Zoom Autism Magazine Issue 3 Spring 2015 | Page 18
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a revelation that I embraced as plainly as accepting the fact that I am left-handed. It felt like
truth, and so I went with it. Rather than reject
the notion that my brain developed one way as
opposed to another, I used the diagnosis to make
my life better. There were certain behaviors I
knew I could learn that would serve my marriage, make me a more tuned-in father, and help
me to integrate more completely in the world
around me.
This is, of course, tricky territory. There are those
who believe that the world should simply accept
those of us who are wired differently, and I can’t
say that I disagree. On the other hand, I can’t
reasonably ask the 67 neurotypical people out of
68 to do things my way. I’ve tried, and they just
haven’t caved. It was my choice to learn a handful of social skills that neurotypicals generally
expect from people, the sorts of skills that are to
one’s advantage when one is seeking companionship, employment, or even just a stick of gum.
18
Zoom Autism Through Many Lenses
In learning these behaviors, I’ve found I haven’t
lost who I am. It’s only enabled me to do more
with my gifts and interests. Acceptance of reality
has made me a better husband and father, a more
effective writer and public speaker, and a happier
person all around. And I can’t think of a stronger
argument than that.
David Finch is a humorist, inspirational
speaker, and author of the acclaimed New
York Times best-selling memoir, The Journal
of Best Practices. David’s essays have been
published in the New York Times, Huffington
Post, and Slate, and he contributes to Psychology Today. To book David for your next
event or to contact him in person, please
visit his website.