So, earlier this week, The ADog Blog finally launched by talking about what Autism generally is. Today, I want to concentrate on why I said I was a walking example of Level 1 on the Autism Spectrum.
Before I do that, you may be wondering why I have the word Hallmarks in the title and not Symptoms. Well, it’s based on something Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, said in one of his baker’s dozen of appearances before Dáil Eireann committees. I cannot find the exact quote on the House of the Oireachtas website but in a nutshell, Mr. Harris believes, and I agree with him, that autism should not be viewed as a disease, something that needs to be cured (if that is even possible) or language like that. And I believe using the word symptoms is a part of that mind-set. So instead, I substitute that with the word hallmarks because there are, I would argue, certain behaviours that are key to understanding how autism works generally, although as made clear by my previous post, your mileage may vary.
But here’s the key reason why I belong in Level 1 of the Spectrum. Unlike some, I don’t struggle with certain life skills. I can dress myself (except when it comes to tying shoelaces), use Public Transport, budget and manage my money, clean my room, keep things organised, etc. But there are things that I do struggle with, or at least can’t manage alone, at least immediately. And so here is an insight into how autism affects me most profoundly and some examples that will back up my points. I’ll be running through this based on the three categories that websites which talk about autism hallmarks generally classify them: Socialisation, Communication & Restricted Interests. Let me take each one in turn.
The ADog Blog 
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