Wow. I’ve been reading your work lately (guiltily, as I am barely employed and don’t pay for it). And as I do, I frequently ask myself what kind of rare and spectacular mind could assimilate this much information and weave it all into a perfectly clear analysis of how we got where we are today in America. Of course you’re autistic! I knew that was the only explanation 😊 I hope this new lens brings you peace opens up a world of further exploration for you. Thank you for sharing so much of your time, energy and gift for connecting the dots, weaving a body of work that I feel everyone who is still baffled about US politics and culture must read.
Your articulation of the process of discovery is so moving and accurate. I'm fascinated by your story for personal, medical, political, so many I cant articulate!!--Your schooling scenario sounds familiar. Our schooling systems are woefully behind in not only teaching, but basic gentle observing behavior instead of a punitive based system--works not for those on the spectrum.
Are your dogs shepherds? I ask because I have a shep-husky &he looks like a wolf! We joke because he "has so many feelings". He is SOOOO intelligent---like a young teen intelligent---but I would say he is autistic. He needs things from me that I have to be very thoughtful about. Eye contact, touching, no yelling. He will not respond to anything punitive. Positive reinforcement all day. I see how teachers get frustrated and that makes everything worse.
We....I..I have come to the truth that my eldest is certainly on the spectrum. Being a psychologist---being a psychologist that comes from a competitive, 'youre not hurt', abusive environment, I made excuses for Jamuson...and didn't get him the treatment that he needed sooner...
My mistake will be the burden of my lifetime.
But he is 18 and we are starting now. I was just graduating my Masters when the DSM expanded the criterion for Austism and it opened it up in such a great way- but not with out a lot of pearl clutching.
IT Makes so much more sense now! (if the Cretons didn't ignore that information and decided to tack it on to the conspiracy that vaccinations cause autism---VACCINATIONS DO NOT CAUSE AUTISM--There is so much research proving that it does not even correlate consistently. If anyone is still questioning autism and vaccination links, I would be happy to share with you what I know, so you can make informed vaccination decisions. We all need them to keep disease at bay!
Ares & Athena are Akitas. They're brother and sisters from the same litter. They're super smart and have their own personalities: Ares is a big bear, but he's terrified of thunder and fireworks. Athena is super cuddly, and skittish about literally everything except thunder and fireworks, lol. Ares picked up my pacing behavior, which is hilarious.
On the conspiracies especially the ties between MMR and Autism, I recommend checking out chapter 8 of my Unmasking MAGA series (Link below, definitely recommend the whole series, but especially Chapter 8 if you care about this subject). I take the time to go into detail about that one specifically, how it was all started by one guy that was debunked in more ways that I thought were humanly possible because of all the different ways he was acted like a scumbag when he tried to tie the MMR vaccine to Autism — from trying to release his own Measles vaccine, to selling test kits for the fake G.I. disease he made up, to the way he abused children in the process, to the fake data he used, etc. Every time you think you're done learning all the ways in which he was a fraud, you find out the hole goes deeper
This is exactly how I feel about my own late in life autism diagnosis, thank you for sharing.
I love your writing because you are able to take such a broad integrated & relentless perspective on history & politics; not every mind can do what you do.
Even if your writing & activism never wins you fame or glory, I hope that it makes you feel successful, because I admire you.
Nothing much to add to the comments others have made. I am happy for your clarity and newfound self understanding and self compassion, appreciate your sharing your experience with us who know you only through your work which is so powerful and much needed . Glad to know you have your wife and great dog beasts in your life and they have you in theirs and that you remain committed to using your superpower in the struggle for justice and the fight against facism.
It's a bitch to have something you need to workaround all your life. (I have prosopagnosia, aka "face blindness." One of the worst things is that it's so bzar, it sounds like I made it up. At least nobody thinks you made up autism. LOL)
Nevertheless, you seem to be very perceptive, very logical & very smart. Unfortunately we are social creatures who don't value those assets as much as we really should. Which is why great salesmen like Trump & Hitler can own us. :(
I had heard of prosopagnosia before. I’m trying to remember the context where it came up, I’m almost 100% sure it was in a documentary. That must really be a hard thing to explain.
But yes, the power that conmen and cult leaders can have has always baffled me. Not so much from a standpoint of valuing or not logic or intelligence, but rather, the way they are able to get people who might be very smart and logical themselves to completely forfeit their own minds to them. It’s like fully bypassing reason altogether.
