Hi

Hi, my name is Faith. I'm almost 26 and recently was diagnosed with Autism. I'm happy to have finally been diagnosed, it's a relief to have an explanation for my inability to communicate properly with others and my over-sensitivity to things like clothes and sounds. It's all a lot to take in but I'm hoping I'll find some support and help here as it's all a bit confusing.

All my life I have been different but I never thought that something like Autism would be behind it. Slowly but surely I'm learning to improve some aspects of my Autism, one thing I do when with people and when I'm out in public is listen to and monitor my breathing. I'm teaching myself to control and keep myself calm, that way if I start to have a panic attack then I can try and control my breathing. It's working well, I've even managed to go on a few dates and keep myself calm which is good. Two years ago I used to faint or come out over poorly when on a date. Now because of my practice of breathing I cope better when I go out and when I go to work. Next I'll try and better control my over sensitivity to touch, but I'm a long way off from that.

I enjoy music and play the violin. The sound used to really upset me, my ears just couldn't handle it. It's better now but sometimes the noise from the violin really irritates me, I play my violin and sometimes I'm wincing and gritting my teeth. But I don't want to lose my love of playing my violin so I'm determined to keep at it and not let my Autism hold me back.
I play my violin nearly every day and my profile picture is me playing a concert in our village hall last year, it was fun but very crowded on Christmas Eve and it lasted for four hours until 9 p.m., I enjoyed it but felt very anxious and after I paid the price. Shaking, feeling sick, I was sick and then I went home and slept until about 10 a.m., very often when I get anxious I sort of lose it and go in to a really poorly state. But hopefully I'll be a lot better this year at the next concert.

Hello. It's good to meet you all.

Faith. x

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  • Hi Faith. 

    Welcome to the site. It is good to share your experiences and by assured you are not alone. 

    Last year, at the age of 37 I decided to learn the violin. However, the sound made me put it down.  Until I read an article about how musicians should wear earplugs. 

    So I put them in and have started learning how to play.  Currently on the open chords, the earplugs make a serious difference. 

    Enjoy the forum and welcome. 

  • Hi Former Member. I wear earplugs as well and you're right they do a great job. Another poster suggested as viola so I may look into getting one, then I can continue practicing my violin and start with the viola as well.

    With earplugs I might fair better on Christmas Eve this year at our concert.

    Thank you! I'm looking forward to meeting everybody else.

  • Hi again.  Two things that might help. Or actually three.

    1) A shoulder rest for the violin.

    2) Have you considered an electric violin.  They are lighter and you can control the volume and use the ear plugs.

    3) On certain violin forums, I haven’t joined them, but google exercises for violinists.  It talks about yoga and hand stretches.  Violin relies a lot on your core, which yoga is good for.

  • Just thought I would say Hi. Been a while since you were here last. 

    Hope all is well.

  • Hi. Thank you for the three tips, I really appreciate it ^

    I have a couple of other problems as well as ASD, so I think one of them may be the cause of my bone grief. I may need to see a doctor, just to be sure. I like the idea of a shoulder rest for the violin. Thanks.

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  • Hi. Thank you for the three tips, I really appreciate it ^

    I have a couple of other problems as well as ASD, so I think one of them may be the cause of my bone grief. I may need to see a doctor, just to be sure. I like the idea of a shoulder rest for the violin. Thanks.

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