Being Articulate, Mature and the 2/3s ‘Rule’
Do those of you with Autism and parenting find yourself not meeting the 2/3 rule? I’ve been attending a support group for parents with Asperger’s kids and for adults with Asperger’s. It has been stated more than once that maturity level of people with Asperger’s is 2/3 their chronological age. I’m 27 now, so I according to this rule should have the maturity of someone that’s 18.
Now, without a doubt, I have met people that meet this rule. I just find myself not. Then again, I don’t think it has anything to do with neurology. I know some people I went to college with that are still maturity wise at a 20 yr level. I attribute a lot of it to the fact that I have kids. My own instinct was to mature with the birth of each of my children. This does not hold true for everyone. Again, I know someone who has a child that doesn’t have maturity.
Also, does being articulate change your perceived maturity level? I was complimented that I am one of the most understandable of the ‘Aspies’ that attend this support group. I’m sure it doesn’t hurt that I am raising Autistic children. So I can understand where the parents are coming from as well as the adults in the group. Have any of you witnessed this phenomenon? Especially those of you raising Autistic kids as well?
I think the 2/3 Rule is very subjective though. It really depends on the circumstances with your life.
Hurray, I’m 32!! I have to agree with you, though, that the 2/3 rule is pretty subjective. I usually tell parents that their children lag about 3 years behind, and I suppose it’s possible that the lag is never made up, not that it matters once one reaches age 25 or so.
Sara
Social level is very dependent on the situation. That being said, I get along great with children until they reach puberty. Perhaps that’s because I became socially overwhelmed at puberty and displayed my autism in earnest.
I’d assume from my own experiences and my interactions with others like me that it should actually be the 3/2s rule. We can have meaningful conversations with adults as little kids, we are much less likely to bully and demean our peers in primary and secondary school, we accept things when they are logical and fair, etc. Just because we have a heavier social burden upon us doesn’t mean that we are less mature.