Kewl! I talked to the guy who was doing a study of it at Harvard. I see there's a new study which estimates 3% of the population has it.
I agree about cult leaders. We know they can get people to believe & do the most bzar things imaginable. Doesn't really help your faith in humanity. :(
This is how I felt when the AudHd at 40 realization hit. There was a bit of a grieving process for the all the years of time I spent wandering and having no idea why I was such a mutant little alien. For all the help I could have had but never got, I was sad, but seeing how much it has improved made me very pleased. I'm so happy they have better interventions now! There is was also a sense of grief and understanding and peace for me when I started tracing back the neurodivergence in my own family. It's beautiful when you make peace with it. ❤️
Thank you for sharing your very personal journey with us. Having some insight & clarity into who you are must be like having a light switch go on because it must answer a lot of questions for you. But to us, your supporters, your insights and perspectives have frequently given us so much to think about when it comes to our fight for our democracy. We are all on the same journey, and although we may have different ideas about how to get there, our sharing of ideas will hopefully help us achieve our objectives. Please know that you have our full support!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I don’t know much about autism so don’t know what to say besides I’m glad you have gotten the relief and clarity of a diagnosis. If that’s the source of your focus and intensity, we are all the better for it.
Lukium! Thank you so much for sharing this. I can’t begin to tell you how much this encourages, affirms and blesses me. I have a grandchild recently diagnosed with autism. I went searching for a book to help me at least gain some knowledge about the condition. And guess what I found in those pages. ME.
I found myself learning about myself and there are so many revelations about the struggles I’ve had throughout my life. Another piece of the puzzle. 😌
I have the ability to love deeply and I care about people very much AND at the same time I often find it hard to be around them. People often misunderstand me or just don’t “get” me so I’ve struggled with relationships. Fortunately I have a partner who is my best friend and has comforted me with his understanding and acceptance. Beyond that I have only a handful of intimate friends after 68 years. Which is great. I can’t manage much more than that. 🤣
Needless to say I treasure them. I’m no good at “chit chat”, can’t abide gossip or the type of dishonesty and willful ignorance we’re seeing in this ridiculous regime.
I communicate best with others and myself through writing. Talking on the phone is super difficult. 🤷♀️ And since I struggle with sensory overload many environments are downright painful.
And you clearly “get” all this. I have just been “eating up” your writing. I love the depth of your subject matter, the knowledge you share and the way you teach via your gift of writing. This deeper insight into who you are explains, I think, why I am so drawn to your column and why it comforts me and satisfies my need to know more☺️
I too have found I’m most comfortable with animals. We’ve had both cats and dogs through the years who have mostly been rescues - currently one outdoor kitty who is the darling of the neighborhood because he exudes love and friendship to everyone. And one indoor kitty who is the sweetest little thing who has struggled with PTSD and anxiety her whole life. But she’s always loved and trusted me - an honor - and we find a lot of comfort in each other☺️
In addition, I interestingly am a magnet drawing special needs and handicapped people into my presence wherever I go☺️ Somehow they always find me - again an honor! and the sweetest thing. Perhaps it’s because I relate to them on some deep level?
Anyway, at 68 I don’t need a professional diagnosis. It’s suddenly just clear to me and a huge blessing I might add. I have often remarked to my partner and few friends that it can be hard being me. I haven’t always “gotten” myself either. But I have grown to like me regardless. ☺️ Your making yourself vulnerable and sharing about your autism is very timely for me with my own recent revelation. And I just have to thank you again. I’ve contemplated and savored what you have communicated here for several days. And will continue to do so. 🙏😌
I’m okay and you’re okay and that’s such a good thing to know☺️
Wow. I’ve been reading your work lately (guiltily, as I am barely employed and don’t pay for it). And as I do, I frequently ask myself what kind of rare and spectacular mind could assimilate this much information and weave it all into a perfectly clear analysis of how we got where we are today in America. Of course you’re autistic! I knew that was the only explanation 😊 I hope this new lens brings you peace opens up a world of further exploration for you. Thank you for sharing so much of your time, energy and gift for connecting the dots, weaving a body of work that I feel everyone who is still baffled about US politics and culture must read.
Thanks!
Lukium........BLOWN AWAY. speechless even.
