'Field Guide to Earthlings' the book

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Just wanted to pop in with a segment of this book that struck a chord with me.

The passage reads:
Generally autism therapy revolves around pretending there is no fundamental difference (between NT's and auties), and trying to steer autistics into acting NT. People see autism as the problem, and they see acting as the solution. It is not that they think only autistics should act; they believe in acting as a general path of development for everyone, and for a reason. NTs generally decide who they are in a social context, and so when they try to help you, they apply the same principles that work for them. But you are not a cultural animal (addressing autistics here). You are a sensitive animal. You will discover who you are, not decide. Huge difference!. You must climb your mountain, not the one that a therapist (or trying to be helpfull NT) thinks you should climb. The acting skills that you might learn to mask autism can be irrelevent or harmful to the process of self-discovery.
(bold writing and bracketed comments are mine)

Like I say it struck a chord - and very strongly too. I am so sick of people (even though I KNOW it is well intentioned) telling me how to act or think (most often I'm told to change my thinking). I find myself getting more angry and upset about it because I CANNOT get them to understand that this is not an option. Changing my thinking means ACTING another way and I can only pull off acting in very short bursts that leave me feeling very strange and upset afterward - like I've been very untrue to myself and it hurts.

Does anyone else relate to this strongly as I do?

I defiantly agree with you

i think i need to find a copy of this book, sounds very interesting.
thanks Sowlow

this was the first book that I read when I was diagnosed with AS, and I found it to be very helpful and inspirational. the book can be ordered from the website www.afieldguidetoearthlings.com, and you can also preview the first 20 pages of it at the website.

It sounds interesting to me, except we are cultural, it's impossible to escape culture.

I sent you a private messed about autism dogs

I'm not one to read books, but I might should have a look into this.

Wow, this makes SO much sense. No wonder my identity is still "diffuse" (which, apparently, is often true for female Aspies)--I've been trying to fit (a) mold(s) that society would approve of. I had/have some awareness of doing so--I just didn't realize until recently how damaging that can be.

This book is going on my wish list--thanks!

I act, it works for me and I still know who the real me is ............. and so do the people who are close to me.

Right now my mother wishes I could act. Act as though everything is fine with me. Instead of listening to me say 'I don't know why I'm here - I wish you had never given birth to me - I don't want to be here!'

She said she wished there was something she could do for me - I handed her a pair of scissors ......

Now she's gone home - and it's all me again. I'm the square route of all problems.

Maybe I've been acting for too long. Acting as though everything is ok so as not to disturb anyone

I don't care anymore - I don't care about my stupid f*****g family - except my son - I want him to have a great life - I want to give him everything. But I have nothing to give him

Hey Sowlowsolo, from reading some of your posts I'd say you have a lot more to give him than you might realize.