Editor:
The story in the Jan. 21 edition about artist Mike Fulton caught my interest. He always knew he was a bit different, but didn’t know he was autistic until he was in his 40s. I can relate to that.
Please note that he is quite verbal. Every individual is different, so don’t jump to conclusions about their abilities from rumors you’ve heard, whether very good or fairly poor. We all have hills and holes, otherwise referred to as strengths and weaknesses.
The reason I identify with Mike is that I was 80 when I discovered I’m an Asperger. I’m no artist, I have another skill, but we focus on detail, not generalizations, doing a good job in our area of expertise. We look for patterns because we don’t “get it” socially by osmosis, like most people.
I was so glad to discover I wasn’t the only person in the world who didn’t understand the world I lived in. Someone understands people like me, which is down the spectrum line from autism, not the same.
Now I don’t kick myself for not fitting in… I’ll never really fit in… but I can rejoice in what I am able to contribute to my world. I analyzed what I could do well, and what I would never accomplish, and revised my expectations for my life in accord with reality. I just see and evaluate differently than the crowd in the street, whether morals, politics, fashion, traditions, etc. God made me and we understand each other in our own way, which may be different from your value scale.
Mine was a lonely life, trying to figure out how to be like others. I finally realized I don’t have to be like others, just be me. A little self confidence changed the whole scene. Some people even like me this way. I’m not a total reject after all.
Read Temple Grandin’s books, from our library. She is a PhD autistic person who changed the “end of life” scene for most domestic animals, from beef to chickens. Don’t ignore “different” people, cultivate them.
I encourage everyone to think, evaluate consequences, choose your best path. Don’t try to be a mirror of your star, he already has that spot. Dare to accept yourself and find a place for your own star to shine, not necessarily in a public spotlight, but in the bubble of your own world.
Joan Scofield
Sweet Home