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Disclaimer: Staying home saves lives. Do what you need to do to get through this: for some people that will mean cleaning, for some that will mean creating, and for some that will mean sleeping, eating, or gaming. There’s no right way to do this, except to get it done the best way for you and the people around you. No judgement, no shame. Some people will come out of this speaking a new language and some divorced. There’s no ‘best way’ to do this. For now, if you’re home? You’re kicking ass!
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For the last year or so, I’ve been giving presentations on what life will be like when autistics are in charge (Autistic World Domination in Singapore and When Autistics Rule the World in Budapest). I speak about the advantages of autism and the ways that our world will benefit.
Many of these benefits centre around changes that have suddenly become compulsory:
The world is smaller, we care for strangers because there are no strangers really. This is a calmer, quieter, more conscious world. With a greater focus on what’s important, greater productivity, increased (non-physical) connection, and greater appreciation and empathy without judgment.
Definition of Autism:
“Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior.”
Or, how about the still accurate but less-pathological, more empowering:
“Autistic individuals enjoy a selective social circle, intentional communication, strong routine and their favourite things (music, food, movies, textures, etc.)”
– To evaluate what our world considers normal.
– To evaluate what makes you happy.
– To recreate your routine and your world. Keep what makes you happy, leave the rest back in ancient pre-Covid19 days.
– To reassess your priorities. Your work, your home, your relationships: what needs to change?
Try to enjoy the peace (or at least, try not to fight it). For many of us, being in our own bubble, our own time and space is a luxury, a way of life. We leave our comfort zones to socialise, to work, to access things that Normals control, because that’s where the world is. But who decides where the world is? History? The economy? The majority? Lots of autistics already work from home, don’t drive, have a (super) tight social circle, and enjoy the same things over (and over!) For us, lockdown is life and it’s beautiful.
Tip:
You’ll never feel trapped if you remember that this is your choice. You are choosing to stay home and save lives. You could choose to go out, but you’re far too smart for that 🙂
Be happy and kind, it’s all that matters.
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4 Responses
Jolene – This post is as fresh in late August as it was in March. I am reading it to remind myself that it is OK to experience profound joy – and freedom – in staying home and being ME! This is my New Normal, pandemic or no pandemic. Thank you for claiming your truth and making it public.
Yay Darby, thank you! I feel exactly the same. In the new world, we get to be who we are and work in the best ways for us 🙂 (And pants are totally optional!)
Jolene!
Your words are so descriptive, eloquent and evocative! (I would expect nothing less!)
I can so identify with this amazing description of experiencing real ‘Quality Time’, where freedom to Be, Do and Have are the new chosen priorities!
I believe that ‘normal’ life for many will never be as it once was! How awesome is this?!
Thank you for being YOU!
Thank you Lee! I love seeing how people are pulling together – not just as neighbourhoods or countries, but as one world 🙂