Giving a speech on autism

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I'm supposed to go to the Maryland Commission on Autism tomorrow and identify some issues for people on the spectrum (and their families). What are some issues most of us have in common? (I'm trying to get to the important ones) I know a big one for me is planning ahead.

For me, a big one is partial acceptance or nonacceptance. You'd think if you're a little bit different, then you might slightly not fit in a little bit, but it doesn't quite work that way!

And leave plenty of time for questions. And try to speak from the heart as much as you can. I mean, at one point, if you have one more big point to make or one more big story to tell, then go ahead and put down your notes, and you might even let this point come kind of on the early side. Sometimes a talk just feels ready, just feels complete. You can go ahead and go with that feeling. Then go ahead and open it up to questions. (and as a back-up plan, in the unlikely event no one has any questions, you can have say three questions written down. And so you read your own question and you go ahead and answer it. That keeps someone's attention more than someone droning on with an overly formal talk) <-- that's for a talk to a group. Sounds like this might be more of an informal chat. So maybe just a list of things to go over, with the most important ones first to make sure to get to them (some of the other people there might end up being big talkers, which I guess is okay)

If it was me, I might plan for after the talk that I could go to one of my favorite walking areas and burn off some of that excess energy in a positive way. And that night, I might treat myself to a movie, something like that.

And here's wishing you all the best!

First: what are the big issues for you? They won't be identical to everyone else's issues, but they will be a good starting place. After all, those are the issues that you can talk about from personal experience.

(My quick list, with a few extra issues that affect others:) If you speak about any sensory sensitivity issues you may have, what you find puzzling or difficult about social interaction, any experiences with bullying or teasing (if that applies to you), maybe your special interests (briefly - just to give them a taste) and how they can be a strength, how you calm yourself when distressed (e.g. stimming, being alone, going for walks, whatever works for you), any problems you may have managing your emotions, any "big" issues in life that are problem areas like employment or romantic relationships... if anything on this list applies to you, then you can speak from the heart and you will also cover material that is relevant to lots of other Aspies.

And yep, planning - "executive function" - that's another common issue.

Even saying "Lots of Aspies have problems with X, but I don't personally" (I would say that about bullying, for instance) - even that teaches people that Aspies are different to each other. We don't have exactly the same problems as each other.

I don't have Aspie issues, I have human issues. I think they are the same thing. Or maybe that's my black and white thinking going on. so I need ideas, just because I'm not so good at coming up with this stuff. The only things I need are good food and time to myself.

Well thats a good start. Good luck.

Tell people what a wonderful gift it is.