Tim Stratmann – That's how he rolls

For Tim Stratmann many things about human behavior are strange and yet it is him who often seems strange to other people. The 30-year-old is autistic, but only got the diagnosis at the age of 29. What he would like to do and why he asks people not to bend, he tells us at REHACARE.com.

What makes you laugh?

Tim Stratmann: My kids.

What have you always been wanting to do and why have you never done this so far?

Tim Stratmann: Be thoroughly honest in public. That would probably irritate or even hurt people and I would look like an insensitive asshole. It would have more disadvantages than advantages for me.

Which person has influenced you most? And why?

Tim Stratmann: My partner, because she accepted me for who I am. Even before my diagnosis. In her presence, I can be myself. Most of the time. That can be very annoying sometimes.

You have the chance to become the Commissioner for the Disabled in your country. What would you do first?

Tim Stratmann: I would work to put an end to the madness of the authorities and to ensure that every disabled person gets his or her rights and can lead a decent life. It is not acceptable that offices seriously believe in miracle cures for certain disabilities or refuse helpful compensation for disadvantages. I would involve disabled people as experts in disability issues.

Tim Stratmann: Apart from my family, it's my disability. It is part of my personality.

I would like to be ...

Tim Stratmann: Non-autistic. Getting to know the other perception in order to be able to name the differences better and to provide more accessibility.

Which question would you like to get answered?

Tim Stratmann: My perception is my normality. I don't know any other way. But I'd like to know what the other normality is. Unfortunately, this is unimaginable for me.

What else I wanted to say...

Tim Stratmann: Don't bend too much. Stay true to yourself and accept people who are different.