
that do not fit in a book. There is no handbook, for each autistic person.
But there are general things, which can be altered for each autistic person.
It just takes a lot of time, patience, humility, loyalty and dedication.

Loyalty, because, an autistic person needs to know that you want the best for them,
and that you will be there in the long-term. Otherwise, every autistic person, I believe,
will have a very hard time with submission to any authority, and not on purpose.

Naturally, an autistic person, like myself, goes with vibes before words.

Being autistic is not a super power or a downfall. It really is a language
that if you want to learn, you can. But it requires permission from the other person.
And that you have to earn.

Xo,
Anika