—
As the name of the column suggests, when I discuss neurodiversity, I’m speaking specifically about high functioning autism (HFA). I am a high functioning autistic with Asperger’s Syndrome and an adult autism advocate. I believe that for us to evolve as a society, we need to involve the autistic community in a variety of ways and for different reasons.
For one, we’re very logical people. It’s what we do. It’s how we roll. Our logic sometimes gets us in trouble socially, but again, that’s just part of who we are. For example, if one of my co-workers was having a really bad hair day and I stated to them that I was sorry they were having such a bad hair day, what’s the big deal? It’s logical to say, as I’m sure they had to have already known they were having a bad hair day, right? The answer would be wrong, as was explained to me at work about nine years ago.
The good our logic can accomplish often far outweighs the trouble it may get us in. Our brains run scenarios and come up with probabilities of how something will work faster than you can imagine. When it comes to work projects, we can harness our logic for good to help formulate a plan and a strategy for putting that plan into action in the most optimal way possible. We can also guide you away from any pitfalls along our path.
When a company hires an HFA, they may not realize it but they’re practicing neurodiversity and neurodivergence. They’re taking someone with a brain that differs from the norm and they’ve included that person in the group. You have no idea how that makes us feel to know that we’re part of society and that we’re valued and respected as people.
For a person who likely spends a lot of time alone even though they may not want to, being part of a community or a group (such as a workplace environment) and feeling valued is one of the best things we can feel.
On the flip side, HFAs are also big out-of-the-box thinkers. It seems odd to think of someone as both highly logical and thinking out of the box, but we’re both. If I had a nickel for every time I said, “OK. This is going to sound insane, but please go with me on this…” I’d have a lot of nickels.
If businesses across the United States and around the world could see and understand the benefits of a more diverse workforce, things can only get better. Technology can improve, the way we manufacture and complete other tasks can be made more efficient and people can actually learn about those that are different from them.
How amazing would it be to have a society where the autistic (and anyone else who is differently brained) are needed, accepted, and wanted? As an autism advocate, that’s my ultimate goal, to see it happen in my lifetime I think is a stretch, but I will do everything I can to make sure that happens!
—
Want to tell your story? Here’s a link to our submissions portal.
◊♦◊
Get the best stories from The Good Men Project delivered straight to your inbox, here.
◊♦◊
Sign up for our Writing Prompts email to receive writing inspiration in your inbox twice per week.
♦◊♦
We have pioneered the largest worldwide conversation about what it means to be a good man in the 21st century. Your support of our work is inspiring and invaluable.
—
Photo credit: Pixabay