<p>^You know, sometimes I wonder if that couldn’t be a healthier approach to death. I’ve always been intrigued by cultures who don’t seem to strive to make the whole concept as unpleasant and traumatic as possible.</p>
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<p>On occasion, a parent on CC or an adult IRL will think that someone in the family may be on the spectrum, but doesn’t think it’s “worth it” to get a diagnosis. I may be naive, but I do think it could be helpful from a legal standpoint to have a formal diagnosis, for protection in situations such as the “wrong reaction.” I also think about folks on the spectrum who cannot stand to be touched, when I see airport pat downs. Wouldn’t help the person who has a major bad reaction get on the plane, but might prevent criminal prosecution.</p>
<p>I am flying for the first time since the new security measures in August and that has crossed my mind. I am hoping if I just mentally check out while we’re in security it won’t be a bother, but at the same time I am worried about appearing suspicious if something doesn’t seem “quite right.” It is so oppressive and exhausting to have to be an actor all the time.</p>
<p>In the first book I read after my diagnosis it went over the dangers of getting into trouble with the law when you’re on the spectrum… in terms of possibly being interrogated and talking oneself into more trouble by accident. It’s a scary world.</p>
<p>I guess we need to stop hijacking this thread, but I was pretty horrified when the TSA was talking about new airport security where passengers were asked questions, then their body language was observed. Could they tell the difference among “I’m shaking because I’m afraid you’ll find the weapon”, “I’m shaking because I’m terrified of flying”, “I’m shaking because I am afraid someone is going to pat me down” and “I’m shaking because I just heard that may relative has been in a terrible accident and I’m flying to see him”?</p>