I’ve come across several articles lately that have focused on the reevaluation of Autism diagnosis. Calling it Autism Spectrum Disorder, health care providers have broken down the complex developmental disability that causes problems with social interaction and communication into three categories.  My focus here is not to delve into the mysteries of Autism, but to promote the idea of the Spectrum.

I believe we ALL fall across the Spectrum.

Are you really good at something for no particular reason or training? Are you really bad at something despite many an effort to improve? End to end, that’s your spectrum. A whole lot of hard work and enjoyment in the middle of your extremes keep your life in balance.

Do people of unqualified talent– singing, writing, dancing, athletics, etc. impress you, make you wonder how and why? High-end spectrum, baby, and I guarantee you have your gifts, as well.

Are you amazed (or irritated) by people who seem to skate by? Are adept at being adept? Accept them as they fall on their spectrum.

Do you deal daily with people who seem socially challenged (I’m being kind)? Maybe being an irritant is your co-worker’s low-end spectrum. Just because you don’t get to benefit from their counter-end of being an amazing baccarat player doesn’t mean their spectrum isn’t balanced.

Wouldn’t it be easier to deal with people if you believed that’s just how they were? Forget about expecting (or assuming) change. With the acceptance of the spectrum comes innate tolerance. Feel free to *sigh* as you say it, but go ahead and say it, “That’s just how (they) are, it’s (their) spectrum.” Then get on with your day.

I’m beginning to admire the spectrum… I believe it’s the tip to tip continuum that makes us unique. What I’m bad at is balanced by what I do well. I like that. What I do oddly is balanced by… what I do oddly.
Mary dislikes chocolate and fruit? (A waste of both chocolate and fruit!)
*shake of head* Yes, that’s her spectrum.
Is Mary talking to herself? Her spectrum.
In third person? My spectrum.

Try and apply this spectrum logic to your daily social encounters.
The guy in your personal space in the fast food line? His spectrum.
The friend that beats you at Words with Friends every time? Her spectrum.
Every person who impresses you or edges your nerves? Their spectrum.
Or yours.
Either way it’s totally acceptable. If you choose to accept it.

I like to have a picture with my blogs. I’m not sure what a Spectrum looks like, so enjoy these pretty flowers.