Interview d’Eric LUCAS (in Autistan)
by the Solidarity Alliance of French People Abroad (ASFE)
on the occasion of World Autism Day 2022
by the Solidarity Alliance of French People Abroad (ASFE)
on the occasion of World Autism Day 2022
ASFE : First question, could you define autism ?
HE : “Autism” is a natural human characteristic, not to be confused with “the troubles” relating to autism.
Autism is based on a “natural reference frame” : harmony and coherence, truth and rightness, no confusion/amalgamation or distortion, therefore sensitivity to “sensory damage” (made to physical harmony) and to “mental damage” (made to mental harmony).
Autistic people do not have autism, but above all the consequences of the absence of correct treatment of autism speak “social system” (which is artificial, abstract, inconsistent and confusing).
Since we see things so differently, we can talk about “autistic world”, that we can call l'Autistan (“metaphorical autistic country”).
Being autistic, it's a bit like being “a stranger all the time” (even in your own country).
We see social conventions from afar, they vary depending on the country, they are not “universal”, so no “reliable”, so autistic people can hardly adhere to it.
When traveling to other countries, we continue to be “strangers”, we are used to it and we need less of ourselves “to hang up” to “conventions” of our country of birth.
Living abroad offers the immense advantage of no longer being misjudged because you are “bizarre”, or because we do not perceive a local usage or a subtlety of language “agreed” : we are seen first as strangers, and our “lack of membership” to “obligatory absurd things” is easily accepted.
When traveling to other countries, we continue to be “strangers”, we are used to it and we need less of ourselves “to hang up” to “conventions” of our country of birth.
Living abroad offers the immense advantage of no longer being misjudged because you are “bizarre”, or because we do not perceive a local usage or a subtlety of language “agreed” : we are seen first as strangers, and our “lack of membership” to “obligatory absurd things” is easily accepted.
Contrary to popular belief, autistic people should not be put under cover, preventing “to learn about society” (something comparable to learning a second language) : we must encourage (gradually) the most diverse experiences, so that the autistic person finds “his own “life path” and can flourish there : it is therefore necessary to “chance”, which hardly exists in over-protective social environments.
I started to open up to society, to appreciate it, when I was finally able to find a friend abroad in 2001, after more than 30 years of vain research in France : I was no longer mocked or taken for crazy, but just for a stranger.
It was during a stay in Latin America in 2013, watching the film “My name is Khan“, that I discovered my “syndrome d’Asperger” (old name for autism “light”), which was subsequently duly confirmed.
In France, no doctor had been able to see him before, and in 1994-1995 I had been deprived of my liberty for 15 long months in a psychiatric hospital, because of imbued ignorance. It was very traumatic and the wound is still open, lack of access to justice all this time.
It was during a stay in Latin America in 2013, watching the film “My name is Khan“, that I discovered my “syndrome d’Asperger” (old name for autism “light”), which was subsequently duly confirmed.
In France, no doctor had been able to see him before, and in 1994-1995 I had been deprived of my liberty for 15 long months in a psychiatric hospital, because of imbued ignorance. It was very traumatic and the wound is still open, lack of access to justice all this time.
In 2014, I created the’Autism Alliance (French association which reports to the UN, outside France therefore).
In 2015, I left “the country of ‘sous-France’ for autistic people”, I was finally able to make presentations (see AutisticAlliance.org), then I found myself so comfortable in Brazil that in 2017 I created there the first physical Embassy of Autistan in Rio de Janeiro.
In 2015, I left “the country of ‘sous-France’ for autistic people”, I was finally able to make presentations (see AutisticAlliance.org), then I found myself so comfortable in Brazil that in 2017 I created there the first physical Embassy of Autistan in Rio de Janeiro.
Ici, I do not risk being locked up at any time on the basis of a medical error (and without real possibilities to defend themselves), and I finally feel free ; ma “Mental Health” never looked so good (thanks to good humor, kindness, the simplicity and humility of the population).
In Brazil, I discovered happiness : I knew it existed, but I thought it was “for the others, not for me” (like many things when you are autistic and without the right advice).
