Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Where do blindisms end and symptoms of Autism and ADHD begin? (self.Blind)
submitted by TheBlindBookLover
Let me begin by saying that I am not asking for a diagnosis or medical advice. I have struggled with challenges associated with the inattentive type of ADHD and social challenges. I sometimes feel like there is this social rule book that everyone understands except me. What is the line between blindisms vs ADhD and Autism? Any personal anecdotes are welcome.
CloudyBeep 5 points 2y ago
I dispute your definition of blindisms. I think of blindisms as repetitive and unnecessary behaviors like rocking, jumping, head-shaking, eye-poking and spinning. Autistic people engage in stimming because it helps to calm them, and they feel unsettled if told to stop. Blind people generally feel no ill will towards people who tell them to stop, but will recommence the behavior shortly thereafter simply because it is a habit.
coarsing_batch 2 points 2y ago
This is the correct answer.
TK_Sleepytime 3 points 2y ago
Hi. I'm legally blind and autistic. This was a huge question for me and I didn't get diagnosed as autistic until I was 40. While there can be overlap between blindisms and autism, they definitely are not the same. I think if you're seriously wondering if you're autistic, it's best to be assessed. Diagnosis is totally worth it in my opinion. I've learned and accepted so much about myself in the past year.
coarsing_batch 1 points 2y ago
So many people think diagnosis is worth it. I am guessing those people have never had to move countries for someone they love. My husband did, but because of his autism diagnosis, he was basically told he could not work in the vulnerable sector unless he got a huge medical exam, and a bunch of letters proving that despite his autism, he is actually a functioning human being. I am glad to hear that your diagnosis has helped you, but please be aware that it is a double edge sword, and if you ever want to move abroad to work, it will entirely screw you over most likely.
TK_Sleepytime 1 points 2y ago
I'm well aware that it can be. Here in the US it can make you ineligible to receive an organ transplant which is something I will need. The diagnosis was still worth it for me.
coarsing_batch 1 points 2y ago
Are you serious? Why would that make your organs unusable? That’s some rank bullshit right there. Wow.
TK_Sleepytime 2 points 2y ago
If you are autistic they will still let you donate your organs when you die - but you can be denied the opportunity to receive a lifesaving organ transplant because you are autistic. Fucked up. This is made possible by the very wrong and outdated assumptions that autistic people have a poor quality of life, cannot manage medications, and cannot handle the sensory issues associated with surgery and recovery. The decision to deny a transplant for an autistic individual can be made by their doctor, their state, the organ database, and/or their insurance company.
blindbat84 1 points 2y ago
Wait, why would this make someone ineligible for an organ transplant? Where is your source for this?
TK_Sleepytime 1 points 2y ago
I'm a health policy analyst. It's true for 48 states (possibly 47 if PA passed their legislation). https://autisticadvocacy.org/policy/toolkits/organs/
UpsideDownwardSpiral 2 points 2y ago
What is Blindism?
TheBlindBookLover [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Blindisms are certain behaviors that are a result of the lack of vision. For example, some blind people either talk too quietly or too loud because they are unable to see the body language of those around them. Further, some blind people may fixate on certain visual stimuli such as lights and objects that reflect light if they only have light perception.
UpsideDownwardSpiral 1 points 2y ago
Ahh, Thanks for explaining.
BenandGracie 1 points 2y ago
I would like to point out that I am totally blind and I am not autistic. I don't think the two are linked in every person.
noaimpara 1 points 2y ago
TIL what blindism is and I totally identify. That’s not of any help for your question, but I did learn a new term that fits certains of my behaviour and I appreciate that. Thank you!
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