--- In mean_ing@yahoogroups.com, "Neil Clark"
<n.clark@...> wrote:

reference from: http://lists.apana.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ozautism

snip definition...............
In my opinion, and that of many Aspies, the benefits of the 'disability'
of ones lack of social understanding, and normal behaviour are minor
compared to the abilities that result from the same condition.
In order to explain this position,
I shall attempt a short descriptions of the symptoms observed,
under the headings of 'Disability' and Ability.

Aspies tend to get into trouble because of peoples reaction,
prejudices or inability to deal with their unusual,
persistent or dedicated behaviour.
This is THEIR disability and not ours.
Aspies regard matters not just as black or white,
but we regard the wider view.
Able to Analyse problems, system and categorise easily,
the Aspie uses their mental powers,
drawing on higher ESP tendencies
(with suitably capable close people,
whom they can empathise and read)
to look at the situation, thus overcoming body language
and other social systems, which we have problems with.

To others, our ability to see contrasting and
often opposing views and select what
we consider valid, or appropriate
(which depends on our mood or persuasive interests),
and mentally handle a variety of tasks,
developing concepts, axioms, we seem confused,
uncoordinated, or lacking in a decisive direction.

Why should we not chose to be labelled according what we have,
our talents, and not
those 'Disabilities' people regard as flaws.
If those are negative behaviour types or reactions
being exhibited by others, why should we
drop down to their 'Mundane' level.
Although we can develop sarcasm, and make jokes,
often people do not regard them as suitable or appropriate.
You should be careful not to develop sarcasm or irony
as an automatic defence system.
Only use it when you are responding with 'Friendly jibes and insults'
with close friends and family,
or when it forces people to reconsider violence
or aggression to you, and no other option is available.

If violence is being perpetrated against you
try not feeling assertive about refusing being a victim.
This energy rush has proven to empower the overactive brain
to show dramatic responses, and can lead to people flying
through the air, or missing you when they are seeing you
in a previous position which you projected.
I have experienced two of these situations, as a child,
and have been shocked by what has happened.
The guilt of being a participant in these situations,
where people need hospital and medical attention is
something I advise we all try to avoid,
as we have trouble dealing with guilt.

Going on with guilt, our inability to maintain a lie
makes it difficult for us to tell untruths.
In situations where it is best not to tell the truth
to avoid hurting someone, you need the immediate support
of your Carer or confidant.
The guilt of not telling the whole truth must be released
as soon as possible. If this is not done,
the building up pressure on us will cause a person like us
to suffer medically from the stresses involved.

On the Medical side, why do doctors believe that they can give us
the medicines designed to work for those
suffering from Mental Illness or Mundanes.
Don't they know that Aspies exhibit different behaviour
due to different body chemistry?
It is this different body chemistry which causes us to suffer
from stress reactions to drugs, such as Valium, XANAX and Prozac.

To us it is our worst nightmare -
being stuck in a restricted body
with an overactive mind.
And they expect the stress not to result in frustration
and confusion when the effects of such medication ware off!
They mistake this reaction for violence -
and give more medication.
No wonder that Aspies on such medication start to
become socially withdrawn and exhibit retarding symptoms.

On the Socially withdrawn side - why place Aspies
in special education facilities
when it would be more beneficial
to advance us with supplementary education -
designed to challenge our (obsessional) interests.
Limiting our social exposure by placing us in these
special educational facilities prevents us learning our skills
and inhibits our ability to mimic Mundane behaviour.
Why stop us improving and limiting our social skills?

Our lack of negative emotions, optimistic and
positive outlook and naiveté causes us to
associate ourselves with the Star Trek:
Next Generation android, Lt. Comm. Data,
whose behaviour and troubles in understanding
his humanity causes him to be more humane.
Not only that but the programs and series like Star Trek,
The Next Generation, etc., are the very nature of dealing
with Social issues, Moral issues and Current affairs,
have a number of interests for the more analytical person.

In socialising you need to advance the number of interests
and subjects you like and are able to discuss,
such as science, maths, Television, Computers, social activities.
Increasing socialisation will mean developing better social skills.
By adding to and expanding your interests and capabilities
in social circumstances you can develop your skills
and learn from your mistakes.
Make sure that you have the support you need.

'Disability' is :
Ability
Lack of Social understanding
Inability to be malicious
Not Understanding violence & hostility
Not being violent or hostile
Relative lack of practical Skills
High Abstract Ability
Clumsiness (Motordispracsia)
Loyalty
Disruptive, Noisy, Energetic and Committed
Use of Complicated words (Hyperlexia)
Ability to understand Word Blindness (Dyslexia)
Inability to maintain a lie or error
Inability to read body language
Heightened senses (e.g. hearing)
Inability to handle nuances
Latent Telepathic and Telekinetic Ability
Tendency of being taken advantage of
Analyse complicated situations
Putting other peoples interests first
Heightened sense of Justice and order
Not seeing things just black or white
Honourable
Being victim to other peoples prejudices
Empathic with close friends and family
Being ignored or put down
Always considering the wider picture
Others refusing to listen to our needs
Ability to seeing many options and variations
Detachment of views Ability to see all interests
Inability to take (negative) criticism
Ability to appreciate contrasting views
Not able to jump to conclusions
Analysing and theorising situations & systems
Inability to effect sarcasm appropriately
Dry and quick natural sense of humour.

----------------------------------------------------
It's just a matter of perspective:

I'm a little afraid of this person above,
calling himself an Aspie.
I certainly do not wish such a label for anyone pretending 2 B intelligent.

I fear such a description is a little 2 close 2 mine 4 comfort.
I therefore suspect 4 my own sanity
2 relabel him as HFA / PDDNOS & manic if he wishes it.
I'll call him instead: Joseph King,

I tried Xanax, just 2 please someone once.
It did just the opposite, as
I didn't want an overdose,
& B addicted 4 the rest of my life.

Pills can be placebos suitable 4 normal people,
hence may help some people who feel they need it,
but certainly not 4 the overly sensitive, humble, modest &
goodlooking, like moi.
They R plain dangerous, IMO & should B
prescribed 2 doctors only.

I mainly just collapse when prescribed anything,
it may just B in the mind.
The thought of being poisoned is enough,
2 make any1 ill.
--- End forwarded message ---Neil