AUTISTIC NICK’S TEN MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)

Each and every week this I post a blog post; it’s usually followed by my readers asking me questions about my Autistic life and what that entails.

So, this week I thought I’d search through all the recent questions that I’ve been asked and answer them.

So, here are my top ten most frequently asked questions;

QUESTION ONE

From Tom Banks in Ohio

How do you cope with going to the supermarket?

ANSWER

Tom, for me it’s a heightened experience. I’m nervous and scared at the same time. I am prepared with my list and my shopping bags and pen and my Aldi trolley coin! I have a routine in place that I adhere to which is that I park with the boot of my car facing the wall, so that when I come out of the supermarket I wheel my trolley up to the boot and can unload it without having to walk around to the front of the car. It can feel and look something like this.

Warning: this film contains flashing lights, bright colours and loud, sudden noises

QUESTION TWO

From Dean from Sydney

Are you single? And if so, do you want a relationship?

ANSWER

Hi Dean, thanks for your question. Yes, I am currently single. I am looking for a relationship. I just haven’t been on any successful dates or found anyone that I have connected with, also for me I wouldn’t know how to bridge the subject of being Autistic and I think I’m fearful of their reaction from me telling them. I guess if I find a man who I connect with and when I feel ready, I will broach the subject with him and hopefully it won’t be an issue.

QUESTION THREE

Frankie from Ireland

Do you have a job?

ANSWER

Hi Frankie, no I currently do not work. I am seeking employment, but currently with COVID-19 being about it’s not looking to promising.

I do however hope to find employment in the future once we are all COVID-19 clear. Currently I am a full-time blogger.

Although I have written some articles for the ABC https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-27/the-challenge-of-employment-for-people-with-autism/11337682 and here https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-21/netflix-atypical-rain-man-fail-to-tell-real-stories-of-autism/11867308?pfmredir=sm I am hoping to write a third article for them once COVID-19 is over.

And I also run my Autistic Nick Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AutisticNickAU/.

QUESTION FOUR

Dan from the NT

ANSWER

How did you cope in lockdown/self-isolation?

Hi Dan, well not great. My anxiety, stress levels, my mental health all took a battering at the very beginning of this uncertain time in our lives.

I wrote about that experience here https://autisticnick.com/2020/03/30/how-autistic-nick-is-managing-his-autism-stress-anxiety-around-the-coronavirus/

Currently I am able to manage all of my thoughts and feelings around COVID-19.

I had to re-work some strategies and now when I go to the supermarket, I take my mum with my, as a support.

I find it’s best to take each day at a time and as long as I’m prepared for going to the supermarket then I know I’ll be ok.

QUESTION FIVE

Angela from London

You’ve been very critical about the Australian government’s COVID-19 messaging and in particular how you felt that it had failed in its address to the Autism community why was that?

ANSWER

Hi Angela, thanks for your question. I would say that I have been fairly critical about this as someone with Autism I felt it had failed in its terms of its delivery and it’s messaging.

I felt that I didn’t have a clear understanding of what was in place and that I was left confused and it was unclear on what was expected of us during this time.

I wrote several pieces here https://autisticnick.com/2020/05/04/how-the-government-has-failed-in-its-covid-19-messaging-to-the-autism-community/ and here https://autisticnick.com/2020/04/27/how-the-government-have-failed-in-its-covid-19-response-to-the-autism-community/.

QUESTION SIX

Lulu from Mexico

ANSWER

How have you kept in touch with friends during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Hi Lulu, well I’ve mainly stayed in contact via text messages and zoom calls. I let friends know that I wouldn’t be taking any phone calls as my preferred method is texting as I find it easier and I don’t get stressed when having to have a conversation on the mobile. I feel more relaxed when it’s a text message or a zoom call.

QUESTION SEVEN

Ryan from New Orleans

Where do you write your blog posts?

ANSWER

Hi Ryan, I usually write them at my desk in my bedroom. It’s quiet and I can think and concentrate in there away from any unnecessary noise or distraction that I may encounter in other parts of my home.

 

QUESTION EIGHT

Darla from Utah

Have you reached out to someone to read what you’ve written for comment or clarity?

ANSWER

Hi Dara, yes, I have. If I’m unsure or uncertain about what I’ve written, I’ll either message my friend and fellow blogger Janine and seek her advice.

Or I’ll print it out and seek comment from my sister another disability blogger.

QUESTION NINE

Alex from Dublin

Where can I find any links that you post within your blog posts?

ANSWER

Hi Alex, you can find any resources here https://autisticnick.com/resources-2/ which is constantly updated

QUESTION TEN

Luke from Los Angeles

Where can I contact you if I wanted to interview you or work with you?

ANSWER

Hi Luke, for all enquiries please email me at autisticnick9@gmail.com

Thanks for everyone’s questions.

Carry On The Conversation

As always, I can also be found on Twitter:@AutisticNickAU and on the Autistic Nick Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/AutisticNickAU/