Got invited to the give the keynote speech at an autism conference

[EnricoPallazzo]

curl-6 said:

Thanks heaps for all the kind words guys!

JWeinCom said:

It wouldn't make you either. But if your heart is in the right place, I'd say it's a good thing to do.

But, if Curl agrees, that's something better done in PM. Even if Curl is ok with it, that could be potentially upsetting to other users who are or have loved ones on the spectrum. Everyone has different senses of humor, and when dealing with a topic like this, we should definitely err on the side of caution. 

I was unsure how to respond to that post, but I think this is probably the best solution.

EnricoPallazzo said:
Congrats! I have two cousins on the spectrum and I know how life can be hard for them sometimes, althoigh they are sucessful people. If there is one thing I would say is how important it is to have a diagnosis. Once you understand you have a condition its easier to seek help if necessary and also makes you understand much better the world around you and how to live in it.

Great advice; speaking for myself, diagnosis made a world of difference. I didn't get one until I was 19, and before that I got no support and was endlessly frustrated with myself for not thinking or feeling the way the people around me did. Getting an answer was like having a blindfold taken off.

Glad to help. I once asked my cousing if he didnt think it was bad to be labeling so many people as autists as in his case he's got a great job, a house, 2 kids etc so he could be considered "normal", if he didnt feel like it wasnt necessary. In his words he said "no it was amazing, it was like being released from prision because know I can understand why people are like they are and why my reactions are not understood sometimes. Also helps me to deal with the world in a much easier way because now I know how it works".

I hope you can give a great speech, nice work.