So at the time of writing, the whole world is basically on lockdown because of the coronavirus. Schools are closed or moved online, most businesses are closed, the sports industry has basically shut down for the entire year, and everyone’s basically stuck at home stockpiling whatever they can, watching the news like hawks, socially distancing, and praying that this thing ends soon, and I’m one of those people. I’ve basically been stuck inside for around a month or so now, working on school stuff (Like my 104 page thesis I just finished a couple of days ago, which is the reason I haven’t been posting any blogs lately), hanging out with friends, and trying to maintain whatever sanity is left in this family, and honestly? Despite how weird it may seem, it really isn’t too bad.
I know that’s a super privileged thing to say given my situation, but at the same time, I can’t help feeling like this is just kinda normal for me. After all, I spend most of my summers and breaks cooped up inside anyways, the only difference is that now I have an actual excuse to do so (and I don’t have the option of leaving anyways so RIP). Thinking about it more, I think I’ve realized something else: this whole “social distancing” thing? This notion that you should spend most of your time inside and away from other people? Maybe it’s just me, that seems like something autistic people should be used to, and in fact, appreciate. I know most of my friends and other autistic people I’ve met outside of those are generally shut-ins anyways, only going out for work or other necessities and spending the rest of the time online or reading or doing whatever, often alone, and if not, often in a digital format whether it be Zoom, Discord, or whatever you use.. Really, if anything, this whole “social distancing” thing is showing the rest of the world what it’s like to be autistic (in a very limited way mind you). I know me and my autistic friends have joked about that very thing and how surprisingly little has really changed in our routines and how much has changed in those around us. It’s been a bit funny for me to see the rest of my family go a little stir-crazy from being inside all day and I’m just here like “This is just normal.”
I will say this though, now that we’re all stuck inside all the time: it’s probably a good time for us to brush up on our life skills if we haven’t already. You know, those things neurotypical people do and are surprised that we can’t do immediately? Yeah, I think this is a good time to play catch up in that regard. Or at the very least pick up a new hobby…..or just dive deeper into your special interest…or even tackle that backlog of stuff to do I’m sure every one of you has.
Where was I going with this? Oh yeah, this quarantine thing, at least for now, is pretty weird because there’s a lot bad about it, but at the same time, at least for us autistic people, it’s almost routine in a way, at least in regards to the whole quarantine and “social distancing” thing. That’s about all I wanted to say, so I hope everyone reading this stays healthy and stays safe!
P.S: The website is finally live for real, come check it out! Also buy the merch because god knows the best thing to have right now is a bit of humor in your life. Also they’re super comfy.