In Brazil, I discovered happiness : I knew it existed, but I thought it was “for the others, not for me” (like many things when you are autistic and without the right advice).
One of my dreams would be a project for “save” other autistic people by helping them escape from a “sick west”, for example to prevent them from committing suicide, which happens too often (and it is logical in such conditions).
ASFE : What would you like to see as a change in society in the way of understanding autism ?
HE : We need to start by better understanding autism, without approach “defectological”, without feeling of superiority. It is the story of “the beam in the eye which prevents one from seeing the twig in that of the neighbor” (cf. THE “Non-Autistic Disorders” very numerous and sometimes very dangerous, which cannot exist in autistic people “unsocialized”, for example because they do not need to dominate a neighbor or a country).
For that, it is essential to differentiate “autism” of “trouble”.
In most “autistic disorders”, there are those who are “subjective” (like the inability to lie, disinterest in superficial conversations, interests perceived as “not normal”…), and there are “troubles” which are the result of suffering caused by “affected” (material or immaterial inconsistencies), that is to say by “socio-generated disorders”.
We are forced to fit into molds that are too small, in a “standardized system” rudimentary, barren and spiritually poor, what I call the “normalitarianism”…
If we could put an end to this defectological view which only sees disorders or negatives in autism while the qualities of autism (no troubles) are important and useful, then the socio-administrative system could better predict “accessibility to autistic people”, society would be ready to accept them, there would be less suffering.
We must also stop believing that “self-esteem” must be done via “social recognition”, because this forces autistic people to look for the latter, which is very difficult (and so superficial), and what leads to depression and then suicide.
ASFE : What message would you like to send to society on this World Autism Day? ?
HE : People need to “normal” learn that difference enriches, they need to be much more attentive to understand the causes of “troubles”, because by correcting these (that is to say with a “socio-generated environment” fairer and respectful of harmony and naturalness), it would be beneficial – even beneficial – for the whole of society (with “in prime” significant savings).
So, instead of trying “robotically” to conform autistic people to a “majority system of thought” defective (which is like trying to make a cat wear socks) society as a whole must have the courage to question itself.
Before crushing them without thinking, we must ask ourselves whether autistic people and others “undenatured humans” (like people with Down syndrome or aborigines) have no use in a world in full materialistic and superficial perdition.
Each living being has its importance and its usefulness : the human species has already done enough harm to animals and what remains of Nature, but she starts to “reduce your own margins” and she's losing her own “natural humanity”, by becoming enslaved to machines and illusion, like the “robotic humans”, of the “automatic men”.
We must therefore absolutely avoid eugenics for autistic people. (cf. “prenatal screening”, which unfortunately has already led to the genocide of the majority of people with Down syndrome), because we are like “dangerous error detectors” : you must not turn off or hide the red lights of the alarm system, and we must not ignore the rare autistic people who can “build bridges between the two worlds”.
In conclusion, as long as “the system” has an attitude “superior” in relation to autism, he cannot listen to our explanations with the necessary attention.
This is why we must start by distinguishing “autism” of the “troubles”, then understand that “the social system” is defective when considered from a “natural reference frame” (harmony, truth, justice…) with whom he is in conflict.
Autistic people are in harmony with the natural frame of reference, it is therefore logical that they are “not very miscible” in a “social system” abstract, artificial, denatured and even unnatural, destructive.
This is why we must start by distinguishing “autism” of the “troubles”, then understand that “the social system” is defective when considered from a “natural reference frame” (harmony, truth, justice…) with whom he is in conflict.
Autistic people are in harmony with the natural frame of reference, it is therefore logical that they are “not very miscible” in a “social system” abstract, artificial, denatured and even unnatural, destructive.
We must therefore ask ourselves “who is right”, which of these two “repositories”…
Actually, whether you are autistic or “non-autistic”, I believe that to go towards the other, so that these two “parts of human society” can understand and accept each other and live better together, it’s mostly a question of courage.
ASFE : Autism is a different reality for each person concerned, could you .. U.S explain how your autism manifests itself today ?
