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High Functioning Problems

ChrisS

Hi all,

I'm a 37 year old high functioning male, really struggling with life atm. On the face of it all looks good. I have a good job, 2 wonderful children and a partner, however I'm a complete shell of a human. I started this mental health journey a few years ago when I felt I was missing some emotions with my children. An ASD diagnosis was so obvious, I can't believe it was new to me but I have, on reflection, a crazy amount of coping mechanisms and strategies that I fooled myself. And as a very lonely only child of a single parent didn't really have any support nor comparisons in youth.

I'm finding that I feel more and more robotic each day. More overwhelmed and totally disconnected from emotion, intimacy and really void of any interests and hobbies.

Does ASD get worse with age? Am I just at the limit of what I can cope with (a relationship, children, work and day to day life)? Am I exhausted - I've read recently about autistic burnout.

I'd love to find some solace in these forums and thank anyone in advance who reads this or could offer advice or insight.

Much love to all,

Chris

Parents

  • Hi, I'm sorry to hear you've been having some trouble - I was diagnosed at 30, and have been trying to unravel the sensory issues. One thing that I tried a month or so ago, and I couldn't believe how much it helped, was new hearing technology which has SINC - Speech In Noise Control. I couldn't believe the effect it had. My family immediately commented that my speech was clearer, and I could hear the conversations so much more easily, because the technology automatically dampens background sound and enhances speech. I honestly can't praise it enough, it's been literally life-changing. Do let me know if you'd like any more details. I know that a lot of people often wear noise-cancelling headphones and earplugs, which I used to wear and these helped to some extent, but the new hearing technology helped me to take part in conversations much more easily and I could engage without getting as tired, noticing smaller aspects to the communication and reading people's subtle nuances better, as well as being able to hear myself more clearly so I could speak better. Wishing you all the very best

  • in reply to Rach

    Hi Rach, This is really interesting and something I am keen to learn more about - thank you :D

  • in reply to ChrisS

    No problem! A company called Nuheara are really interesting, they have a section dedicated to ASD here. Also there are some audiologists who specialise in ASD / auditory processing disorder and perform hearing tests that do more than just test if your ears can hear different tones, but check things like speech recognition in background noise. Some hearing aids now have the technology that enhances speech while quieting background sound, which can help with maintaining energy levels.

  • in reply to Rach

    Awesome, thanks Rachel this is really interesting. I have a degree in music technology so this kind of application of signal processing is really exciting on that front too! 

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