What the autistic type should strengthen
This is not a list of flaws — the strengths of the type are already there. What follows is what it usually lacks, and what can be built up with practice.
In short: trust in yourself and in others · bodily perception as an anchor · letting go and relaxing · naming and defending your boundaries · saying “no” · shedding hyper-responsibility · expressing yourself, being visible
Trust in yourself and in others. The first task of all: trust is the basis of any interaction with the world, and you have to start with trust in yourself. Without it the other steps will not hold.
Bodily perception as an anchor. Learning to rely on the sensations of the body: it is they that help you understand your own needs and feel where the boundary runs. This inner understanding is what becomes the foundation of all further growth.
Letting go and relaxing. Allowing yourself to be as you are, without fear of judgement or of being misunderstood. Once the tension and the fears are released, there is room for new experiencing and for sincerity.
Naming and defending your boundaries. Being aware of your own territory and being able to do three things in a row: mark the boundary, put it into words, defend it. This also covers standing up for your interests in concrete situations rather than in general.
Saying “no”. A straight refusal is a skill that makes a person more confident and better protected in a world of social conventions. Without it the boundary stays a declaration.
Shedding hyper-responsibility. The autistic type often takes on responsibility for everything going on around him, and it wears him out. Giving up unnecessary obligations frees up room for his own tasks and his real needs.
Expressing yourself, being visible. Marking your presence in the world without being shy of being noticed: becoming aware of your emotions and openly sharing your feelings and thoughts. It works both ways — it deepens your bonds with people and moves your own development forward.
