Q&A with Noah Murphy discussion

As my introduction stated, I am high-functioning autistic, also know as Aspergers.

I have the real kind, not the self-diagnosed kind. The self-diagnosed people tend to be purposely anti-social and dwell in their parent's basements willingly. Most Adults with actual Aspergers, like myself and others I know, would do anything for a normal life; spouse, kids, a steady job, mortgage, friends ect.

While some people say it shouldn't define me and I don't want it to, it defines my life, and if you know me long enough, you'll know something's up. This is why I'm writing this post, so people don't sit there going, "is this guy crazy?" Because it has happened on the internet a lot, and even more in real life.

How does Asperger's affect me?
-I am disorganized and messy. I have little attention to detail visually, especially when it comes to written work. It's hard to find typos the first time through, so bear with me. They will get fixed, just give me time to find them. For published work, I used Kindle text to speech as well as an editor to get out most of the typos.

-My use of language can be odd, especially vocally. This doesn't manifest itself written so much, other than a reliance on certain phrases, which I edit out when I notice myself using them.

-I have a very narrow focus, when I write, the outside world disappears and interrupting me causes me a headache(literally). When too many things are coming at me once and I'm overwhelmed, I can shut down, start yelling, or twitching. People with Aspergers get the autism fits just like lower function people with it do.

-Aspergers is a spectrum, not everyone is the same. The myth is most people with aspergers cannot read other people at all. Some are like that, my only real girlfriend also has apergers and couldn't read others all.
I can read other people and anticipate their behavior, which is why I can write such good characters. However, I often times don't know what the do with information I've been given and therefore don't know how to act in person "correctly". If I have odd reactions to certain posts, that's why. I may intellectually know what to do, but actually acting on it may not be as easy.

-Coupled with the last post, I'm also a terrible lair and can be brutally honest, even to my detriment.

-I can be overly defensive and paranoid when criticism is delivered to me, as a lot of aspergers sufferers are. Part of this is Aspergers and part of this is the fact we generally get treated like garbage by a general population that doesn't understand us. However, I will take criticism fine, as long as you explain exactly why you feel the way you do, that way, I can analyze and understand, instead of sitting there wondering why.

-But on the good side, Autism has unhinged my mind, allowing me to take creative risks, like writing a book with five foot tall parrot villains. Most of my ideas tend to be on the stupid side, especially with K23 Detectives, but actually work once written down.

-I can also visualize things in detail that don't exist. For me, I can see New Delta and the characters within as if I were standing there. I'll also try to think like others, be others, to understand them, as I can put myself in a different mind-set depending on the character.

-I'm self aware, most of the time. I know my faults and if they're pointed out to me, I'll generally agree with you, though my ability to fix them is completely different story. In addition, I know my cultural and innate biases and try to overcome them. I'm accepting of everyone and you can do and believe whatever you want as long as you don't bother me.

-I am a very good analyst with a sharp philosophical mind, read the August 5th blog post (in profile) for proof.

-Animals love me, I mean LOVE me, and I love them, which makes me a great pet sitter. My methods may not always be the most socially acceptable, I bark at dogs, for example, but it works.

So how does this affect you?

If I seem odd, let it slide. I don't like being odd and annoying to people, but that's just how it is with me and others with High-Functioning Autism. I'm a nice guy, really and just wish we could all get along and be happy.

I also think you'll be shocked just how good a writer a guy with autism can be. After awhile, you may be so engrossed, the fact that I have it won't matter. I'm writing this post to explain my social behavior, firstly. My writing speaks for itself.

At some point, I may write an autobiography, but that's far, far into the future.

I think it's great that you're sharing this on here. Fighting some of the negative stereotypes people hold about autism and aspergers.

Thank you very much!

I can read other people and anticipate their behavior, which is why I can write such good characters.

I'm the same way. No clue what to do with the info except put it in a book. LOL

Thank you for explaining in detail exactly how you function. I appreciate that very much and wish you the best.

Hi Noah. Thank you for inviting me. My 14-year-old grandson also has been diagnosed as Aspergers, so I have some inkling of what you go through. He's really into history right now, but also loves language and is an excellent line editor. I am an author, so probably will be using some of your other threads, too.

My boy's just like you.

He writes comic books.

Thanks for sharing so much of yourself. Excellent job! Best of luck in all of your endeavours.

My little brother is 9 and has PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified) on the Autism Spectrum. My momma used your post to help me understand what autism is and how alike and different people can be. Thank you for your post.

Hey, Noah. I'm a teacher, and have been for many years. During my tenure, I've been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with a lot of students on the spectrum, and with their families. I applaud your willingness to share with us your own unique experiences and outlook. Thanks!
Barb

Thank you for sharing this with us, can't wait to read your work.

So glad you shared this about yourself! I look forward to reading more of your writings.
Great luck to you and all you do!