More on seeing in Pictures

I am not sure why I see in pictures. Might be the spectum or dyslexia. It could even be a combo of both. I do know people on the spectrum tend to be good engeneres, good at detective type work (forensics). They tend to be good at math and computer programing.

When I am really seeing things well It is fun. I can see what It will look like in 3D and rotate it in all directions so I see all side of it. If I work on something and studie the prints I can see the wiring diagram know all the signal names and exactly what they do, and where they go. I have had several instances where they had a problem at work and the design engs worked the problem most of the day and they could not figure it out. I walk in for my eve shift and they give me a list of symtoms, and I review the "pictures" and (few seconds later) I will give a list of things to check. Most of the time I was right on with the top picks to try first.

I also had one time the failure review board met and was concidering a fix for a broken bolt problem. They all like it. I just sat not saying a word. They all agreed it would work. My boss asked me what I thought of it. I replyed well you all have decidedit will work. you will build a test unit and give to me to test. I am sure it will break on the first 5 mins of the first test. I just wanted to be sure everyone liked it before saying I will break it. They allsaid I would not break it on the first test. they had all the math to prove it would work. I said Ok give it to meand I will test it. Gee it broke in the first 5 mins. After that ifI said I was sure i could break it they at least listened to why I thought it would break. Not only could I see this in 3D I could install this part (in my brain) then run the test knowing allthe forces acting on it the stresses in a 3 plains (in Sl that ismoment in the X Y and Z axis) They were only looking at compression. (Z) I could see the shear (lots of X and some Y) acting on the bolts. I could do that in a meeting not anywhere neer prints or the unit under test.

Now you ask If I an ability like this Why am I a School Bus driver? Well that is EZ to say. I/we (people with AS) have a horid time with interviews. If you do not look the interviewer in the eyes they think you are not being truthfull! Our communication skills realy SUCK sometimes no make that most of the time. I/we  tend not to brag on ourselfs that much. (I have some here to help everyone get an idea of seeing in pictures) Some of us (me) look sort of like Albert E. We may have a great resume but the interview skills kill any chance to get the job!

So you find a nice job that is a work independent type job that most people do not want. (like school bus driver) They are looking at driving records and stuff like that. The interview is more a formality that the main selection tool. Once you are in a job like this you do your job and go home.

So it realy does not matter that I can do all these great things and have a BSEE deg. I would have a tough time getting a good job to use this gift. I live in a world that does not see what I can see. I am ok with that. I do think it is a shame I can not use this gift properly but I figure it is there loss. I can use it for my enjoyment.

I am hoping that this will help others understand that poor communications skills are a MAJOR problem for anyone on the secturm. Formeit results in not getting the job I should be doing. For the potential employer you are loosing more  by basing it on the interview, than the abilities.