Embrace your autism

For me, being Autistic means that I am more unique. Also, I am still me as a person inside and I do have some good qualities.

Distraction makes it difficult to concentrate definitely.  If you need to, you could concentrate on something, then build in reward breaks of a special interest if you get so much of it done. 

I also like making schedules and lists, and try stick to them, it helps me with time management and ticking off when I do the tasks.

Sensory overload tires me out sometimes without me realising at the time. Controlling attention can be tricky for us, especially if we get interrupted. We are all different but I find turning off sources of distraction and being in a quiet space help me. When I can get into hyperfocus, it feels brilliant.

What do others here advise?

How do I control my full focus, I feel tired after this for a day or two

Please gove me some advice

Thank you leveller61 for the perfect advice,   I'll do that

Will be in contact with you for more petfect advice, Paul b

That's tricky. My own response if faced with that, would be to disengage to protect myself.

An autistic person like you can, I am certain, add a lot of value to the lives of other people who are open to getting to know you.

The thought of meeting new people at a social evening fills me with dread. I do hope it works for you.

What advice can I get with coping with somebody who is very ungrateful, rude & uninterested in what an Autistic person like me has to contribute to their (so called) friendship

Larissa said:

This is why thinking about your autism and reminding yourself that your autistic is so important. Because it's so easy to fall back into that pattern of thinking that there is something wrong with you, but there is nothing wrong with you. You are autistic. And although autism is a disability, it is also a beautiful variation of how the mind works. And yes, it comes with it's own challenges but it also comes with so many beautiful things that neurotypicals wouldn't be able to experience. So don't push your autism away. Don't ignore it. Think about it, and embrace it. 

That is a very nice way to say it.

However, I believe the younger you find out you are autistic the less internalised ableism you will have and can make significant changes or develop coping strategies. For us 'Latelings' we have had many many years of trying to fit in or at least not stick out from the crowd. This is a defence mechanism and can become so natural you don't even know that you are doing it.

I am 3 years post autistic after over fifty years pre autistic. Thats a lot of masking / trauma to unpick. I try so hard to embrace my autism as a positive thing but sadly at this moment there has been a been a lot of negatives post autistic.

I am living under a great deal of uncertainty, which for me is tortuous. Once I get some clarity around my employment tribunal (major negative due to discrimination) I might be able to embrace my 'new' life.

Thanks for trying to put a positive spin and I will try to remember that. 

I’m really sorry you’re hurting this much. It sounds like you’ve been carrying a lot of frustration around your diagnosis. I won’t pretend it isn’t hard. You don't have to go through this alone.

It sounds like this diagnosis has helped you understand yourself in a really positive way. I’m glad you’re feeling freedom instead of shame. The world definitely benefits from people being more fully themselves.

I have been diagnosed a month ago. I love my autism, I wish i did not masked all this year. The world would be a better and kinder place with more autism!!! Just embrace, for me is a gift! 

I'm Paul B, & I'm new to this

I was diagnosed with Autism 3 years ago, after being in the dark through out my life, about being Autistic

Your post is so inspiring to me, as it says all about what, not just myself, but other people in the same position

I've been feeling very low recently, & my sister advised me to join this, & I'll be, for the first time, be going to an autistic social evening at a local club, to meet new people, & make new friends, who I can relate to, instead of racking my brain to think of things to say to neurotypicals, instead of being comfortable with people I can relate to

Thank you for an insipiring post, I hope to be in contact with you, & other autistics to make my journey through life as comfortable as I can

My autism is a curse and has no benefits.. Its a horrible disability that should try and be cured. I myself have a year left 45th birthday.

It sounds like a really difficult adjustment. I'm sorry you're going through it. I'm glad the post gave you a small bit of positivity, and I hope things gradually become clearer and easier for you.

I'm still figuring out what works best for me, but it's encouraging to hear.

I really appreciate you saying that. I'm glad the words resonated with you.

Hi Cinnabar_wing I can appreciate what you have expressed there as I am recovering from a deep burnout and know my working life cannot continue as it was. It is really tough. I know my journey is to value myself as a whole person. Previously my self-worth was too wrapped up in my work. Being positive about our autism is important as part of loving all of ourselves unconditionally. So as you say, posts like Larissa's are lovely to read as reminders! 

 Larissa Thank you for this and for putting how I often feel but can never express into words.