I had a stepson and I have a grandson, both of whom are 'autistic'.
[ My wife 'gave me' the poem's title. She's often quite unrealistic. ]
DO I have 'severe deficits in social interaction and communication'?
You who 'know me', answer THAT........... to your OWN satisfaction!
I may at times be a bit 'guilty-as-charged' with 'intense self-absorption',
BUT I truly think my wife's view is biased, resulting in a DISTORTION.
As for suggesting that a devoted & sacrificing husband may be 'foolish',
I feel she's annoyed. I don't always say 'Yes, Dear', & I AM a bit 'mulish'! !
(April 14th & 15th, 2023)
*** autism:
ô′tĭz″əm
noun
1 - A pervasive developmental disorder characterized by severe deficits in social interaction and communication, by an extremely limited range of activities and interests, and often by the presence of repetitive, stereotyped behaviors.
2 - a mental disorder characterized by inability to engage in normal social interactions and intense self-absorption, and usually accompanied by other symptoms such as language dysfunctions and repetitive behavior.
3 - behavior showing an abnormal level of absorption with one's own thoughts and disregard for external realities.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Plus: 'mulish' in this poem, means 'stubborn'
Symptoms vary, and some autistics are considered to be 'higher-functioning' than others. Some AUTISTICS have incredible skills e.g. the ability to use their brains (no computers or paper) to remember huge amounts of information)
(cont,) ...NOT all autistics are savants AND not all savants are autistic. [and I, thankfully, am NOT autistic, though my wife DOES call me that! }
see: 'SAVANT'. 'Savant syndrome: is a rare condition in which someone with significant mental disabilities demonstrates certain abilities far in excess of average...(cont.)
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
I THINK AUTISTICS (people with autism) are all born with it, and are all now said to be members of 'The Autistic Spectrum'.