Asperger's and Verbal Instructions

I came across an article that gave me such relief! It was regarding the question of why it is hard for those on the autism spectrum to take verbal instructions. Since I started subbing as a teacher's aide, I would often find myself frustrated when given verbal instructions by teachers or other aides and didn't know why until I was recently diagnosed with AS.

It prompted me to wonder if my long-held habit of asking for a repeat of what someone has said to me, particularly instructions, is related to my syndrome. I didn't know until coming across the article that it is something aspies struggle with. It isn't so much my lack of hearing that I ask "what did you say?", but a need to be given more seconds to process what I am hearing.

Typed or written instructions are best for me too allowing more time to process the request. I'm primarily a visual learner.

The article made me wonder if I tend to take things very literally as I can remember someone accused me of doing. This just may be true in that it allows me time to question if my assumptions about the instructions make sense, preventing embarrassing mistakes.

A vivid, embarrassing example happened to me a year or so ago. I was subbing at a kindergarten class. (I seldom do kinder assignments and I haven't been back to this class again!)

While doing circle time, the teacher asked me to "get the phone". I interpreted that to mean to go over to her phone at her desk and answer the phone. I was puzzled since I hadn't heard the phone ring, but I thought, "Oh, well, my hearing isn't what it used to be."

There was no one on the other end. I looked back at the teacher who pointed to the cell phone. I took that to mean it was her cell phone that needed answering. I picked it up and put it to my ear. No one was on the other end of it either.

Then, the teacher said something to the effect of "handing" her the cell phone. That was what she meant about "getting the phone". She just wanted me to go over to the desk where it was laying, pick it up, and go over and hand it to her.

I wanted to climb into a hole and not come out of it. HA! I can laugh about it now, but it sure wasn't funny then. I felt utterly defeated. I shouldn't have thought this but I did that the teacher might have wondered what planet I came from. I don't know. Pluto maybe. HA!!!!

I'm so glad I found this article. As words of a song, "Now I don't feel so BAD!"