HE : I believe I have more and more lucid perception and “global” things, thanks to “hindsight” enabled by autism, and thanks to all “social experiences” that I could do, while being free to “social prejudices”.
Personally, I have almost no more difficulties because I chose my environment (pays, ville…) and I adapted my accommodation to my need for harmony.
But since I want to do more useful things than “personnel”, I try to have dialogues with entities who have the “levers for action” but they are “very administrative” (SO “robotics”) and they can hardly understand what I tell them because they confuse the “details that make all the difference”.
SO “my autism” allow me a thought “fine and subtle” which allows me to analyze and understand certain problems (which persist because of confusion), but at the same time my functioning (judge “complicated” even “hard”) makes it very difficult for me to access these entities, and all the more so since in general they refuse to listen to me (often out of fear of recognizing their mistakes).
I make mistakes too of course, but I try to recognize them.
However, the French Administration cannot accept the idea that it can make (it's a bit like in the movie “Brazil” : the administrative error is judged “impossible”), which obviously makes progress very difficult and very slow.
So in summary, “my autism”, or more precisely “the distance between the two systems of thought” combined with the lack of attentional effort of “the other part”, condemn me to live in a sort of desert where almost no one hears me (especially in France).
Yet, in “mode verbal”, I can make myself understood perfectly (even if it takes time).
But the “public authorities” (apart from at the UN and abroad) generally refuse dialogue, or do not make enough effort to adapt (since they confuse “autism” with “the troubles”, so they think they “are right” and that we are rather “deficient”, In summary).
These efforts to be made by the French Administration, above all it would be a real attention, the ability to recognize mistakes, and the “non-annoyance”…
Bulk, the “system” agrees to help autistic people conform to him, but he cannot imagine that it is he who must first question himself…
Personally, I have almost no more difficulties because I chose my environment (pays, ville…) and I adapted my accommodation to my need for harmony.
But since I want to do more useful things than “personnel”, I try to have dialogues with entities who have the “levers for action” but they are “very administrative” (SO “robotics”) and they can hardly understand what I tell them because they confuse the “details that make all the difference”.
SO “my autism” allow me a thought “fine and subtle” which allows me to analyze and understand certain problems (which persist because of confusion), but at the same time my functioning (judge “complicated” even “hard”) makes it very difficult for me to access these entities, and all the more so since in general they refuse to listen to me (often out of fear of recognizing their mistakes).
I make mistakes too of course, but I try to recognize them.
However, the French Administration cannot accept the idea that it can make (it's a bit like in the movie “Brazil” : the administrative error is judged “impossible”), which obviously makes progress very difficult and very slow.
So in summary, “my autism”, or more precisely “the distance between the two systems of thought” combined with the lack of attentional effort of “the other part”, condemn me to live in a sort of desert where almost no one hears me (especially in France).
Yet, in “mode verbal”, I can make myself understood perfectly (even if it takes time).
But the “public authorities” (apart from at the UN and abroad) generally refuse dialogue, or do not make enough effort to adapt (since they confuse “autism” with “the troubles”, so they think they “are right” and that we are rather “deficient”, In summary).
These efforts to be made by the French Administration, above all it would be a real attention, the ability to recognize mistakes, and the “non-annoyance”…
Bulk, the “system” agrees to help autistic people conform to him, but he cannot imagine that it is he who must first question himself…
ASFE : Could you tell us about your childhood? ? From the moment those around you understood and diagnosed your condition ? Some people take many years to be diagnosed, East-how complicated your journey to understanding your disorder has been ?
HE : I was a rather “in my world” and it suited me very well. I found that others were often stupid and I was not interested in their games and their stories.
I didn't do anything bad to them, but sometimes they bothered me.
But as I was not “not normal”, I was forced to go to a center in the city for two years. “child protection” (which is an aberration), and that's when I started to become a “flayed”, for life. I'm still traumatized, and for years this episode had disappeared from my memory. I had nothing to do with it, I was very nice and didn't cause any problems, I was just “in my corner” : so what ?
I didn't do anything bad to them, but sometimes they bothered me.
