Embracing Change in Our Political Beliefs: A Journey Through Autism

As an autistic adult, my journey with political beliefs has been a tapestry of unique experiences and evolving perspectives. Autism has offered me a distinctive lens through which I view the world, shaping my political thoughts in profound ways.

Personal Experiences and Political Evolution

I recall, in my younger years, being drawn to policies and politicians that promised structure and predictability – concepts that were comforting in a world often overwhelming in its chaos. As I matured, however, my experiences broadened my understanding. Volunteering at a local charity, for example, exposed me to the complexities of social issues, nudging my beliefs towards more compassionate, inclusive policies.

Navigating and Embracing Change

Navigating this change wasn’t always easy, but I found strength in certain strategies:

  1. Stay Informed, But Be Selective: In a world brimming with information, I learned to consume news from sources that were not only reliable but also diverse in their perspectives. This broadened my understanding without overwhelming me.
  2. Reflect Regularly: I set aside time for reflection, considering how new information aligned with my core values. This was crucial in balancing change with consistency.
  3. Seek Diverse Conversations: Engaging with people from different backgrounds expanded my viewpoints and fostered empathy, enriching my political beliefs.

Autism: A Unique Perspective

Autism has uniquely influenced my political beliefs. My heightened sensitivity to sensory inputs and a deep sense of justice often amplified my reactions to political policies affecting environmental and social issues. The directness and honesty, often associated with autism, propelled me towards politicians who were transparent and consistent.

Moreover, understanding the challenges of living with autism in a predominantly neurotypical world has instilled in me a strong advocacy for inclusive policies. It has made me more aware of the nuances in education, healthcare, and employment policies, particularly those impacting individuals with neurological differences.

A Comprehensive Understanding

This journey has taught me that political beliefs are not static; they are dynamic and reflective of our ongoing experiences and evolving understanding of the world. For those of us with autism, our unique way of processing information and experiencing life adds rich layers to this evolution.

In conclusion, embracing change in our political beliefs, guided by our core values and unique perspectives, is a testament to our growth as individuals. It’s about finding a balance between being open to new ideas and staying true to what fundamentally defines us. This balance is the key to developing a comprehensive, empathetic, and inclusive political viewpoint.

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Published by Sam

NL: Ik ben Sam, ervaringswerker autisme / autismeambassadeur Sterkmakers in Autisme, en ben onder andere actief bij de Vlaamse Vereniging Autisme en GRIP vzw. Ik ben samen met Roos. Daarnaast ben ik gek op schrijven, lezen, observatie, filosoferen, parafraseren, reageren, visualiseren enzo verder. EN: I am Sam, known as Sam Peeters, known as 'Tistje', and I have been writing about autism in a broad sense since 2008. I am an adult man with autism and above-average intelligence. I have various limitations and disabilities. I live with my partner Roos, who is also intelligent and has autism. I work as an experience worker, for example at the Flemish parent and family association, for GRIPvzw, a civil rights organization advocating for equal rights for people with and without disabilities and have several others collaborations. I have experience in several kinds of support, contexts and both regular and higher education, where I have earned three bachelor's degrees. I have worked in different types of labor and various forms of support, aid, and care. I am also active on social media platforms like Facebook, X/Twitter, Tumblr, and Pinterest under the name 'Tistje'.