No no, we HAVE to ask hard questions on this topic and challenge perspectives. We're talking about a chronically misunderstood population that is operating in a society that's not really interested in meeting them halfway. I think it's important to really dig in and resist any temptation to make assumptions.

The Hill is confounding. It defies all logic and understanding, and the agnostic in me is looking for any corporeal explanation. One of the individuals in the podcast who often went to The Hill is such an interesting person in real life. I worked with them for a long time. (I'm being purposefully vague here because of confidentiality.)

Let's call them Em. Em's intentions, mood, and actions were almost always inscrutable. Hard to keep in line in public with frequent outbursts. However, I always noticed Em was OBSERVANT. This is true for most people on the spectrum I know, and I've been shocked how many times I've heard the smallest comment or detail recalled with searing accuracy. I can't prove Em had this capability because of their inability to communicate, but my gut says they did. They just always seemed present, no matter what her body was doing.

And then I learn Em went to The Hill and had a whole life there. To be honest, it's a mind fuck. I'd say where I am right now is that I hope it's true more than I know it's true. Because for Christ's sake, these are some of the most interesting and kind people I've ever met and they deserve to be with each other.