But as I was not “not normal”, I was forced to go to a center in the city for two years. “child protection” (which is an aberration), and that's when I started to become a “flayed”, for life. I'm still traumatized, and for years this episode had disappeared from my memory. I had nothing to do with it, I was very nice and didn't cause any problems, I was just “in my corner” : so what ?
Mon “entourage” always seemed very absurd to me, but nevertheless benevolent, regarding my family. Fortunately.
Because of the state of mind “normal” that I spoke about, my family always thought I had “a problem”, something “which does not go well”, until May 2013.
After seeing the film I mentioned, and understood that I had FINALLY found the explanation, it's like we turned on the light for the first time : during many days, full of memories of “problems” came to sit “in the right place” in my head, that is to say that I had confirmation of what I had always thought, no I'm not crazy, and especially, that it is in fact “the social system” which does not go well, and that finally “my wrong”, is not being adapted to a “sick society”.
(I discovered the quote from Jiddu Krishnamurti much later, “This is not a sign of good mental health, than being well adapted to a mental society”, which could almost sum up everything I say here.)
I therefore announced and explained this concept of “syndrome d’Asperger” to my mother, who at first was shocked (like me) but who was then relieved “to finally know what I have”. Even if it is not “to have” (a difference) more “be” (different).
Ensuite, I was diagnosed by a doctor specializing in autism in France, Bruno Gepner, who confirmed.
This certificate is a kind “birth certificate to the company”, because before, I was always rejected because people couldn't “m’identifier” and generally put me, “by default”, par “precautionary principle”, in “negative boxes”.
Like my autism is “light but subtle and deep”, it cannot be seen or understood, and all my life I have been “taken for someone else” (by attributing to me more or less negative thoughts or intentions), even now sometimes (with France, from a distance), but I know “the keys” (I understand the mechanisms) and it no longer crushes me, It is “just painful”, not demoralizing.
Because of the state of mind “normal” that I spoke about, my family always thought I had “a problem”, something “which does not go well”, until May 2013.
After seeing the film I mentioned, and understood that I had FINALLY found the explanation, it's like we turned on the light for the first time : during many days, full of memories of “problems” came to sit “in the right place” in my head, that is to say that I had confirmation of what I had always thought, no I'm not crazy, and especially, that it is in fact “the social system” which does not go well, and that finally “my wrong”, is not being adapted to a “sick society”.
(I discovered the quote from Jiddu Krishnamurti much later, “This is not a sign of good mental health, than being well adapted to a mental society”, which could almost sum up everything I say here.)
I therefore announced and explained this concept of “syndrome d’Asperger” to my mother, who at first was shocked (like me) but who was then relieved “to finally know what I have”. Even if it is not “to have” (a difference) more “be” (different).
Ensuite, I was diagnosed by a doctor specializing in autism in France, Bruno Gepner, who confirmed.
This certificate is a kind “birth certificate to the company”, because before, I was always rejected because people couldn't “m’identifier” and generally put me, “by default”, par “precautionary principle”, in “negative boxes”.
Like my autism is “light but subtle and deep”, it cannot be seen or understood, and all my life I have been “taken for someone else” (by attributing to me more or less negative thoughts or intentions), even now sometimes (with France, from a distance), but I know “the keys” (I understand the mechanisms) and it no longer crushes me, It is “just painful”, not demoralizing.
ASFE : It is said of autistic people that many of them develop a particular sensitivity, making them able to develop exceptional skills in areas that challenge them. Have-YOU, personally, developed certain passions that allowed you to live and evolve with your difference ?
HE : It seems to me… But it's very difficult to say, because what is judged “exceptional” par “others” East “naturel” and even “invisible” by people who are in this situation.
I have already been told many times that this or that of my achievements was “awesome” (I even appeared on TV, for example in a South Korean report) but for me it's just “ingenious”.
I am a “handyman” (for everything), I do my best with the means at hand, I adapt.
I am very persistent, and I'm not afraid of “knock on unknown doors”, because I realized that this is really the key when you are autistic : experimentation, the adventure.
(It should even be like that for everyone, more “others” Are afraid. We must not clip the wings of autistic people.)
