My name is Michael, and I would like to tell you a little bit about myself.
Many Woodsworthians know me (I've been here for about 45 years). I am passionate about democracy, truth, and fairness.
For decades, I have occasionally entered into battles against perceived oligarchy. I believe that we should all have the choice and the freedom to address issues and/or problems that we believe to be important.
Some people might be curious about my autism. I would be happy to answer any questions that I receive in writing. I feel uncomfortable with aural conversations. When I receive communications in writing, I can give myself the time that I need to digest the input, and compose my replies.
Cheers,
: ) Michael
Just a Few Days by Michael February 1, 2026 (This article was originally published in The Weekly dated April 27, 2025)
Due to my autism, I live with heightened anxiety. My anxiety is exacerbated when people become angry with me.
I frequently have misunderstandings with people. Sometimes this can be because I tend to use words or phrases to mean what they mean, while Neurotypicals (most people) often have a different understanding of words or phrases.
For example, sometimes when I say "continually", a person thinks that I mean "continuously". This can result in the person believing that I am being hyperbolic. This can result in the person being angry with me, when I was actually just making a statement of fact. (Note: The online dictionaries that I have seen agree with the common understanding that these two words are synonyms. I believe that this is incorrect. In my mind, "continual" means repeatedly over time, and "continuous" means uninterrupted in time, or without cessation.)
Here, below, is a parable.
Neurotypical: Framing a house is a lot easier than most people think. Autistic: I don't know about that. Neurotypical: Why do you disagree? Autistic: I don't disagree. Neurotypical: You just said that you disagreed. Autistic: No I didn't.
The above example describes a benign misunderstanding, but when the subject matter is important or contentious, animosity can be a result.
Sometimes when someone becomes angry with me, they take hurtful action against me. This problem has been continual (not continuous) as I have tried to contribute to our community over decades.
I'd like to keep private most of my health difficulties that are pertinent to this topic. I'll let it suffice to write that I've had to seek medical help on many occasions.
It saddens me to write that, due to significant aggression on the parts of a small number of us, and the failure of all of us to stop it, I must step down from the Directory Committee.
As I've written in a previous Weekly article, the Directory can be put together in just a few days. I've had obstacle after obstacle placed in front of me for about four months.
It should be noted that we have many kind and supportive members. On that topic, I'd like to thank those of you who have taken the time to express gratitude for my work. It really means a lot to me : )
Michael's email address is available in the Woodsworth Directory.