Autism Matters

Finding Ways to Mask Bad Behaviors

January 12, 2012
By Lee Passehl

Hello everyone! In this issue of my blog I would like to talk about my past experiences in Radio Control Car racing. When I was younger, during a race I would swear a lot on the drivers' stand. I would swear when I hit a board or rolled my car over. I also yelled at slower racers who would not move out of my way. I never swore around my parents when I was at home. But when it came to an intense race, it would come right out of my mouth, like a reflex action. This upset the owner of the track, who I respect greatly. He told me that if I continued this type of behavior I would be banned from the track for life. I couldn't hold it in, it just seemed automatic. This scared me a great deal because if I lost the right to race at Trackside Raceway, my dream of winning the Tamiya North American Finals would be over and I knew that would be like losing my life. I had to find something that would prevent me from swearing. But what could I do if could not control myself?

I found a way.

Lee racing

Two nights before a points series race in Green Bay, I went to a local sports store and found a boxing mouthguard. When I took it out of the package, I tested it by swearing a few times to see if anyone could understand me. I used it for the first time and it worked awesome. It kept me from dropping obscenities. I used the mouthguard for about four years until I didn’t think I would need it anymore. It helped a lot. I write this to help you know that you can find other ways to mask bad behaviors. Get creative. People thought I wore the guard to protect me from clenching my teeth. I know the real reason.

Thank you for reading my January issue of my blog. Again, I welcome comments.

Topics:Living with Autism

Comments

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Submitted by: Marytee Date: March 15, 2013

Oh, Lee! I love this article. How wise you were to find a way to mask your outbursts. LOL! My son and I were watching Ghostbusters one night. When the "Bad Guy" pulled the lever and released all the ghosts from their chamber, my good, sweet and innocent boy belted out ---"You Mother F----r"!! I was in total shock and got up and turned off the TV. I wasn't really mad at him because I understand that the bad guys in movies always upset him. But, I was curious to know where he heard that expression. He apologized a million times, and I know he was sincere. It was just an uncontrollable reaction. Thank you for sharing your experiences. They really do help us understand.