April is National Autism Awareness Month. Take a few minutes to learn on www.autismspeaks.org. You'll most likely understand at least one adult or child you know a lot better.
Taken from the Autism Speaks website:
The following behaviors are often associated with Asperger syndrome. However, they are seldom all present in any one individual and vary widely in degree:
• limited or inappropriate social interactions
• "robotic" or repetitive speech
• challenges with nonverbal communication (gestures, facial expression, etc.) coupled with average to above average verbal skills
• tendency to discuss self rather than others
• inability to understand social/emotional issues or nonliteral phrases
• lack of eye contact or reciprocal conversation
• obsession with specific, often unusual, topics
• one-sided conversations
• awkward movements and/or mannerisms
• "robotic" or repetitive speech
• challenges with nonverbal communication (gestures, facial expression, etc.) coupled with average to above average verbal skills
• tendency to discuss self rather than others
• inability to understand social/emotional issues or nonliteral phrases
• lack of eye contact or reciprocal conversation
• obsession with specific, often unusual, topics
• one-sided conversations
• awkward movements and/or mannerisms
We do tend to judge and we usually have no idea what other people are going through. I think I read a quote once that everyone is going through a struggle...that rude person in line at the grocery store, the person who cuts you off in traffic... It's best to maintain a positive attitude and hope it catches on with others.
ReplyDeleteI like Stephanie's idea. A few months ago I had this strange idea of considering that the people we interact with on a daily basis were all kindergartners once, just like my son. When you were in kindergarten everybody was your friend and when you played on the playground, even if you didnt' know their name, you'd say, "Hey friend, wanna play?"
ReplyDeleteSo now if I see someone speeding, or texting and driving, or road raging or whatever, I tend to be more forgiving. You never know what's going on in their world. On the same token, you gotta help spread the word and hope others do this same courtesy for you, too. Good post, Maggie.
--Chris
Well said, Maggie!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Maggie thank you. If only we learned to be less judgemental the world would be a better place. The comments are thought provoking also.
ReplyDeleteGarden of Eden Blog
Often, judging others replaces our own judgement of ourselves. Maybe if we "lightened up" on ourselves, we wouldn't feel the need to judge others so much.
ReplyDeleteVery well said Dean!
ReplyDelete