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We’re in a world that knows what Autism is, most of us who have been deep in it for years or decades, such as myself, are wanting acceptance of what we love, who we are, our kids, friends, and people we know who are different, but not less. Professor Temple Grandin has been an inspiration to parents of kids with Autism for decades. She’s also one of the most intelligent people I’ve ever met, and proves that being a university professor is a great fit. People with Autism don’t need to be discovered, cured, fixed, or have more awareness – we need acceptance.

The Hidden Lives of Exceptional Minds: A Savant’s Perspective

Some of us walk through the world with minds wired in rare and specific ways. We aren’t always easy to understand. Our thoughts may move faster than our words, or fixate on ideas so intensely that we forget to eat, or sleep, or notice the look in your eyes. These are the lives of savants—not the Hollywood version, but real people with hyper-specialized talents. Sometimes we come with encyclopedic knowledge. Sometimes it’s an uncanny mastery of a task. Often, we live somewhere along the autism spectrum, where the wiring that gives us brilliance also builds barriers.

You probably know us. We’re the engineers who solve impossible problems, the researchers who stay in the lab long after the lights go out, the doctors and lawyers who seem brilliant but distant. We might be your family member who’s always a bit “off” at gatherings—brilliant, maybe even charming, but hard to reach. You may have noticed we don’t always blend in. But you let it go because we’re excellent at what we do. The truth is, we often pay a price for that excellence—one that others never see.

The world lets us be different in one place: at work. There, we’re respected, even revered. But at home, in friendships, in romance, in the quiet moments between the doing—many of us are lost. Not because we don’t care. Because we don’t know how.

You see us as quirky geniuses. What you don’t see is the loneliness. The endless second-guessing of what to say, how to say it, how to just be with other people. Some of us are painfully shy. Others might come off as cold or rude, but inside we’re screaming to connect—we just lack the map. We may not even know how to be our own version of “cool.” That word might make us laugh, but trust me, we want to feel that too. It’s human.

A lot of us have problematic relationships, and some never dated seriously due to being constantly misunderstood. Some live in carefully organized chaos, others in strict systems that give a sense of control. We obsess—about numbers, data, strategy, art, theory—anything but people. Not because we don’t care. But because human interaction can feel like trying to do math in a fog. We retreat into the comfort of mastery, of being the best at something. It becomes our safe space. Our armor.

People ask: “If they’re so gifted, why do they struggle with that?” The answer is: gifts don’t make life easier. They often make it harder. A mind that can remember entire textbooks might not understand a casual conversation. A person who leads an entire department might not know how to make small talk at the grocery store. And the higher we climb in our careers, the harder it is to admit we’re failing elsewhere.

Why? Because our identity becomes tangled in what we do. The job isn’t just a job. It’s who we are. The structure, the rules, the expectations—they make sense to us. Out here, in the real world, those rules blur. That’s terrifying. So we stay in our lane, even if that lane gets lonely.

But here’s the truth—many of us don’t want to be alone. We want relationships. We want joy. We want to laugh and be seen. We just don’t know how to cross the bridge. And the longer we wait, the harder it gets.

So what helps? First, honesty—with ourselves. Admitting that something’s not right. That we’re unhappy. That being a master of a domain doesn’t mean we have mastered life. Then, we need to want change. And that’s the hardest part—because change means discomfort. It means being a beginner again. Going from “top of the game” to fumbling through a class, or hobby, or conversation where we don’t feel in control.

For neurodiverse people like me, transitions are brutal. So when we try and fail, we might give up fast, but if the personality is like mine we’ll do the opposite and perseverate on an issue or problem until we figure it out, something broken is somehow fixed by a mind that most won’t accept, ironic wouldn’t you say?

The path forward is different for everyone on the Autism Spectrum, or Neurodiverse. Maybe it’s a support group – but for most adults they feel beyond that or can’t sit still long enough like me. Maybe it’s a creative outlet, as that is our specialty. Maybe it’s a conversation that doesn’t come easy, but then again none do because we’ll either talk too much, too fast, or have excitement in areas others don’t share the same.

But it starts with compassion—for ourselves and from others. If you’re neurotypical and love someone like us, be patient. Set boundaries if you must—but don’t forget empathy because the person that is neurodivergent has so much information to share with you – it’s untainted and it’s not filtered. If you are someone like me, know that you’re not broken. You just speak a different language. And you can learn others, in time.

Don’t rush. Don’t pretend. Just take one step toward the life you want. One day, you’ll find yourself smiling—not just because your work is exceptional, but because your life is fuller. And in that moment, you’ll realize—you were never alone.

