Habits, Tics, Stims, Compulsions, And Behaviors

House Of 1000 Corpses (2003)  

Autism Myth-Busting Part 2

[Part 1]

1. Autistic people are violent: Autistics are more likely to be on the receiving end of violence and abuse than their neurotypical counterparts. 

2. All autistics are non-verbal: Only 25-30% of autistic people are considered non-verbal. Some autistics are hyper-verbal and/or possess advanced language skills. 

3. All autistics are good at math or science: Only 10% of autistic people have a savant skill. Many autistics aren’t particularly good at math at all. Although they may have certain skills or traits that are well suited for math and science, autistics can have interests or talents in any field. 

4. Autistic people are asexual: Here are some videos discussing autism and sexuality:   Autism & Sex Autism & Sexuality 

5. People can “outgrow” their autism:  Autism is a permanent genetic condition. More accurately, it is a neurotype. Someone who is autistic always will be, so autistic kids turn into autistic adults.

6. Autistic people can’t lie: Autistics may have a tendency to be more honest than neurotypicals, but they can definitely lie. I couldn’t find research on this one that isn’t terribly ableist, so I’ll just say this - I’m autistic and I can lie if I want to. 

7. Functioning labels are an accurate way to describe autistics:  Functioning labels are highly inaccurate for multiple reasons. Functioning can fluctuate on a day-to-day basis for many autistics. These labels are also used to invalidate autistic people by assuming that if they are low functioning they cannot make decisions for themselves, and to deny support for those who are high functioning. 

8. Autistic people can’t have healthy relationships: Autism In Love is a documentary that discusses autistic relationships. Over 32% of autistic adults are in relationships. I myself am autistic and married.

9. All autistics have a great memory:  Autistic people can have both memory strengths and memory difficulties. They may also have a working memory that’s entirely average. 

10. Asperger’s isn’t a type of autism:  As of 2013, the DSM considers Asperger’s and autism to be the same diagnosis, both falling under the category of ASD. 

If you don’t have means to a therapist or mental health professional

Check out therapistaid.com. There’s worksheets there that you can download for free.

Of course it would be a lot more beneficial if you have a therapist to help you through it but not everyone has access to one.

It’s a free site where you can have free downloads of worksheets on many things.

If there’s something there that you think would be helpful, print it out and complete the worksheet on your own.

It’s hard to be accountable for yourself but at least there’s a way for you to have some insight and work on yourself.

Nick Cave talking about the death of his son, Arthur

One More Time with Feeling (2016) dir. Andrew Dominik

i want to be loved in the same amount that i love.

In case it’s helpful - here’s a link to Marsha Linehan’s full DBT Skills Training Handouts & Worksheets. These have helped me a phenomenal amount & idk, I hope they might help some of you.

angry. numb. angry. numb. angry. numb.

I’m empty like there’s nothing left in me I’m a fucking ghost but suffering

When👏can👏I👏die?