Episode Highlights with Vincent Martinez

 

• Definition of terms:  “NT” = neurotypical, “Aspie” = someone who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s

• Vincent shares how his senses are extremely heightened, and he is able to hear, smell, and see things that NT’s are unable to.

• Aspie’s are deeply creative and contribute much to the world, especially in the realm of technology and advancement

• Eye contact can make Aspie’s very anxious.  Avoiding eye contact enables an Aspie to listen deeper, and connect better with others.

• Aspie’s create their own “programs” and “tricks” to cope in a world that is created for another type of human.

• “CAR” = Canned Aspie Response, when an Aspie will choose canned answers that will satisfy the social expectation of a response to a superficial question that NT’s might normally use as a launching point for connection.

• “Cassandra Syndrome” - describes when a neurotypical partner is with a neurodiverse partner on the spectrum.  The relationship challenges are very real and difficult.