What we see on TV is often hype. It can cause confusion, fear, and worry. It makes us believe that something detrimental to our schedule or tasks is going to happen. Often, it is safer to say what happen instead of what is really going to happen. The actual situation is not as bad as the words suggest. This difference can significantly affect our mentality and our ability to do what we need to do. It requires us to see through the hype. We must rely on the actual words. This helps us see things for what they really are.

Understanding things that are not literal can be one of the most difficult things to grasp as an autistic person. Understanding what we perceive as literal can also be challenging. We must see things as they truly are. This understanding helps us realize their direct impact on us. By recognizing that things can exist for what they are, we learn an important lesson. Not everything we hear is something we need to believe. We must learn what is necessary to know. We use this knowledge to make informed decisions. These decisions ensure we are safe. They also help us be cared for in the best way possible.

We often don’t always know the answers for what we need to know. What we hear and see out there is often presented as a general blanket statement. We don’t know how something is going to affect us personally. It can cause us to overthink and worry about things. Anxiety often overreacts and throws a wrench in. We might choose to do what is comfortable for us. This choice is easier than waiting to see if things are actually going to happen.

As people, we often like to know the who, what, when, where, how, and why of a situation. Sometimes, it isn’t always easy to see and know what to do. It takes patience to understand the whole picture. This understanding helps you see things for what they are. You must use your best judgment and discretion. This approach is essential when things happen that need keeping you safe, cared for, and being your best self. Overreacting and making excuses when you don’t know something can be challenging. Hearing only the extremes without understanding what is actually going on makes it hard to be patient. It’s difficult to see what actually happens, or if it will happen at all. Believing the worst-case scenario doesn’t mean it will come true.

It takes seeing past the hype and oftentimes just being patient and letting things work out for the best. It can be hard for some people on the autism spectrum. Still, knowing what you can do helps to get through those situations. Make the best of them for what they are. Be your best self by being patient in the process.