One of the more peculiar and more frustrating aspects of autism,
at least for me, is my lack of concentration. Often I would zone out and
daydream about various different things. It can be argued that's what people do
anyway but in my case, I think there is a reason.
I often find that when I'm not doing
anything in situations such as walking, lectures etc. my mind sort of wonders
and I don't even realise it until a few minutes later. This was much worse when
I was younger where the times in which I fazed out of reality were much longer
even to the points where I missed entire lectures. Where I zoned out to be
different as well as it was an actual place called 'La-La Land.' Now it's
different as I imagine myself as Doctor Who fighting monsters old and
new.
As I implied, it's improving as I am more
aware of my daydreaming but this still causes problems. During lectures where I
don't do anything but listen I struggle to pay attention and at times, I miss
key details. This may also affect my future as because of this, I won't be able
to drive as I may get distracted and drive into a wall or something. There are
times where I can zone out, particularly when I'm on my own during my free time
and when I want to be on my own. Even when I am taking a stroll, zoning out
makes it more peaceful (though I have to pay attention when crossing the road).
A weird side effect of this is talking to
myself. Often when I am alone I am free to speak my mind as the things in my
head seem begging to go out. I often talk quietly to myself though there were
times, to my embarrassment, where other people heard me. I know other people do
this but more loudly and whilst that can be annoying, I can't blame them since
I do the same.
So what are the causes of this? As I said,
as I am inactive, my brain just sort of goes into screensaver a bit like a
computer when that is inactive as it plays flashy images in my mind. Also there
are triggers. When someone says something film related for example (particularly
in film studies), my mind daydreams about me in the film industry as that is
where I want to work when I am older. Doctor Who, my #1 obsession, is also a
primary daydream so any mention of that may set me off as well. Honestly, it's
like my brain is trying to make excuses to daydream as it seems to love fantasy
more than reality.
And now a new section I would like to
call:
How can you help people like me? - I would suggest teaching people to
become self-aware of this so that they would daydream less. Also if they do
daydream in an important situation (e.g. a lesson), and you'll know this
because they'll stare blankly into space, get them back to reality by saying
their name. I usually react to my name so that certainly helps. If they're
alone daydreaming or if they're daydreaming in a situation that doesn't require
them to concentrate, let them. Also the things we daydream can be quite
imaginative so encourage them to write it down (provided it's appropriate of
course).
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