Thursday, July 05, 2007
Being told what to do
Dear Darren,
We are both disappointed that you weren’t able to find a summer job this summer. And since you’re not allowed to just sit around while everyone else works, I’m having you work for me like you did last summer.
And you are doing a much, much better job than last year. In particular, we are getting along much better than last year. It seems to me like you are much less defensive and argumentative.
When I asked you why you think we’re doing better than last year, you said you think it’s because you are telling yourself to do the work rather than waiting for me to tell you.
This makes a lot of sense. No one likes being told what to do. People with Asperger Syndrome can be quite independent and often really don’t like being told what to do. You don’t like being told what to do. Yet obviously you can’t just goof around your whole life and not listen to authority.
So you’ve discovered a very important key. Figure out what those in authority want you to do, and then tell yourself to do it before they do, so you don’t have to be told as often.
I love the fact that you’re working without being told, and you seem to like it better too!
Mom
We are both disappointed that you weren’t able to find a summer job this summer. And since you’re not allowed to just sit around while everyone else works, I’m having you work for me like you did last summer.
And you are doing a much, much better job than last year. In particular, we are getting along much better than last year. It seems to me like you are much less defensive and argumentative.
When I asked you why you think we’re doing better than last year, you said you think it’s because you are telling yourself to do the work rather than waiting for me to tell you.
This makes a lot of sense. No one likes being told what to do. People with Asperger Syndrome can be quite independent and often really don’t like being told what to do. You don’t like being told what to do. Yet obviously you can’t just goof around your whole life and not listen to authority.
So you’ve discovered a very important key. Figure out what those in authority want you to do, and then tell yourself to do it before they do, so you don’t have to be told as often.
I love the fact that you’re working without being told, and you seem to like it better too!
Mom
