Explore the lesser-known traits of autism, such as job interview struggles and silent suffering. Discover challenges in emotional expression, sensory sensitivities, and social interactions. Learn about difficulties in romantic relationships, literal thinking, and sensitivity to noise. Hear about preferences for comfortable clothing, struggles with fluorescent lights, and anxiety in social events.
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Quick takeaways
Autistics often possess distinct thinking and learning styles, approaching learning from multiple angles and valuing explicit instructions and context.
Autistics frequently rehearse conversations before engaging in social interactions and experience sensory sensitivities, including sounds, lights, textures, and tastes.
Deep dives
Common Autistic Traits and Experiences
Autistics have unique traits that go beyond the diagnostic criteria, with each individual expressing autism in their own way. Many autistics feel like aliens from another planet and use that term to describe their experiences. Autistics often struggle with job interviews and may not perform well, despite being qualified. They may also experience challenges with social interaction, such as difficulty understanding small talk or feeling overwhelmed at parties. Additionally, sensory sensitivities and preferences are common, ranging from sensitivity to certain sounds and lights, to specific clothing fabrics and textures.
Unique Thinking and Learning Styles
Autistics often possess distinct thinking and learning styles. They tend to be visual thinkers, seeing images in their minds when thinking about words or concepts. They also approach learning from multiple angles, such as reading a book, listening to an audio version, and observing demonstrations. Autistics may struggle with decision-making, being bottom-up thinkers who prioritize sensory details before considering past experiences. They value explicit instructions and context, and have a strong desire for efficiency and logical thinking.
Challenges and Sensitivities Faced by Autistics
Autistics encounter various challenges and sensitivities in their daily lives. They often experience difficulties with social interactions, frequently rehearsing conversations before engaging to ensure they communicate effectively. Autistics may become overwhelmed by their emotions, struggling to process and handle them. Sensory sensitivities are common, encompassing sounds, lights, textures, and tastes. Autistics may engage in repetitive behaviors, have particular interests or specializations, exhibit strong work ethics, and appreciate alone time. They also face challenges with clothing, footwear, and social events due to sensory sensitivities and stress associated with certain situations.
There are many traits autistics have in common that aren’t always noticed as being autistic. How many of these do you recognize in yourself or someone you know?