The World is Learning What it Means to be Autistic

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WHOA - I would refrain from oversimplifying and making blanket assumptions on just how a pandemic e.g., stay at home orders, social-distancing would shed-light on how people on the spectrum feel.

Yes, there are subtle parallels to how such behaviors as 'social distancing' can relate to AS/HFA. Personally, even in light of current-events, it's important to keep-in-touch with trusted NT acquaintances, and relatives - that is mutual assistance would be available - should the need arise; which I hope NEVER happens.

In short, I don't want to let myself "off the hook" in only considering other AS/HFA people. Once restrictions are lifted, I strongly feel that I'll come out as a well....better person - who better knows-how to navigate AS, and NT settings alike!

WHOA - I didn't say anything about "shedding light," per se. Nor did I say to only consider other Autistic people.

What I was getting at is that, although the circumstances are different and this is not by choice, NTs are being forced to live in state of being that Autistics have been living in since the day we were born. I still stand by that. This lockdown has ramifications for ALL OF US. No doubt. But I think its impacts are felt much more by NTs than by Aspies/autistics. It seems prevenative measures to the virus = NOT DOING NORMAL NT social things. Aspies, by definition, don't regularly "do" normal NT social things (whether by choice or not). NTs are being forced into a more autistic lifestyle, which is counter to their nature. Yes, I still stand by what I've written. I think some folks misunderstand or take it the wrong way.

I understand!

Enclosed is a LINK to my post in the WP discussion thread -'How's Your Quarantine Going? (LINK).

The opposite of this discussion thread 'The World is Learning What it Means to be Autistic' is being asked - that is under the current circumstances of a pandemic, can it be said that people with AS/HFA might (however slightly) experience NT-like considerations? For example, responding favorably to challenging circumstances. I sense this might stem from news-media, and word-of-mouth emphasis on empathizing with other people who are "in the same boat" in their own local regions.

It can also be said that many people with AS/HFA deserve credit in being able to respond favorably to emergency situations.

LINK: viewtopic.php?f=24&t=385945&p=8488423#p8488423

The world is learning that people can't always get their own way. I'm on the spectrum and I don't care for social distancing. I don't get to experience the rich multiculturalism of my community the way that I did before that whole Corona mess started.

A weak theory might be that since NTs are driven more by social directive, then if the current social directive is to behave more "Aspie-like," they'll respond in kind. That is to say, if it's socially fashionable to behave this way for now, they'll oblige to an extent, because "everybody's doing it."

EDIT: Which means we may feel slightly more at home, or slightly less 'off' in this environment since it's a bit more akin to our nature. You may feel more NT-like and more in-tune now not because you're becoming more NT, but because NTs are being forced to live differently than they normally would. The planet is a little less wrong for us, a lot more wrong for them.

When this first occurred, I told my family, “Welcome to my world”. For me, autism is neurological and and not a personality disorder. We may seem to have same behaviors, but it’s caused by neurological disturbances. If I were NT, I would be an introvert. Now, add the autism, and I usually self isolate. I act out my anxiety by being a germ freak . I just feel when something is dirty. So, I have always used wipes in grocery stores etc. Sadly, I feel less anxiety because limited people in groceries, no one touches you to say hi, streets are empty of many cars, and the QUIET. THAT’s been amazing. What does upset me is the deaths. I just cannot imagine a country like Italy who was 2nd in longevity according to the World Health Organization having all those deaths. So, I do wish NTs learn better habits from this : enjoying more time with family, not driving out for everything and minding pollution, excessive shopping and being careful with plastic and toilet paper . Hopefully, greetings are a namaste and not hand shaking and kissing.