An Autistic Point of View Michael Futrell
Not all people who have autism are the same; autism has a wide variety of intensities. Those who have high-functioning autism, who seem “normal” to everyday people, are known as “Aspies” (meaning Asperger Syndrome or Asperger’s); they have autism and can do everything a “normal” person can do. Note, they still struggle with autism and understanding their autism, and they still have to fight their autistic urges every single day. High functioning Asperger’s does NOT mean EASY or any less challenging. Autism is something a lot of people either do not understand or see as something to fear that their children will develop, and I cannot blame them for their fear. I believe autism should be respected and feared, as it can take away many experiences and drive many people away. I believe, through fear and respect, autism may find its way as a cured disability rather soon, due to these fears. Common characteristics of autism include a high pain tolerance; those with autism may not know their own strength. People with autism have heightened and sensitive taste buds. For example, some may find a food a little spicy while those with autism may find it unbearably spicy, to the point of pain. Those with autism often hate loud noises because they sound louder to them than others; for example, a balloon popping will sound like a gunshot to them. When under extreme stress or overstimulation, people with autism will shut down, meaning they will usually curl into a ball on the floor and not respond to anyone or anything. They will usually stay like this until they are calmed down by someone very close to them or the cause of the shutdown is gone. Causes of the shutdown could be for a number of reasons, such as overstimulation, stress, and loud noises. Those with autism will sometimes have what’s called an “autistic meltdown,” which is very similar to a shutdown but doesn’t involve being unresponsive and stuck on the spot. Experiencing a meltdown will be more vocal, either through words or sounds, and will be extremely distressful, inducing a state of panic. People with autism will get through this, the same way they get over a shutdown. I can go on and on about autism, but, instead, I will tell you about my life with autism. Keep in mind that this is not for you to pity me or anyone with autism. I wish to shed light on autism and what it really is and what it’s really like. I find it difficult to share my story, but I believe that, if I do, it will help others, which is the only reason I am telling my story.
Waking up I did not really exist until I was about seven years old. Yes, I was physically born an infant, but what I mean is that my mind and soul did not fully start to be present until I was around seven. I say this because I hardly remember anything from years prior to that age. I am well aware that most people cannot remember 45
