Are these reasonable traits for someone with autism? [closed]
Closed by System on May 26, 2019 at 17:56
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A little info as to the story:
'Lily' was abandoned when she was young. She is a Deviant, a group of people who are born with powers, and across the universe either seen as either blasphemies, miracles or just people.
She's trapped on a planet, and survives through thievery. One day she meets another deviant 'Daisy', a girl who wants to befriend her. 'Lily' is suspicious, she's survived by only looking out for herself, and by trusting no one. This deviant does offer an opportunity though, as trading a Deviant is worth a ship. Worth freedom.-and that's all you get to know.
So my story is about 'deviants', not so subtle allegory for poc/queer/disability. And I really want to make sure I portray 'Lily's autism in a non stereotypical/uninformed way. From my research so far this is how her autism presents itself:
- uncomfortable with crowds
- can't stand slimy texture or squelching sounds
- She is verbal, but her words are usually spare and short.
- she has issues understanding body language, tone
- she can't help but steal, as it's become part of her routine and she becomes angry and distressed as a result
So I've been cross-referencing a bunch of people on their experiences with autism. I'm still confused though as to whether there are some things that are universal, like avoiding eye contact, sensory issues.
And if there are issues with my listing- like can you be disgusted by specific sensations? And how do things change when time passes? Can you be sensitive to loud places as a kid, but change when you're an adult?
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1 answer
I'd say the list is fine except the last one; she can't help but steal, as it's become part of her routine and she becomes angry and distressed as a result.
I have an autistic grandson, 12. He has never stolen a thing as far as I am aware. And why does your character "become angry and distressed" as a result?
My grandson is somewhat verbal, about the level of three year old. He has difficulty expressing what he wants, and forming sentences. He doesn't slur his words, but his requests are often single words or phrases: "Orange Juice?" "Cartoons?" etc. He has some stock phrases, like "No thank you please."
As for as sound, it is a mixed bag. If HE is watching the TV, he'll crank the volume up to jet engine decibels. If he is not, he can't stand it being on, he'll go hide in his room and put noise canceling headphones on.
He is exceedingly neat. Although his mother cleans his room, without any help from her his room is precisely ordered; every book, pencil, marker, toy, etc has a place and he knows where it belongs. When he moved houses a few years ago, he unpacked his own boxes and put every single item, of about a hundred, in its spot without a mistake.
As far as touching, he doesn't like it; except for what I'd call rough-housing. He likes that; like play wrestling or being pulled across the floor or thrown on the bed.
It isn't just people's body language or facial expressions. In general he doesn't have a strong mental grasp of other people's emotions at all, or how his actions create them, or if he is responsible for them.
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