12 Jul 2010, 1:40 pm
12 Jul 2010, 3:43 pm
12 Jul 2010, 3:48 pm
12 Jul 2010, 3:57 pm
12 Jul 2010, 4:02 pm
Lately, it's reading and posting on this forum.
One thing that's begun to happen while doing this is that I've begun to realize that as far as Theory of Mind goes, though I used to have little to no grasp of the concept, I seem to have developed the ability to assume I don't know what others are thinking. I actually started doing this before I had ever heard of Theory of Mind, so when I did learn of it, I understood the concept immediately. I've also noticed that sometimes it surprises me how well I can seem to see another person's point of view though many others can't seem to see it. When this happens, it almost makes me doubt I have AS at all since lack of Theory of Mind is supposed to be a core attribute of Autism. Any doubts I have had though, have been quickly dashed by a blunder of my own, when I realize once again that I myself have totally misinterpreted someone's view point, or assumed they would easily "get" where I'm coming from, because, after all, they MUST think just like I do! 
The time I've spent here over the last month has really opened my eyes to a lot. I've learned a lot about Autism in general, and shattered a few preconceptions I had. But the most valuable lessons I've learned have been about what my own "brand" of Autism is, how it works, and how it doesn't work.
I'd have to say spending time here qualifies as probably the best activity I've ever engaged in to help me "get in touch with my Autism."
12 Jul 2010, 4:09 pm
One thing that's begun to happen while doing this is that I've begun to realize that as far as Theory of Mind goes, though I used to have little to no grasp of the concept, I seem to have developed the ability to assume I don't know what others are thinking. I actually started doing this before I had ever heard of Theory of Mind, so when I did learn of it, I understood the concept immediately. I've also noticed that sometimes it surprises me how well I can seem to see another person's point of view though many others can't seem to see it. When this happens, it almost makes me doubt I have AS at all since lack of Theory of Mind is supposed to be a core attribute of Autism. Any doubts I have had though, have been quickly dashed by a blunder of my own, when I realize once again that I myself have totally misinterpreted someone's view point, or assumed they would easily "get" where I'm coming from, because, after all, they MUST think just like I do!
The time I've spent here over the last month has really opened my eyes to a lot. I've learned a lot about Autism in general, and shattered a few preconceptions I had. But the most valuable lessons I've learned have been about what my own "brand" of Autism is, how it works, and how it doesn't work.
I'd have to say spending time here qualifies as probably the best activity I've ever engaged in to help me "get in touch with my Autism."
Theory of mind is a HUGE breaking point for autism. AS people however, can develop different ways to cope with/learn behavior with intelligence. You might have done so in this case. And misinterpreting/expecting people to get your point, this happens to even the best NT's.
conundrum
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Joined: 25 May 2010
Age: 45
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12 Jul 2010, 4:25 pm
12 Jul 2010, 4:29 pm
12 Jul 2010, 4:57 pm
It happened the other night while meeting up with another aspie-when I get tired I tend to zone out and stare off into space-if I had a telescope I could probably find the Wrong Planet-hehehehe 
--and drone on in a monotonous voice while talking to a person standing right in front of me-I sometimes know its happening but it happens and is hard to break out of.
12 Jul 2010, 5:07 pm
I feel exactly the same and have often doubted aspects of my AS because I seemed to do so well but then I was told or read somewhere that aspies don't do things automatically, but they keep a library of examples which they add to and eventually there is enough information to make it seem like we get it naturally just like everyone else.
Apparently, we have to work so hard at understanding things, by reading, filling in our mental libraries and watching etc that we often end up knowing about some things better than others, but not because we are able to do it automatically, only because we have a library sat next to the missing bits in our heads.
12 Jul 2010, 5:11 pm
12 Jul 2010, 5:11 pm
I feel exactly the same and have often doubted aspects of my AS because I seemed to do so well but then I was told or read somewhere that aspies don't do things automatically, but they keep a library of examples which they add to and eventually there is enough information to make it seem like we get it naturally just like everyone else.
Apparently, we have to work so hard at understanding things, by reading, filling in our mental libraries and watching etc that we often end up knowing about some things better than others, but not because we are able to do it automatically, only because we have a library sat next to the missing bits in our heads.
Exactly! And it's on those occasions I forget to "check the data" that I'm reminded, "Oh, yeah! You gotta remember to do that next time!" Great description. Another way of describing it that is anything BUT neurotypical!
CockneyRebel
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Age: 50
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12 Jul 2010, 5:39 pm
happymusic
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Joined: 10 Feb 2010
Age: 49
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Posts: 3,165
Location: still in ninja land
12 Jul 2010, 5:58 pm
12 Jul 2010, 6:35 pm
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