I can apply face paint. Detailed artistic face paint. I am an artist in general. Would this be considered a "splinter skill"? The term "splinter skill" is rightfully viewed as offensive by many disabled folks though.
My manual dexterity isn't the same as others. I don't necessarily create art using the tools in the supposed "right" way. Yet I still create art. I love to create art. It is extremely tedious and time-consuming for me, but it means everything to me to create it.
My manual dexterity was always something considered greatly concerning to others, when it came to, for instance, writing with pencils or cutting with scissors. Yet I still create art my own way, meticulously. I achieve neat and clean results. I've just learned to do it somewhat differently.
I am unable to open most things on my own, such as water bottles, as well as comb my own hair, tie my own shoes, dress myself, as well as accomplish most "activities of daily living" without a caregiver.
My legs have no strength when I find myself in certain positions. No strength at all. I can't bend without getting stuck and needing significant assistance. If I fall, I can't get up on my own.
I am a physically disabled artist. My balance is incredibly poor. I am a fall risk. I can't move quickly and I often need my hand held when I'm walking over certain terrain. Walking up and down stairs is extremely difficult.
I can't cook or drive or do most things that most folks can do. I need a lot of assistance to do most things in general that are far simpler for the majority than cooking and driving.
I am proud to be me in all respects. I love being who I am and I love being alive. Being disabled isn't all doom and gloom. I am Autistic and I have "co-morbidities" (as they are called) including physical disabilities. I am Multiply-disabled.
I never want Autism to be cured, if such a thing were possible. I never want to change who I am. I never want Autism to be eliminated from the gene pool. I love being Autistic. I am proud to be Autistic.
