Life on the Spectrum: an Inside Perspective

From the moment I was born, my brain underwent a development that is above average for a typical human brain. As a result, I have a framework of many sharp feelings and slow-paced actions.

The first time that I became aware of having autism, I was transitioning from elementary to middle school. I started noticing that I was working at a slower rate and struggled to find the right words to use during a conversation, whenever I felt pain, or was tired. I have a bit of trouble trying to understand concepts that people use. However, autism has allowed me to endure more and allows me to think more creatively and logically than most people in our world. Those are the gifts that I think autism has given me.

When it comes to learning, I need to use a kinesthetic and visual approach especially in math. In order to fully understand I must decode directions and try to make things more concrete. I learn best with spreadsheets or referencing papers where I have highlighted areas where I need help. When I am at CLE, my tutors give me examples of the problem and that helps me to understand my work. CLE has also helped me with setting goals and establishing routines so I can be well rested and prepared for my classes.

If anything, I would tell them to ask questions to get involved in conversations. One example would be ‘Are you interested in playing video games, sports, or drawing pictures?’ This will allow the person to think more on ideas that they have experienced, and they will actually want to explain it you.

I want you all to know that if you are not able to succeed the first time with speaking with a friend, adult, or classmate, you just need to practice. You should just try talking to other people. Just because you have autism, it doesn’t mean mastering a conversation is unattainable. Try speaking to anyone in general. Just like anything in life, you must practice if you want success.