Pick My Autistic Brain

What’s my kryptonite?

It’s been said many times that if you are on the spectrum you have super powers, and it’s true.  It could be many different things, math, painting, music, writing, etc.  For me it is long term memory.  Just like Superman however, we have our kryptonite.  Everyone has those things that they have difficulty with, but when you are on the spectrum it gets amplified.  I was speaking about this to a therapist who works for the Saskatoon Autistic Society.  She applauded this and mentioned how important it is to recognize “our kryptonite”.   So what is mine?

Remember I have lived with these things all my life, it isn’t new, nor  did it go away after I received the diagnosis.  I have issues with noise, in particular large machines, airplanes (especially fighter jets), and loud mufflers.  Can you spot the pattern?  What is ironic is that some airplanes that are landing fly over our house.  Crowd noise and large crowds make me very tired.  After a day of Citizenship Ceremonies I was always mentally exhausted.  My mother used to get so frustrated with me because she had to cut the tags off of my shirts.  Sensory issues again.  I still need to cut them off any clothes that I wear.  I will admit that I have worn something new to work only to realize after that there was a tag.  I would take scissors and casually go to the washroom to cut them off, hoping no one was going to ask where am I going with the scissors!!! Another kryptonite for me is getting overwhelmed with information.  This can be in the form of emails, messages now on MS teams, or a large spreadsheet.  If something doesn’t make sense to me and it can’t be explained why we are doing something this way, I have major difficulty with it.  I have trouble getting passed it.

Next question what do I do? How do I cope?  With the loud noises I just have to grind my teeth and possibly cover my ears, as long as I’m not driving or carrying something!  With crowds, I push through it.  I recognize after that I just need quiet for a period of time.  This is where understanding of my co-workers, family, and friends is so important.  Getting overwhelmed is difficult also.  I have found I need to get up and take a walk and come back and try to just start small if that makes sense.  It is the same with a decision that I don’t understand.  What helps me with that is if the person can understand that I am not necessary disagreeing with it, I’m trying to understand the why.

As with Superman, the kryptonite can cripple him.   He only gets better when the kryptonite is taken away.  This is done by him fighting through it, getting away from it, and sometimes he might need Batman’s help to get rid of it!  I hope this sheds some light on this topic and gives all of you an opportunity to be a Batman!  Let’s stay well out there!

About Derek Swicheniuk:

Derek  is a Citizenship and Immigration Officer with the Government of Canada, a passionate autism advocate, and a devoted family man. Married to Michelle, he is the proud father of two autistic boys, Everett and Dawson. Their home is filled with love—and their pets, Dora and Loki (dogs) and Rango (a Gecko)! As someone on the autism spectrum, Derek brings personal and professional insights into autism awareness, workplace inclusion, and accessibility. He actively shares his journey, highlighting both the challenges and strengths of neurodiversity, and advocates for more inclusive environments in workplaces and beyond.

If you’d like to contact Derek, send an email to: dswicheniuk@sasktel.net