I see “the big picture”, et “the little details”, as with a very large zoom, which allows you to really understand things. Maybe that's my “exceptional skill” ? I don't know… Others than me could say it better…
Or maybe it would be my ability to fully understand autism and what I call “non-autism”, in particular by knowing how to situate them in relation to each other ?
I am also able to make “distinctions”, pour “un-confuse” things. Most problems come from confusion and amalgamations. When you really want to understand something or solve a problem, you have to look closely.
This is how – recently – I found one “vice” in Article 1 of the Law of 2005 on disability. This is a really big problem., that I explained to the UN CRPD Committee, who understood it well and asked for it to be corrected. To my knowledge, it hadn't been “revealed” avant, even in France.
I have already been told many times that this or that of my achievements was “awesome” (I even appeared on TV, for example in a South Korean report) but for me it's just “ingenious”.
I am a “handyman” (for everything), I do my best with the means at hand, I adapt.
I am very persistent, and I'm not afraid of “knock on unknown doors”, because I realized that this is really the key when you are autistic : experimentation, the adventure.
(It should even be like that for everyone, more “others” Are afraid. We must not clip the wings of autistic people.)
I see “the big picture”, et “the little details”, as with a very large zoom, which allows you to really understand things. Maybe that's my “exceptional skill” ? I don't know… Others than me could say it better…
Or maybe it would be my ability to fully understand autism and what I call “non-autism”, in particular by knowing how to situate them in relation to each other ?
I am also able to make “distinctions”, pour “un-confuse” things. Most problems come from confusion and amalgamations. When you really want to understand something or solve a problem, you have to look closely.
This is how – recently – I found one “vice” in Article 1 of the Law of 2005 on disability. This is a really big problem., that I explained to the UN CRPD Committee, who understood it well and asked for it to be corrected. To my knowledge, it hadn't been “revealed” avant, even in France.
ASFE : From an emotional point of view, could you explain to us what are the main differences in the way of welcoming and understanding one's emotions ?
HE : I think this is quite a question “non-autistic” 🙂
Because I have trouble understanding it. I don't see what can be “to welcome” or “to understand” his own emotions. The emotions, these are natural and spontaneous things, that we feel in a way “interior”, personal… If I feel sad, angry, happy, etc., it's a bit like hunger or fatigue, I don't need to welcome or understand, but obviously if I think, I can find the causes of these emotions, which are – I believe – always obvious.
Because I have trouble understanding it. I don't see what can be “to welcome” or “to understand” his own emotions. The emotions, these are natural and spontaneous things, that we feel in a way “interior”, personal… If I feel sad, angry, happy, etc., it's a bit like hunger or fatigue, I don't need to welcome or understand, but obviously if I think, I can find the causes of these emotions, which are – I believe – always obvious.
On the other hand, regarding the expression of emotions, that's a separate topic : many autistic people express their emotions little or not at all, and that can be understood because in general it is very poorly received, so since they were very young they have been self-censoring, somehow.
Sorry to say it like that, but when we “lands on Earth”, and that around two years (or before) We observe that “around, it's a bit nonsense”, and that it is often “hostile”, it generates a kind of “blocking”, and it's quite logical.
For my part, I got over these blocks a long time ago (thanks to all my experiments), and I no longer have this “self-censorship of emotions”, unless it really is “OBLIGATORY”, for example in dialogues with public authorities. At least, I do what I can not to show my anger too much and otherwise respect the system (that I call “the Hydra”), at least the people who work for him.
But if for example I am sad or if I see horrible things, I can cry. I can put myself in people's shoes, especially for situations that I have experienced (children who suffer, people deprived of liberty : it always upsets me).
I don't even understand that “normal people” can remain cold towards certain things. When something is unbearable and awful, we should have the right to scream and cry. People have become unfeeling robots, jaded by everything except the superficial illusion, they lie to themselves. No one has the right to stop me from crying, even in public.
Finally, regarding the question of “understanding the emotions of others”, it is very difficult since, precisely, people tend to hide them, or to simulate others.