Your articulation of the process of discovery is so moving and accurate. I'm fascinated by your story for personal, medical, political, so many I cant articulate!!--Your schooling scenario sounds familiar. Our schooling systems are woefully behind in not only teaching, but basic gentle observing behavior instead of a punitive based system--works not for those on the spectrum.
Are your dogs shepherds? I ask because I have a shep-husky &he looks like a wolf! We joke because he "has so many feelings". He is SOOOO intelligent---like a young teen intelligent---but I would say he is autistic. He needs things from me that I have to be very thoughtful about. Eye contact, touching, no yelling. He will not respond to anything punitive. Positive reinforcement all day. I see how teachers get frustrated and that makes everything worse.
We....I..I have come to the truth that my eldest is certainly on the spectrum. Being a psychologist---being a psychologist that comes from a competitive, 'youre not hurt', abusive environment, I made excuses for Jamuson...and didn't get him the treatment that he needed sooner...
My mistake will be the burden of my lifetime.
But he is 18 and we are starting now. I was just graduating my Masters when the DSM expanded the criterion for Austism and it opened it up in such a great way- but not with out a lot of pearl clutching.
IT Makes so much more sense now! (if the Cretons didn't ignore that information and decided to tack it on to the conspiracy that vaccinations cause autism---VACCINATIONS DO NOT CAUSE AUTISM--There is so much research proving that it does not even correlate consistently. If anyone is still questioning autism and vaccination links, I would be happy to share with you what I know, so you can make informed vaccination decisions. We all need them to keep disease at bay!
Thanks!
Ares & Athena are Akitas. They're brother and sisters from the same litter. They're super smart and have their own personalities: Ares is a big bear, but he's terrified of thunder and fireworks. Athena is super cuddly, and skittish about literally everything except thunder and fireworks, lol. Ares picked up my pacing behavior, which is hilarious.
On the conspiracies especially the ties between MMR and Autism, I recommend checking out chapter 8 of my Unmasking MAGA series (Link below, definitely recommend the whole series, but especially Chapter 8 if you care about this subject). I take the time to go into detail about that one specifically, how it was all started by one guy that was debunked in more ways that I thought were humanly possible because of all the different ways he was acted like a scumbag when he tried to tie the MMR vaccine to Autism — from trying to release his own Measles vaccine, to selling test kits for the fake G.I. disease he made up, to the way he abused children in the process, to the fake data he used, etc. Every time you think you're done learning all the ways in which he was a fraud, you find out the hole goes deeper
https://americanmanifesto.news/p/unmasking-maga-part-8-the-conspiracy-theorists
"Autism doesn’t define me—but it explains me.
This diagnosis doesn’t change the mission.
But it does sharpen it."
This is exactly how I feel about my own late in life autism diagnosis, thank you for sharing.
I love your writing because you are able to take such a broad integrated & relentless perspective on history & politics; not every mind can do what you do.
Even if your writing & activism never wins you fame or glory, I hope that it makes you feel successful, because I admire you.
Thank you so much, that means a lot to me!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING THIS! I didn’t “tumble” to my own autism until I was 60 (and I am a medical professional)! Very helpful! Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing.
💯 Great to see ya! Hope it can help someone out there the way Dave helped me.
Nothing much to add to the comments others have made. I am happy for your clarity and newfound self understanding and self compassion, appreciate your sharing your experience with us who know you only through your work which is so powerful and much needed . Glad to know you have your wife and great dog beasts in your life and they have you in theirs and that you remain committed to using your superpower in the struggle for justice and the fight against facism.
It's a bitch to have something you need to workaround all your life. (I have prosopagnosia, aka "face blindness." One of the worst things is that it's so bzar, it sounds like I made it up. At least nobody thinks you made up autism. LOL)
Nevertheless, you seem to be very perceptive, very logical & very smart. Unfortunately we are social creatures who don't value those assets as much as we really should. Which is why great salesmen like Trump & Hitler can own us. :(
I had heard of prosopagnosia before. I’m trying to remember the context where it came up, I’m almost 100% sure it was in a documentary. That must really be a hard thing to explain.
But yes, the power that conmen and cult leaders can have has always baffled me. Not so much from a standpoint of valuing or not logic or intelligence, but rather, the way they are able to get people who might be very smart and logical themselves to completely forfeit their own minds to them. It’s like fully bypassing reason altogether.
