D writes:
Hi Philip,
My sister, who has a son
with autism, just told me about your page. I am a big admirer of what you're
doing.
I am trying to learn everything I can about what life is like for my
nephew so I can interact with him better. As I'm only just discovering your page,
I'm not sure if you've covered this topic before: Why is it so difficult to
make eye contact with people? For me, it was always hard to communicate with my
nephew because I used to think he wasn't paying attention since he was looking
away or stimming, which made it seem like it was impossible for him to hear
what I was saying. I know better now, but would love to find out more about
what it's like. Thank you for opening up your world to us - you are an
inspiration!
D
Coral Springs, Florida
Philip writes:
I am letting you know about eye
contact. My eyes see very well. Most people seem to need to have to look
long and hard to make sense of a picture. I can take in a whole picture at a
glance. Each day I see too many little petty details. I look away to not get
overwhelmed by a lot of little bits of information. I watch things a teacher or
person I listen to tell me to watch. This helps me concentrate on what I should
be focusing on. I can search for a teacher's voice to try to focus on. I am
academically learning best when I sit side by side with a teacher. A seat on
the side keeps me focused on your voice, and not on visual distractions. I am
assessing many sounds too. I have to erase some stimuli to access my answers to
people's questions and meet their demands. That is why I don't make eye
contact. I am always listening. I listen a lot to voices. I so love when people
talk to me and are not talking like I am not there. I am active because I am
unable to feel my body well. People think I am being rude but I can't help
it. I need to move to feel my body but sitting down at least helps me not
walk away from you. Please peacefully talk to your nephew. Let him know you
understand. I am sad when people think I don't like them. I love people.
From,
Philip
Corrales, New Mexico, Christmas 2014
