What does RESPECT include?

Dora Raymaker posted an excellent post, here. Autistic adults are NOT "trapped" in a child's mind. Autistic disability is developmental; that means autistics PROGRESS throughout their lifetime. (Of course, autistic people do NOT progress without treatments, services, supports, and accommodations.)

Here is another of Raymaker's posts that advocates beautifully.
I have feelings, and they CAN be hurt. Autistic people are NOT emotionless like some would have you believe.

Autistic In Pain - NO "Joy of Autism" here

Pain does not have to be experienced physically. Emotional pain, the kind that comes from loneliness, is extremely devastating. My autistic disability is a PAINFUL way of being. Yes, painful, NOT joyful. Autistic people, by definition of autism and Asperger's, face enormous challenges, struggles, and deficits.

Autistic people with Autistic Disorder, PDD-NOS, or Asperger's Syndrome have neurological impairments in functioning skills. I do NOT glorify autism disorders.

My Work Is PART of My Life

I have a wonderful job at Light and Associates, an accounting firm. I have an amazing boss. My co-workers are very friendly, helpful, and polite. I have absolutely NO complaints about anyone at Light and Assoicates. NONE!

If it weren't for my job, I would have nothing worth living for. I have no friends.

Should an employment opportunity be the only thing that makes someone happy in life?

Communication is NOT speech!

Thank you to Dora Raymaker, autistic adult, (Autistic Disorder) for advocating for autistic people. When she blogged for Change.org on the "autism page," Raymaker did a wonderful job.

In the aforementioned post, Dora Raymaker advocates for me. Spoken language, especially speaking in complete sentences, can be highly challenging. Sometimes, I'm all "worded out." Thanks to the speech therapy I received from preschool until 8th grade, verbal communication, pragmatic language (includes figurative) and some social skills are easier to understand, interpret, utilize.

Why is my job at the accounting firm so amazing? The BENEFITS of self-disclosure!

As I have mentioned, I work at Light and Associates, an accounting firm. Phil and Kathy Light, Linda, and I are currently very busy. As per previous post, I have disclosed "Asperger's Syndrome" to Phil, Kathy, and some other individuals at the office. (The office includes several companies.) I have received positive feedback from Phil and Kathy.

• I gave Phil the thank you letter. I wanted to thank him for hiring me and the extremely thoughtful cards and "bonuses" he put inside. Later, I told him, "I hope the letter didn't embarrass you. I'm very self-conscious about how other people perceive my written and spoken words. Phil said, "It's okay if you feel more comfortable expressing your emotions in writing." I replied, "Thank you." I didn't say anything else, but these words really gave my self-confidence a boost. I really appreciate Phil's understanding and acknowledgement of my communication challenges.
• Phil often says, "Thank you for your hard work." Again, his statements make me feel GOOD about myself. One of Phil's sons came in to the office to see him. Phil introduced me to him and said, "This is Katie." Then he told his son that I am a hard worker. Phil, thank you for your kind words. I enjoy making Phil and Kathy look good, especially to their family members and clients.
• Phil said this due to his previous statement, but I will not post it due to confidentiality. He stated, "You know all about dealing with challenges? You've had some of your own, right?" I answered, "Yeah." I didn't make eye contact because I was uncomfortable. I was uncomfortable because I knew he was referring to "Asperger's," but he did NOT say the word "Asperger's." Phil, if you read my blog, feel free to use the word "Asperger's" if applicable.

Disclaimer: Each bullet point indicates a different occurrence.