Autistic Cognition - Emotional Variance

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Autistic Cognition

Milder forms of Autism can be quite different from the stereotypes. The problem is that Autism isn't defined by specific behaviors or interests. What defines Autism is a completely different approach to cognition.

Most people see things in terms of social connections and constructs. Temple Grandin saw things in pictures. I see them as a web of ordered concepts. Still others may have even more unique ways of seeing the world. The biggest challenges come up when these different ways of thinking come up with conflicting answers to everyday questions.

• "What does it mean to be polite?"
  
  
• "What is satire?"
  
  
• "What is fun and interesting?"
  
  
• "What does it mean to be happy or sad?"
  
  
• "What does it mean to be human?"

Now we've turned every day socialization into a subject touchier than religion and politics could ever dream of. That's what makes Autism so devilishly unique. It's what creates this odd hodgepodge of gifts and disabilities.

Everything you knew about the differences between men and women, children and adults, shy and extroverted people, it's completely useless. We don't think or feel in the same way as other people. You might as well throw out random answers when trying to transfer those 'common sense' judgments.

One of the best ways to understand us is to ask. Be straight forward and ask us how our behaviors and facial expressions reflect on what we're feeling. If something doesn't seem right, or doesn't make sense, use questions to get to the bottom of it. Don't create a mess by relying on assumptions.

Emotional Variance

One thing constantly catching people off-guard about myself, and others like me, is that they don't understand the emotions. We're not lacking in empathy. We just don't feel in the same way as everyone else.

Attacking us over these differences is about as absurd as you can get. We're not attacking anyone else for thinking in terms of social connections and constructs. Please try to return the favor, and allow us to be ourselves. Let us think in pictures and webs of concepts, a way that makes native sense to our brains.

For us, emotions can become simultaneously more vibrant and flat. It sounds confusing, but there's really no other way to describe it. There are so many cases when there are no words to describe what we're feeling. We're not even sure other people would understand.

Your best bet is to ask us how we're feeling. If we care, we'll make an effort to put it into words. It may not be easy, but we'll give it our best. Just try to be patient with us. We need it more than anyone.

This brings forward, a very good point. I think, that if people would just take the time, to think about what you've just posted, the world would be much more accepting, towards us.

Perhaps autistic cognition is one way to improve acceptance of emotional variance on and off the spectrum.

Yes...in many cases there really IS no way for me to describe what or how I feel. Many times, people will ask me how I'm doing, and the only thing I can reply with is, "I'm doin'."

If I were to describe exactly how I felt at that time, many would say TMI. When I say, "I'm doin'," they act as if I'm hiding something or I'm being non-communicative. I just put things in the most succinct manner possible while attempting to give the next person something to go on. The alternative is to tell 'em to P-off!

I would say all autistic people vary a lot from the stereotype, including those who appear on the surface to match that stereotype.

I feel much wisdom in your description.