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Mindfulness and Heartfulness
I certainly respect the various branches of Buddhism.
However, the fact that Buddhism seems, on face validity, to be so popular among Autists is, IMO, precisely why it may not be a wise choice. As I see it, Autists need heartfulness, not mindfulness.
Gender and Autism
Because of gender-based differences, women are less likely to be diagnosed as Autistic.
Whether that means that there are fewer Autistic females than males depends on one’s definition of Autism. Using current definitions, men are more likely to be diagnosed.
Until Autism and other conditions can be diagnosed neurologically, not just psychotherapeutically, there will really be no way to be certain about the gendered nature of many disorders.
Neurotypical
I have never cared for the term neurotypical – unless it is used, broadly, as a replacement for normal.
However, calling everyone who is not Autistic neurotypical makes no sense to me. Are any of the disorders in the DSM neurotypical?
Lying
Lying is actually a social skill (though not a particularly good one). There are two issues, I think:
First, when Autists lie, it is often obvious. We generally make lousy liars. Now, like anything else, social skills, including lying, can be learned. Social skills are challenges, not impossibilities.
Second, Autists are frequently honest to a fault. I had to learn how to be tactful. It did not come naturally.
Subculture
Autists are a very socially fragmented pre-subculture. There are several major ideological divisions in the online Autism community.
The biggest issue is whether Autism should be “cured” (either partially or entirely). I used to be in the anti-cure camp. Since I changed my mind, the anti-cure people have removed me from their email lists.
There are other differences, as well. A small minority, but highly vocal, segment of Autists believe that Autism represents some kind of “super race.”
In order for subcultures to be stable, certain traits will distinguish them from the rest of the culture. There needs to be a shared identity.
I don’t think that the “subculture issue” will be clear for several years. Some of the factors which now divide Autists would need to be resolved on some level.
If a fixed subculture does emerge, in the libertarian direction I see it, many Autists (including me) will likely drift away.
The Cosmic Envelope
Autists, perhaps more than anyone, need to move beyond individualism/libertarianism to what philosopher Roy Bhaskar calls the cosmic envelope – that is, to unity.
Sustainable development, focusing on the needs of others and of generations to follow, is, to me, a practical application of the cosmic envelope.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1
Level : ‘Requiring support’
Social Communication: Without supports in place, deficits in social communication cause noticeable impairments. Has difficulty initiating social interactions and demonstrates clear examples of atypical or unsuccessful responses to social overtures of others. May appear to have decreased interest in social interactions.
Restricted interests & repetitive behaviors: Rituals and repetitive behaviors (RRB’s) cause significant interference with functioning in one or more contexts. Resists attempts by others to interrupt RRB’s or to be redirected from fixated interest.
