A Reflective Question to Ponder

Saturday questions to ponder involve taboo/potentially taboo topics. If you respond, please do so with genuine curiosity and kindness.

Is it ethical for parents/caregivers to restrict or control the romantic/sexual lives of autistic people under the premise of “protection?”

1. What assumptions do people have about autistic people’s romantic interests?

2. What assumptions do people have about autistic people’s sexual interests?

3. Are autistic people’s romantic/sexual desires less or nonexistent merely because they are autistic? Why or why not?

4. Is romance and sexuality within the autistic community talked about enough, with enough depth/breadth, or involvement of an appropriate autistic community representation? Why or why not?

A Reflective Question to Ponder (24-001a):

As an autistic person, how does changing time affect you?

1. Which time change is more challenging - going from standard time to daylight saving time (going forward an hour) or going from daylight saving time to standard time (falling back an hour)?

2. How long does it take you to adjust to the time difference? Why?

3. Are different aspects of your life affected more than others?

4. As the same aspects affected with both time changes or are different aspects affected by the different time changes?

My aim for this post is to foster a fruitful dialogue where people can explore others' perspectives to better understand why they hold those perspectives. All responses are valid, and I ask that this remain a judgement-free zone (this means no personal attacks or derogatory comments). If you leave a perspective, please do ask for others' perspectives. I value and reflect on all responses and may write about my experience with this post but will never identify anyone or use others' comments without express written permission.

For several months now (maybe longer), I’ve been living in a dark place. Even as a very open person about being autistic, I do still mask. Thanks to my loving wife and life partner, Mead Harris, I am on the path to healing. I have a long road ahead, but I am finally getting the help I need.

No need for well wishes or prayers - I’ll be fine in due time. Instead, tell those around you how much you care, spread kindness, help those in need without expectations or conditions, say hello to someone you don’t know, and listen to others with genuine curiosity. Help prevent depression (and related) from occurring rather than turning it around once it’s present.

The world needs so much more empathy, less competition, and a massive amount of accepting of differences. There is no one “right” way to exist, experience the world, and interact with others.

Have a peaceful day and live life authentically.

Ending my work day on a positive note - autographing books! I have about 20 more to do.

Guess what just arrived??? The first batch of my book I ordered!!!