I can obviously identify other people's emotions, it's just a matter of learning (It's not difficult), but I can't always discern what is hidden or simulated. I still get manipulated, and precisely to do that people use a lot “the emotions”, hence a need for “prudence” in the matter.
I can obviously identify other people's emotions, it's just a matter of learning (It's not difficult), but I can't always discern what is hidden or simulated. I still get manipulated, and precisely to do that people use a lot “the emotions”, hence a need for “prudence” in the matter.
ASFE : Are there certain situations in which you have more difficulty adapting to ?
Oui, when I'm really angry or tired, I have infinitely less “flexibility”, and sometimes it can be “climbing”.
This is the case for everyone, but as an autistic I can get irritated then angry more easily and quickly, due to the very large “sensitivity to harm to harmony”, and also due to the lower propensity to “to pretend” (that is to say “manipulate and coerce my own emotions”).
(I could explain a lot about what I see as a “irritation scale” (autistic / non-autistic), this allows me to understand important mechanisms in “misunderstandings and troubles” (in the family and elsewhere), it is really essential to understand all of this, but there is no room here.)
This is the case for everyone, but as an autistic I can get irritated then angry more easily and quickly, due to the very large “sensitivity to harm to harmony”, and also due to the lower propensity to “to pretend” (that is to say “manipulate and coerce my own emotions”).
(I could explain a lot about what I see as a “irritation scale” (autistic / non-autistic), this allows me to understand important mechanisms in “misunderstandings and troubles” (in the family and elsewhere), it is really essential to understand all of this, but there is no room here.)
ASFE : Could you tell us about your professional life? ? Your difference has- Does it help you flourish, and to insert yourself into an environment that truly suits you ? Or on the contrary, East-what you felt discriminated against, misunderstood, put in difficulty ?
HE : Effectively, some “qualities of autism” have served me a lot and I even believe that without it I would never have been able to keep a job, because we would only have seen my “defaults” (that's to say – In summary – an unsociable character, at the time, or even eccentricities that could make me see myself as “a little crazy but harmless”).
I have had various jobs, quite chaotically, but the only ones that worked pretty well were the ones where I could work alone (or, “at worst”, together, but on condition of being “compatible”).
To name the two main jobs, I worked in a design office as a technical designer, and we appreciated my work which was very careful and “detailer”. What's more, I didn't mind staying up late at night to finish a job, and I didn't waste time in discussions “extra-professional” with the rest of the staff.
(Which is generally “frowned upon”, when in fact they are the ones improperly using the time for which they are paid : here is an example of “Non-Autistic Disorders” which I spoke about above, and the fact that what is seen as a “trouble” maybe rather a quality, because it's all about “repository” : be the “social reference” (the “sick social system”, denatured, artificial), be the “natural reference frame” (harmony, consistency, accuracy, truth…) in which “autism” blends in completely.)
(Which is generally “frowned upon”, when in fact they are the ones improperly using the time for which they are paid : here is an example of “Non-Autistic Disorders” which I spoke about above, and the fact that what is seen as a “trouble” maybe rather a quality, because it's all about “repository” : be the “social reference” (the “sick social system”, denatured, artificial), be the “natural reference frame” (harmony, consistency, accuracy, truth…) in which “autism” blends in completely.)
I also worked for a very long time as a disc jockey in nightclubs., but in a very special way (To not say “autistic”), and after long years of difficult learning and “galleys”, I ended up “really figure out how to do it”.
This work of D.J. was really beneficial for me, because it allowed me to develop a “relationship with others”, learn to appreciate different types of people (according to musical genres, very varied), to really learn a lot about people and “social categories”.
The “communication through music” not based on language, there were no more misunderstandings, but only “raw emotion”, because on a dance floor, people don't cheat.
I absolutely had to be able to perceive their emotions in real time, pour m’adapter (continue or change style for example). I really had no choice, because if I made an error of appreciation of “the atmosphere” and people's expectations, the evening could very quickly turn into a risk of shipwreck.
This work allowed me to have confidence in myself, to see that people could like me, and even find it pleasant (whereas before I lived “in my bubble” and it didn't matter to me whether people liked me or not).
