Externalising thoughts

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This may also be referred to as ‘self-talk’. I cannot remember a time where I haven’t done this: sometimes it’s in order to plan my day, organise my thoughts or others, it’s just to allow myself to slip into my own fantasy world in order to escape the pressures of reality.

Once again I will restate that the traits that apply to one, may not apply to everyone on the spectrum. However, research amongst the community shows that a reasonable proportion of people may well exhibit this type of behaviour. Hence, I feel it worthy of discussion.

We are creatures who are likely to struggle with either communication, social interaction or both. Therefore it makes sense that we may vocalise to ourselves; we don’t have to fear boring someone else and we don’t have to engage with others if we don’t feel like it.

As child, it was easier to mask, although I suspect that, even then I was seen by many of my peers as ‘as a bit odd’. As an adult, talking to yourself, especially in public is likely to attract strange looks or outright concern from members of the community. It is, therefore, necessary to adapt as much as possible: I am not advocating that we must stop doing it (I haven’t, at least not entirely) rather like stimming, this is comforting behaviour. Here is a couple of tricks to help avert concern and alarm in the general public: –

1) Headphones

2) Wearing a scarf or hood *

3) Considering where is a ‘safe’ space.

In these wonderful days in which are, or can be connected to the rest of the world almost constantly, earbuds are wonderful, I love music and audiobooks and I also need to be able to express myself, to myself. So when my internal monologue just isn’t enough, or enough fun, headphones allow me to walk along the street without being considered to be a threat to the community.

* a hood, or scarf are weather dependant, but can be a great way to hide.

Chattering away to yourself in first or third person whilst sat on a bus or train is likely to ensure that you get a seat all to yourself, but may also cause concern amongst the community at large or result in unwanted attention from people.

#autism #aspergers #autisticspectrumdisorder #mentalhealth

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Published by autisticmountainbiker

I'm one of the many people who discovered that they are on the autistic spectrum as an adult, indeed, in my mid-forties. I'd always assumed that I was just a little socially inept, despite having a reasonably large circle of friends and associates, I often felt along in a crowded room. A long term injury placed restrictions upon my physical mobility, that said, I through myself into various things with typical enthusiasm. It was once stated, by a long term partner that "You don't have hobbies, you have obsessions." It's true, for example, I've climbed mountains, included some of the UK's highest and most technical (Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Pen y Fan included, whilst on crutches, in the name of what I considered to be a hobby and other's considered to be a bit more life-absorbing. It's true, I assumed that everyone who had a hobby became incredibly passionate about it. I was a very successful DJ on the UK and European Gothic scene, the music of which and running events was indeed an obsession, but one which afforded me the chance to hide behind a drink and a set of decks. Then there was Switzerland, the bikes, the mountains, the open expanses with very few people; even in the busy resorts. Now, I'm back in the UK. embarking on new adventures and learning how to make the best of my unique and special, albeit, challenging life.

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