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Has your autisticness changed over the years?

Stuart333

Not sure autisticness is a real word, but you get the idea.

If I think back to how I was In my 20s, then 30s, then 50s, and now post diagnosis, plus how I am in and out of burnout, I can see some changes.

In my 20s I was far more set on what food I would eat, I had stricter routines, changes made me uncomfortable, I couldn't approach strangers at all, I was quite timid, I couldn't really do social events, if I had to they were a lot more stressful than enjoyable, something to be endured.

As long as not burnt out, I became less timid, more outwardly assured, albeit at the expense of chronic stress, and did more. I stopped most scripting and rarely replay conversations now. I became much better at using forums, and even calling people on the phone (I couldn't use it as a teenager). Social events are hard but not as bad, I still feel awkward, I think that will never go.

I think as you get older there is less new stuff so your sphere widens.

Is this other people's experience?

Parents
  • Stuart333 said:
    I think as you get older there is less new stuff so your sphere widens

    I found as I got older I had more chance to learn the info to fill in my understanding deficits (relationships, socialising, expected behaviours etc) and to learn coping skills to better cope with tanxiety (mindfulness and meditation).

    All this was pre-diagnosis though so it was me engaging in some "continuous improvement" techniques that are very much the way in my line of work.

    I've certainly been able to take on way more things than when I was younger and manage situations that would have had me quaking in my boots in my 20s. 

    Learning that there is nothing to fear but fear itself in most situations may have been the biggest single breakthrough and enabled me to take on challenges I never thought I could handle.

    Now I'm approaching 60 I'm being much more gentle with myself - no need to constantly prove I'm stronger than my challenges and I can enjoy a lot more me time to do the things I've dreamed of doing my whole working life.

Reply
  • Stuart333 said:
    I think as you get older there is less new stuff so your sphere widens

    I found as I got older I had more chance to learn the info to fill in my understanding deficits (relationships, socialising, expected behaviours etc) and to learn coping skills to better cope with tanxiety (mindfulness and meditation).

    All this was pre-diagnosis though so it was me engaging in some "continuous improvement" techniques that are very much the way in my line of work.

    I've certainly been able to take on way more things than when I was younger and manage situations that would have had me quaking in my boots in my 20s. 

    Learning that there is nothing to fear but fear itself in most situations may have been the biggest single breakthrough and enabled me to take on challenges I never thought I could handle.

    Now I'm approaching 60 I'm being much more gentle with myself - no need to constantly prove I'm stronger than my challenges and I can enjoy a lot more me time to do the things I've dreamed of doing my whole working life.

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