Understanding Autism
Discover more from John Hattaway
In an earlier edition of this Substack, I unintentionally navigated into a common pitfall of memoir writing: accentuating the negative. While negative experiences can be illuminating when discussing personal journeys, they can sometimes eclipse the positive moments. I’m wary of overemphasizing the aspects of my life that might cast a shadow.
My journey with autism began in 2010, after an incident at a wedding reception that would now be characterized as a classic autistic meltdown. This episode not only embarrassed Erin but also prompted me to seek assistance—spanning both medication and talk therapy.
Interestingly, it was Erin, then pursuing her Masters in Education, who suggested I explore Asperger’s Syndrome. Like many, I hadn’t previously associated the symptoms of Asperger’s or Autism Spectrum Disorder with my own experiences, despite always feeling that I perceived life differently than most.
In my quest to understand autism, I delved into books and sought out others on similar journeys. One particular blog post about a woman’s struggles with physical intimacy resonated with me. While our experiences weren’t identical, the emotions were eerily familiar. That post was a turning point in my quest for understanding.
Now, over a decade later, I’m poised to assist others in understanding their autism, shedding light on diverse experiences, evolving therapeutic approaches, and striving for a holistic understanding of autistic individuals.