I Have Asperger's

I've noticed that the autism community seems to be struggling to stay united.  I've also noticed that it's often because people have very different points of view.

That's because people ARE different. 

I don't like when someone starts saying "Everyone", "All", "None", "Always", "Never", or and kind of "%".  (Believe me, I'm guilty of doing this as well!) 

I am not Rain Man, I am not Temple Grandin (though, she is one of my heroes!), I am ME.  I am only ONE of the MANY different people who are on the autism spectrum.  We are DIFFERENT.  Not just from the Neuro-typical people, but from each other as well.

I try to remember to use terms such as "In my opinion", "I think", "For me", etc.  Of course, I will occasionally forget and start talking as though I am speaking for EVERYONE.  (I make mistakes, too!)  I am still learning that I am NOT the only one out there with Aspergers, and that my viewpoints are just that: My OWN.

That's not to say that there haven't been people who agree with me.  In fact, I know a LOT of people who go "YES!  That's ME!"  However, I've encountered many who also say "You know, I don't quite feel the same way."  And I'd like to respect that. 

So, please, the next time you describe me, make sure that you get to know who I am first, because I am an individual.