This blog isn’t about a product, good, or service – it’s about how people can be kinder and accept those that are different. This is a simple and easy version of the feeling of lost love, when you knew you could have had that person you desired but you screwed up. With adults that are neurodivergent, or savants, you lose out when you decide they’re way of being isn’t suitable for you, when you lack acceptance you also lack knowledge.

People don’t accept what they’re afraid of, what they don’t understand, or what makes them uncomfortable. I know I make some people feel that way, either intimidated or overwhelmed. I’d love to apologize for that but I can’t, as that’s who I am and I won’t be ‘sorry’ for being myself.

Accept people that are different, don’t treat them less, or you’ll lose out in life as I’d guess 1/3rd of our population has become neurodiverse, normal is now weird. So, either accept us or you stay in a league of strangers who do circle around facts instead of pointing to them, we understand your need for a filter to get by.

Understand our need not to use one as we don’t know how. Accept one another, and love one another, it’s the easiest thing you can do in life. Lacking acceptance generally means an individual has failed to accept themselves, is uncomfortable with themselves, and has issues with Empathy. And, if that’s you? That’s okay – I accept you for who you are.

This following a reprint from the Autism Society of Minnesota on their Call To Action for Autism Acceptance Month:

April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to move beyond awareness and take meaningful action toward inclusion and support for autistic individuals.

From Awareness to Acceptance

In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly established April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, which was initially focused on finding a cure. That first Autism Awareness Day then morphed into a full month, with community members spending April focused on awareness. Over the years, many autistic advocates called on the community to go a step further and move from awareness to acceptance. As Governor Tim Walz stated in a previous Autism Acceptance Month proclamation, “Because disability rights are human rights that should always move forward, autism awareness was a step toward autism acceptance that can grow further into autism appreciation.” This April, the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) is taking it a step further. We’re moving from acceptance to action.

For too long, autism conversations have been led by those outside the autistic community. But autistic individuals are the true experts on autism, and their voices must lead discussions and decisions that impact their lives. What AuSM hears from the autism community over and over is that they need communities which accept and support them through meaningful actions, not just words.

Autism acceptance isn’t just an idea—it’s a choice to act. With one in 34 Minnesotans being autistic, acceptance means ensuring that workplaces, schools, and public spaces are truly inclusive. It means advocating for policies that provide equitable access to services and support. It means amplifying autistic voices and experiences. This April, AuSM invites everyone to turn intention into action.

How Can You Take Action?

AuSM invites the community to take part in Autism Acceptance Month through tangible actions that promote inclusion and support. Here are a few ways to participate:

✅ Listen to and amplify autistic voices – Read and share books, articles, and media created by autistic individuals.

✅ Create inclusive spaces – Implement sensory-friendly accommodations in workplaces, schools, and public spaces.

✅ Advocate for policy change – Contact legislators to support disability rights and autism services.

✅ Educate yourself and others – Attend an AuSM training, host a discussion, or follow neurodiversity advocates.

✅ Support the autism community – Donate, fundraise, or partner with AuSM to expand essential resources.

Become an Autism Acceptance Month Partner

Organizations looking to make a difference can sign up to become official Autism Acceptance Month partners. Participation is simple—any level of involvement counts. Here are some ways to contribute:

• Share an AuSM Autism Acceptance Graphic – Display it on social media, your website, or in email signatures.
• Fundraise for AuSM – Host a special event or encourage donations to support Minnesota’s autism community.
• Offer a Special Product or Service – Dedicate proceeds from a giveaway, menu item, or sale event to AuSM.
• Round Up for Autism – Allow customers to round up purchases to support autism initiatives.
• Commit to Accessibility – Implement inclusive hiring practices and workplace accommodations.
• Host an Educational Event – Invite autistic speakers, hold discussions, or launch an awareness campaign.

From Commitment to Change

Autism acceptance is only the beginning—real progress happens when acceptance turns into action. Autistic individuals deserve more than passive support; they deserve policies, workplaces, schools, and communities that actively uplift and include them.

“The time for awareness has passed, and even acceptance alone is not enough,” said AuSM’s Executive Director, Ellie Wilson. “Real change happens when we commit to action—by amplifying autistic voices, advocating for systemic change, and ensuring accessibility in every space.”

Autism Acceptance Month is not just about recognizing autism—it’s about creating a society that actively supports and includes autistic individuals. This April, let’s move beyond words and take action together. 

 

Stay tuned for some special offers we’ll have in April, and in the meantime make sure you’re practicing Autism Acceptance everywhere you go. For me this means I accept everyone for their flaws, their imperfections become perfect to me and only the perfect person is odd and doesn’t fit my world. What a flip of the script, the new normal is no longer being normal!

April – it’s known for Autism Awareness Month but in our ASD Home we Celebrate Acceptance 365 days a year!