Autism Is Not An Excuse To Do Nothing

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I'm just gonna quote the first sentence....


(emphasis mine)

It is beautiful, isn't it. And you can use the properties of the different fabrics to create the textures of the subject.
It takes a lot of experience to make one like that.

I agree with the idea that one should push one's limits. But people have to do it to match their own comfort level. And certainly everyone will have unique interests.

Needlecraft can be a part of learning/growing. The author wasn't picking on needlecraft in particular. They were making the statement that if ALL one does is one niche special interest with their time vs. doing other productive things & having other experiences, then they don't have such a well rounded fully enriched life. You could insert playing video games for needlecraft in her article, or some other past time that is typically seen as a hobby to indulge in from time to time vs. something productive that advances you towards self sufficiency or an ability to thrive in life.

Finding a bridge to cross that gap can release positive energy and open a door to unforeseen positive changes, that's so true. Some people find that more achievable with a mentor supporting them across the bridge.

Who are you to make that judgement?


Regarding one's comfort zone. I think that's up to the individual if they want to challenge themselves (with or without help.)

I don't see the trend at all myself. Nor is being diagnosed later in life an advantage as she seems to suggest. I could go on picking apart her article but it's nothing more than a poorly written rant. Instead of putting people down she should get off of her soapbox and do something constructive. Oh the irony!

I totally agree with you androbot1. I had similar thoughts when I read the article. It's very judgmental and I thought the author did a piss-poor job of making her point.

It DOES sound like she has a special beef against needlepoint.

If she's hoping the person who does needlepoint might get a job, how about encouraging that interest, instead of putting it down? It could lead to a job doing embroidery work or some other kind of sewing. Or they might be able to sell their own pieces. People sell all kinds of handmade things in boutiques, at fairs and festivals, or on sites like Etsy and Ebay.

I really appreciate those kinds of skills, partly because they are not easy for me to do. I WISH I could do those things. I tried to learn how to knit once, and it made me feel like my brain was twisting in a knot. I just couldn't get the hang of it. I used to do cross-stitch and ribbon embroidery, but don't feel like I have the patience for it anymore. I can hardly stand to sew on a button.

It's all too easy for a person to be dismissive of skills they haven't acquired, or have no personal interest in.

There have been times/places throughout history when women weren't even allowed to do much of anything besides needlecrafts. Maybe that's why some people have such a negative association with it? But that's also why it's an important part of the history of some cultures.

Lately I have been fascinated with Hmong/Miao embroidery. I think it is really amazing.
http://www.festival.si.edu/2014/china/f ... idery.aspx

How's this for a different perspective...

Last edited by dianthus on 05 Mar 2015, 7:37 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Chinese embroidery is an exquisite art.

If you can find a copy of "Barbara Walker's Learn-to-Knit Afghan Book," pick it up. I tried so many times to learn, but this book was the absolute best. It's out of print, but the library may have it.

Afghans are very useful when confronted with Minus 40 Windchills.

That's for sure!

I am someone who works, fulfills my obligations, earns my own way through life, & has a variety of interests that occupy my time vs. spending 24/7 on a singular hobby-interest that doesn't advance me in life in any sort of well rounded way. It's my opinion that leading a more well rounded life is far more enriching than focusing on ONE hobby-interest that is, in general, perceived by others as a hobby vs. a productive thing to spend one's time on - especially at the opportunity cost of learning other things, doing & experiencing other things, advancing one's finances etc. That's who I am to make that judgement. YMMV & that's ok.

I've spend many years wandering far afield of my "comfort zone."

It left me with an autism diagnosis and on four different meds to be able to function.

Nowadays, I've finally come to the conclusion that all I really need in life is some peace and quiet and to get back into my "comfort zone." Whether or not what I do with my life meets some else's definition of "success," or being "meaningful," really isn't my concern.

For me it's a balancing act - I like to spend some time in each of the two zones, the comfort zone is my refreshment zone and one of my favourite places (and where I often eat comfort food too!)

LOL....I love "comfort foods!"

Perhaps this is why I'm getting a gut!

Thank you! I will look for that. I would really like to learn.

My aunt tried to teach me how to knit. She can do it without even looking at her hands. She demonstrated and explained it really clearly. I'm usually good at picking something up fast. But this totally stumped me. Within the first couple of minutes, I felt like something was getting hot-wired inside my brain. I was afraid I might go into a rage and stab someone with the knitting needle.

I was determined to learn so I spent (I'm embarrassed to say how many) hours/days on my own just trying to figure out how to do ONE row. It was a struggle, but I finally did it. And then promptly threw it down in disgust and said, this is NOT for me. I'd still like to try it again. I just think I better do it alone. lol