This obviously allowed me financial autonomy.
This work of D.J. was really beneficial for me, because it allowed me to develop a “relationship with others”, learn to appreciate different types of people (according to musical genres, very varied), to really learn a lot about people and “social categories”.
The “communication through music” not based on language, there were no more misunderstandings, but only “raw emotion”, because on a dance floor, people don't cheat.
I absolutely had to be able to perceive their emotions in real time, pour m’adapter (continue or change style for example). I really had no choice, because if I made an error of appreciation of “the atmosphere” and people's expectations, the evening could very quickly turn into a risk of shipwreck.
This work allowed me to have confidence in myself, to see that people could like me, and even find it pleasant (whereas before I lived “in my bubble” and it didn't matter to me whether people liked me or not).
This obviously allowed me financial autonomy.
And there is yet another advantage, maybe the biggest : this work gave me a sense of responsibility (when the success of an evening and the behavior and satisfaction of hundreds of people clearly depend only on what I do) but above all it taught me to be “concrete”, it’s about keeping your feet on the ground, without getting lost in theories.
Because in this work, if we make a mistake, the sanction is immediate, in 5 seconds the track starts to empty, and I watched this very carefully (my great sensitivity allowed me to “to take the temperature” permanently).
In this work, you really have to be adapted, in real time. There are very few jobs like that, where error does not forgive : public transport driver (including airplane pilot during delicate phases, surgeon during an operation…).
So all that taught me to be “adapted and realistic” (and quite sure of myself, that is to say to get rid of the problem of the “poor self-esteem” which ruins the existence of most autistic people who try “social streets”).
(I'm really lucky… But I was able to do all these things (and so many others after, more difficult) because I wasn't afraid of myself “throw into the water”, and I continued like that, I understood that it is essential.)
I could explain so many useful things, just on the subject of this work…
Because in this work, if we make a mistake, the sanction is immediate, in 5 seconds the track starts to empty, and I watched this very carefully (my great sensitivity allowed me to “to take the temperature” permanently).
In this work, you really have to be adapted, in real time. There are very few jobs like that, where error does not forgive : public transport driver (including airplane pilot during delicate phases, surgeon during an operation…).
So all that taught me to be “adapted and realistic” (and quite sure of myself, that is to say to get rid of the problem of the “poor self-esteem” which ruins the existence of most autistic people who try “social streets”).
(I'm really lucky… But I was able to do all these things (and so many others after, more difficult) because I wasn't afraid of myself “throw into the water”, and I continued like that, I understood that it is essential.)
I could explain so many useful things, just on the subject of this work…
My style was very varied and often amusing, or else “emotional”, I was responding to a need “normal people” who had a rather boring life and who needed “move into another dimension”, for an evening.
I had made my own adaptations so as not to be disturbed (it would take too long to explain, but it worked very well, because my employer was intelligent and understood the benefit of letting me do it).
Some of the rest of the staff didn't like me that much., but it was not a problem because, on the one hand they think clearly what they want, And on the other hand, Above all, my employer was “for my part”, rather than that of a “majority and its gossip”.
I had made my own adaptations so as not to be disturbed (it would take too long to explain, but it worked very well, because my employer was intelligent and understood the benefit of letting me do it).
Some of the rest of the staff didn't like me that much., but it was not a problem because, on the one hand they think clearly what they want, And on the other hand, Above all, my employer was “for my part”, rather than that of a “majority and its gossip”.
I would really like to be able to share my experience with other autistic people., but not just two or three (it would be good, but much too slow), I would like to do things on a large scale, and for that we must count on “authorities” (or otherwise on the support of a fairly powerful organization…).
And in France, “l’Administration” is very distant, chilly, easily “annoyed” or “offended”, without realizing the great benefits that there would be, for everyone, in a real dialogue.
And in France, “l’Administration” is very distant, chilly, easily “annoyed” or “offended”, without realizing the great benefits that there would be, for everyone, in a real dialogue.
Thank you for your interest.
Eric LUCAS
eric.lucas (@) autisticalliance.org
eric.lucas (@) autisticalliance.org
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