Hello all,
I’m new to this forum and from Canada. My profile lists my age as 45, though I am actually 40. I joined out of curiosity—to engage in online debate, discussion, and learning, as well as to use this as a social outlet.
I want to share a bit about myself. I try to make the best of my situation, though I do face challenges—mainly isolation. I receive disability benefits due to an autism diagnosis I received in my early 30s. I share this as a factual part of my situation; it is not something to debate, and I hope it is understood as context rather than judgment. I do view my diagnosis as a subjective medical opinion and view myself as having higher functioning autism.
I am aware that some perspectives, including certain Christian views, may frown upon using social assistance. For context, I was a contributing member of the economy for nearly 20 years before needing support. I also have intellectual property—original music, a TV script—and other talents that simply aren’t utilized today because I receive disability benefits. This is not a choice or a fault of mine; it reflects my neurology and circumstances, which are beyond my control. I hope this is understood rather than judged.
Despite challenges, I have held many positions in my lifetime, including being a professional musician for approximately 10 years. One of my primary goals is to find more meaning, to improve my income, and to become healthier socially by forming meaningful connections.
Currently, I am involved in a discrimination dispute with an employer. I was rejected from an interview after sharing my autism diagnosis. While the case is moving toward conciliation and I am confident in my legal position, the dispute has resulted in a loss of income and thre social benefits associated with employment for over a year. I try to focus on what I can control and remain optimistic about the outcome. The fact it has dragged on for over a year and may be even a few more years before any outcome is realized is something which bothers me. While it is an unfair situation, I am sure I will achieve a favourable outcome. The only issue is it will take a long time. I won't get justice today, and maybe not even within a year.
I have many interests: human rights issues, physical fitness (I used to run competitively as an amateur with moderate success), creative arts (I have composed original music), and learning about the stock market. I am curious and enjoy learning about a wide range of topics.
I do not view myself as a Christian, though I see value in learning about different faiths. For me, meaning comes from lived experiences and meaningful social connections. Like many people with autism, I experience isolation and unemployment. The vast majority of people with autism are unemployed, unfortunately and this is supported by statistics.
In summary, I am grateful for what I have, aware of my challenges, and focused on thriving. I hope to meet new, well-intentioned people and form meaningful relationships.
I’m new to this forum and from Canada. My profile lists my age as 45, though I am actually 40. I joined out of curiosity—to engage in online debate, discussion, and learning, as well as to use this as a social outlet.
I want to share a bit about myself. I try to make the best of my situation, though I do face challenges—mainly isolation. I receive disability benefits due to an autism diagnosis I received in my early 30s. I share this as a factual part of my situation; it is not something to debate, and I hope it is understood as context rather than judgment. I do view my diagnosis as a subjective medical opinion and view myself as having higher functioning autism.
I am aware that some perspectives, including certain Christian views, may frown upon using social assistance. For context, I was a contributing member of the economy for nearly 20 years before needing support. I also have intellectual property—original music, a TV script—and other talents that simply aren’t utilized today because I receive disability benefits. This is not a choice or a fault of mine; it reflects my neurology and circumstances, which are beyond my control. I hope this is understood rather than judged.
Despite challenges, I have held many positions in my lifetime, including being a professional musician for approximately 10 years. One of my primary goals is to find more meaning, to improve my income, and to become healthier socially by forming meaningful connections.
Currently, I am involved in a discrimination dispute with an employer. I was rejected from an interview after sharing my autism diagnosis. While the case is moving toward conciliation and I am confident in my legal position, the dispute has resulted in a loss of income and thre social benefits associated with employment for over a year. I try to focus on what I can control and remain optimistic about the outcome. The fact it has dragged on for over a year and may be even a few more years before any outcome is realized is something which bothers me. While it is an unfair situation, I am sure I will achieve a favourable outcome. The only issue is it will take a long time. I won't get justice today, and maybe not even within a year.
I have many interests: human rights issues, physical fitness (I used to run competitively as an amateur with moderate success), creative arts (I have composed original music), and learning about the stock market. I am curious and enjoy learning about a wide range of topics.
I do not view myself as a Christian, though I see value in learning about different faiths. For me, meaning comes from lived experiences and meaningful social connections. Like many people with autism, I experience isolation and unemployment. The vast majority of people with autism are unemployed, unfortunately and this is supported by statistics.
In summary, I am grateful for what I have, aware of my challenges, and focused on thriving. I hope to meet new, well-intentioned people and form meaningful relationships.
