Autism

So yesterday was World Autism Day. Why am I writing about this?

Well I have Autism. Autism is not an illness, not a disease, not a lifestyle, not a trend. Its a neurodevelopmental disorder, that affects the way affects a person's communication, social interaction and non-verbal communication.

There are several types of Autism such as Classical Autism, PDD-NOS, Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism. I have High Functioning Autism, I was diagnosed at the age of 4 and I attend a specialist school where I receive support.

I'm not sufferer, a victim or member of Autism, I'm a person who has been given that label by psychologists.


One of the ways my Autism affects me is my obsessions. I can remember all my obsessions that I've had through out my life. I'd be here all day if I wrote them out. When I was 8 I had a pretty random obsession - Supermarkets. Whenever I saw friends of mine, relatives or family friends I would ask them where they did their food shopping. Once they gave their response, I would lecture them through my opinion on the supermarket, why it was better than others and what my favourite product from there was.

 Of course they probably thought I was a bit weird for asking this and I ended up boring them silly. 

  

 

To be honest in the last year I've managed to curb my obsessions so much to the point that I no longer get obsessive about stuff. 

Oh how I'd love a gorgeous man like Tom Hiddleston to clap for me! 

However those around me might argue that my current obsession is food. 

 

  

 

I love food so much that one of my "unrealistic" dreams is to be a restaurant critic. 

Of course I do have more "realistic ambitions". 

Even though I'm nearly 18 I'm sitting my GSCE's this year. NOT A-LEVELS. I won't go into detail because its a long story. 

So after I've sat my GSCE's I'm going to spend next year learning Lifeskills and preparation for working life. But after that I'm hoping to do an Art diploma before going to University. Even though I'm Autistic I can still go to University, I'm allowed to have dreams and goals as much as anyone else. Just because you're autistic it doesn't mean that you can't have dreams. It doesn't stop you studying a trade or degree, buying you're own home, falling in love, getting married, starting a family etc. 

It may happen a little later but wouldn't you rather it take a bit of time and be happy with the end result than it taking a small amount of time and be miserable with the result?