For years I questioned if I had any positive strengths at all but very recently I have come to learn that all people on the Autism spectrum have strengths which just have to be tapped into. I feel it doesn't matter where you are on the Autism spectrum everybody has a strength and talent. It creates a fundamental human emotion which everybody should have the right to feel which is happiness and acceptance.
This volunteer work was the first step on a long and continuing journey for me. I found my ability to look at people with Autism & Asperger's Syndrome and try and piece together what could be behind all the little & prominent behaviours that the students were displaying. I'm grateful for the staff members accepting me as a person, a basic human right in my book. I would also like to thank Donna Williams because her superb Fruit Salad Analogy (created by Donna in 1995) has certainly opened my eyes to what Autism & Asperger's Syndrome is.
This is where I found my niche for public speaking I'm pleased that I finally got a voice and could explain like many people on the spectrum my story. I enjoy listening to all sorts of different peoples stories. I like to focus on the positive and continue to do so regardless of what has happened to me. Every person on the spectrum has a talent and skill this is mine. I need a support though and that is the key.
Skills
Savant Like Ability to retain information in depth about specific interests which is Autism (I have a whole host of information in my head!)
Reflect and obtain information through careful observation (I have to pay even more attention because of visual fragmentation and so forth)
Remember the dates of release of films and their many sequels (good for pub nights)
Seem to make something out of nothing its like I have "lightening strikes" moments and tend to look at scenarios in a different way (My Autism is an asset)
Sensory based thought can lead to being easily pleased. I like bright colours, shiny metallic objects and certain textures this may not be a skill as such but it seems to relax me
This is an acronym I made up called PEC. If you have all these qualities when working with a person with Autism then I feel you are on the right track.
Positivity
Empathy
Compassion