Hello everyone and welcome back to Deeper Waters where we are diving into the ocean of truth. Tonight, I’m going to write my final blog for the year on Autism Awareness Month. I will be out of town this weekend so this will have to tide everyone over for now, but I hope it has been enjoyed.
Wrapping up then, I’ve written a lot about Aspies, but what does it mean for you, who is presumably the neurotypical person. Often, we aspies are told that we have much to learn from society, and indeed we do. However, I believe that it should go both ways on that. The neurotypicals can learn a lot from their friends on the spectrum. What kind of things can be learned?
First off, we all have differences. Some of us are just genetically programmed with some very unique ones. That’s okay. Genetics doesn’t have to condemn us to a miserable life. I have told people I do not suffer with autism. I live with it. I make it a point to enjoy my life regardless of how difficult it can be at times and frankly, I’m not sure I’d even want a cure of my condition if there was one since I’ve got so used to being like this and I recognize a lot of benefits from it.
Second, things aren’t always what they seem. We can seem like we’re rude to a lot of people, but a lot of us are really not, and frankly, I think we all know that you can be neurotypical and still be a total jerk. Some people thrive on it. So someone doesn’t seem to react socially the way you do. So what? There could be areas they need to improve on, but if you look at yourself, are there not areas that you need to improve on as well?
Third, maybe some propositions you’ve believed about social interaction really are just societal. Now it could be that a lot aren’t. Of course, I am all against moral relativism, but we do know that the rules of society are not definitely written in stone and could be mistaken. Someone might ask “Why is it that you do X?” Maybe there really isn’t a good reason to do it. Maybe it just so happens that since the Aspie can be outside of the social scene easier that he can better comment on it and see problems that others cannot see.
Fourth, we all do bear God’s image despite how that image comes about in some of us. Aspies and Autists are people that need Jesus just like everyone else. They too can be reached for the gospel and they too have gifts that can be used in the service of the gospel. Depending on their range of function, it could be something small, but it could be huge as well. It won’t be known until it’s tried.
Finally, always try to be understanding. When you look at some of the ways you behave, you want other people to at least know where you’re coming from. The question to ask is if you’re giving your fellow man the same kind of treatment that you would want if you were doing the same thing.
I hope this has been a helpful look for you and next month we’ll start other topics.
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