Re: [AutisticTreehouse]Educating on ASDs was 'Wish were dead':

[Guest guest]

> That could be the misconception people have, and why they don't take us

> seriously.

> because they don't fully understand it, that people with AS don't

> necessarily have behavioral

> issues like they seem to think.

Precisely, and family are often the hardest to convince especially if

we aren't diagnosed until adulthood. My sister for example thinks I

obsess on autism and limit myself. She didn't see how I struggled as

a child because I didn't mention it to anyone. I was too busy

surviving. And I didn't help myself, in some ways, by doing well at

school academically.

This is where education comes in. Unfortunately we're unlikely to be

able to educate our own families but we can gently educate colleagues

and friends, and our own families may be influenced by other ACs they

meet or read about over time.

Here's an idea - Tom, do your family read much? You could find a good

book on ASD or an autiebiography you identify with and give it to a

family member for a birthday or Christmas present. Last year I gave

my mum " Speed of Dark " which I think is by Moon, because the

main character thinks very much as I do (he's autistic). Attwoods

latest book, something like Complete Guide to AS, is very good too.

Way back when I first discovered autism I left Donna ' Nobody

Nowhere lying around, which my Dad read and then questioned me about.

Genyin

--

" I know the answer! The answer lies within the heart of all mankind!

The answer is twelve? I think I'm in the wrong building. "

M. Schultz