What Is It Like to Live With Autism?

Today’s blog is written by Ben Moore. Ben, age 26, recently shared his insights about life with autism in a lecture called "We Have a Voice – A Panel of Individuals with Autism" and we couldn’t get enough of his honest, heartfelt answers. Today he shares a little more.

What is it like as an adult living with autism?

Like, how do I even answer this? Let’s see… It’s hard at times. Sometimes there’s too much loud noises. Sometimes people speak too fast – their language gets scrambled and jumbled when I hear it. When I speak, often times what I intend to say is not what comes out of my mouth. Most times it’s hard to sustain my attention for prolonged periods. I can be blunt and easily hurt others’ feelings (I try really hard not to).

How do you explain your diagnosis to people?

Okay, first off, I don’t bring it up hardly ever unless people specifically ask. Instead, if I’m having issues with sensory stuff, I politely ask people to turn down whatever stimuli is bothering me (light brightness, sound volumes, etc.) I try to amend/ameliorate my situation/surroundings. If that doesn’t work, I’ll cover my ears. It’s as if I’m ashamed of being autistic. I know I shouldn’t be – there’s nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma is a powerful thing.

What do you want people to know about autism?

Please don’t see autism and autistic people as a burden, or defective, or diseased, or people who need to be cured. It is said by some so-called “professionals” that we lack empathy. This is just not true! We may not show it like you, and we may struggle at times to put a label on what we’re feeling, but believe me when I say that we feel every emotion that you do. Heck, sometimes I think we even feel emotions more profoundly than the average person!

What are you hopes and aspirations?

I want to make the world a better place for autistic people. One where every autistic person feels loved and valued, and get accommodations so that they can be as proactive a member of society as possible. As for career goals, I like hospitals, so doing something medical or at least in a hospital setting would be cool.

Thanks for sharing, Ben!

Watch "We Have a Voice – A Panel of Individuals with Autism".