Insight for Others

I met a Police Officer last week whose son had autism. I made contact with her via a autism newsletter when a discussion developed about the police dealing with people on the spectrum. Most people who contributed were negative about, and ill disposed to, the police.

I dropped her a line as I have had a couple of incidents with the police in my life relating to traffic. One was an unplesant experience and, rather than criticising people who do an important and difficult job, I thoyght I'd try and provide some insight from an AS perspective which - hopefully - they would find useful.

It was very interesting. I was struck by how approachable the police woman was and how keen she was to learn more about AS and to try and assimilate my point-of-view. I have to say, I found it very encouraging and really quite warming.

I thought afterwards how many other NT groups could benefit from mutual dialogue. They are not obliged to help so to speak and I feel the AS community has a duty also to play its part.

It was another example of a mantra that I firmly believe in: "if you want to change others, you have to change yourself first!"