My father would often say I was the most independent thinking, the most kind and the most compassionate. But being on the autism spectrum and not knowing, meant I was alone with my thoughts twenty-four/seven so it's probably easy to see why.
Dealing with predictive and sequential thinking
But dealing with predictive and sequential thinking, means I have difficulties understanding. Even though I have an eye for detail in certain situations, there can sometimes be fragmented perception on the detail, which is why I use insight, my intuition.
Examples of predictive and sequential thinking
It is essential for me to use predictive thinking in a whole range of situations. For example, I may have concerns about how someone is going to react to something I've done, something I've said, or something I need to respond on. In those circumstances, it would be easy for me to overthink things, to fully predict an outcome, which may not always work out how I anticipate, or hope.
People without autism can be independent thinkers
But for those who don't have autism and who aren’t tied to predictive and sequential thinking, there is nothing to stop them from being able to think independently. We may all deal with conditioned thinking, but we need to have the courage to think logically for ourselves, instead of going with what others want.
Where human minds are trained and conditioned to think like others, the world looks and feels the same. But when it comes to morality and integrity, we should take our own lead in the way we think, unless you’re tied to a disability, or you deal with a mental disorder then predictive and sequential thinking, will always change the way you think and communicate. (Source: scottishautismorg)
As a child, independent thinking was highly discouraged in my world, so it's no wonder I have had such a hard time in my life, even now.
A prime example is the big truck sitting in my driveway that I thought I would be able to do something with, but my plans went awry so I am now stuck with a very expensive paperweight.
Now I struggle with making my own decisions; I was made to feel guilty about them as a child, to the point of driving me insane. It's no wonder that I end up overthinking everything, which makes me crazy.
I end up getting so frustrated that I make rush decisions that always come back to bite me. I should definitely know better by now. It's exhausting after a while just trying to make even the most simple decisions.
One of these days I will learn my lesson.
Thanks Randy. Yes, I get that. Decisions weren't my forte either. Like you, I've had to learn on the 'go.' I also wasn't taught.
But I wouldn't be where I am with my writing or my blog if it weren't for my independent thinking, so there are positives. I do think being able to think for ourselves positively, can and often does bring us to a place where we're comfortable.
I would suggest we stand back and think about our decisions a little more without overthinking things. It's the overthinking that panics us.
Ilana, I believe you were born an independent thinker, it's in your DNA, along with other natural attributes. Your family, friends and your readers I'm sure will attest to that, as it is so obvious.
Your success didn't come because you were disadvantaged, it came because you were hungry for the truth. You're one of few people who did something about it. I will always admire that in you, let's be real about this.
Thanks Tim. Yes, you're right. I always wanted to know what was wrong, although I could never have imagined what I have now on the back of a non-diagnosis.
It's not something I consciously thought about as a child. Once I was able to sought a diagnosis, I then became 'hungry' for the truth. As a child I couldn't equate my life in that way, I don't think you do. I wasn't in a position to change anything.
The trust a child has will always stay in place until things happen and then they start to question. My independent thinking has in effect brought me to this place and my success. I wasn't giving up and I deserved to have answers.
Although I had nothing mentally to work on as a child, but the fact that I could physically see my impairments, meant I was aware from the beginning. The success of my website and being a published author is attest to that.