Also, nice dogs. You went large, huh? LOL
Yeah, they’re gentle beasts :)
Kewl! I talked to the guy who was doing a study of it at Harvard. I see there's a new study which estimates 3% of the population has it.
I agree about cult leaders. We know they can get people to believe & do the most bzar things imaginable. Doesn't really help your faith in humanity. :(
I agree. I just don’t get it. 🤷♀️
This is how I felt when the AudHd at 40 realization hit. There was a bit of a grieving process for the all the years of time I spent wandering and having no idea why I was such a mutant little alien. For all the help I could have had but never got, I was sad, but seeing how much it has improved made me very pleased. I'm so happy they have better interventions now! There is was also a sense of grief and understanding and peace for me when I started tracing back the neurodivergence in my own family. It's beautiful when you make peace with it. ❤️
Im so happy for you!
Thank you for sharing your very personal journey with us. Having some insight & clarity into who you are must be like having a light switch go on because it must answer a lot of questions for you. But to us, your supporters, your insights and perspectives have frequently given us so much to think about when it comes to our fight for our democracy. We are all on the same journey, and although we may have different ideas about how to get there, our sharing of ideas will hopefully help us achieve our objectives. Please know that you have our full support!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I don’t know much about autism so don’t know what to say besides I’m glad you have gotten the relief and clarity of a diagnosis. If that’s the source of your focus and intensity, we are all the better for it.
your superpower is clear. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing, your story is very relatable and inspiring, keep up the amazing work you do!
Lukium! Thank you so much for sharing this. I can’t begin to tell you how much this encourages, affirms and blesses me. I have a grandchild recently diagnosed with autism. I went searching for a book to help me at least gain some knowledge about the condition. And guess what I found in those pages. ME.
I found myself learning about myself and there are so many revelations about the struggles I’ve had throughout my life. Another piece of the puzzle. 😌
I have the ability to love deeply and I care about people very much AND at the same time I often find it hard to be around them. People often misunderstand me or just don’t “get” me so I’ve struggled with relationships. Fortunately I have a partner who is my best friend and has comforted me with his understanding and acceptance. Beyond that I have only a handful of intimate friends after 68 years. Which is great. I can’t manage much more than that. 🤣
Needless to say I treasure them. I’m no good at “chit chat”, can’t abide gossip or the type of dishonesty and willful ignorance we’re seeing in this ridiculous regime.
I communicate best with others and myself through writing. Talking on the phone is super difficult. 🤷♀️ And since I struggle with sensory overload many environments are downright painful.
And you clearly “get” all this. I have just been “eating up” your writing. I love the depth of your subject matter, the knowledge you share and the way you teach via your gift of writing. This deeper insight into who you are explains, I think, why I am so drawn to your column and why it comforts me and satisfies my need to know more☺️
I too have found I’m most comfortable with animals. We’ve had both cats and dogs through the years who have mostly been rescues - currently one outdoor kitty who is the darling of the neighborhood because he exudes love and friendship to everyone. And one indoor kitty who is the sweetest little thing who has struggled with PTSD and anxiety her whole life. But she’s always loved and trusted me - an honor - and we find a lot of comfort in each other☺️
In addition, I interestingly am a magnet drawing special needs and handicapped people into my presence wherever I go☺️ Somehow they always find me - again an honor! and the sweetest thing. Perhaps it’s because I relate to them on some deep level?
Anyway, at 68 I don’t need a professional diagnosis. It’s suddenly just clear to me and a huge blessing I might add. I have often remarked to my partner and few friends that it can be hard being me. I haven’t always “gotten” myself either. But I have grown to like me regardless. ☺️ Your making yourself vulnerable and sharing about your autism is very timely for me with my own recent revelation. And I just have to thank you again. I’ve contemplated and savored what you have communicated here for several days. And will continue to do so. 🙏😌
I’m okay and you’re okay and that’s such a good thing to know☺️
I feel this so much! I am currently in a deep autistic burnout.
My third, and so severe it will change my life forever. Not for the better. First two were completely misdiagnosed.
Diagnosed at 43, with AuDHD.
I put all that into words, also how you can imagine a life as neurodivers person in this world, made for neurotypicals.
In here:
https://open.substack.com/pub/miriamferfers/p/heres-the-bill?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=5zpjw7