Autism is a complication, not a handicap

Autism and Aspergers are sometimes treated like a common cold. I was first diagnosed at four years old. A few years on, I was asked: “is it better now?” or “how do you know you have an ASD?” (AKA “well it doesn’t look like anything’s the matter…”). I thank my autism in some ways because it has made me hypersensitive to sensory input, more visually observant than people not on the spectrum, more determined, and developed advanced organizational skills. However, there are a host of social and communication barriers that are only apparent when I misunderstand stuff, have a panic attack, or simply feel isolated and cut-off. These are difficult to word and sound a bit psychotic if compiled in a lengthy book of facts. I approached this project with an A-Z approach. It is easier to read and distinguish the good from the bad qualities of AS.