Introducing myself - what to do next

I'll have to investigate this.  thanks Rach  this is really helpful 

This is exactly what I have! My ears are fine but it's something to do with the brain processing sound... The earbuds I tried out were from a company called Nuheara, and they were originally designed to be used by anyone for music etc. but have been found to be effective for people with hearing loss, autism and auditory processing disorder. They also do a 30 day money back policy so you can try them out. After trying these I checked online and found that some hearing aid technology is now starting to incorporate SINC along with other noise cancellation features etc... I think it's still a very new technology. There are some audiologists that specialise in autism / auditory processing screenings, which I think you could try to go through your GP about. I'm going to do the same soon, to see if I can get a referral or at least a recommendation. They have different types of sound tests that don't test your ears' hearing per se but your recognition of certain sounds in noise etc.

do u have a company name

wow Rach i think I need this SINC thingy -- my ears are fine, tested dozens of times but I have issues with certain people talking to fast, or at some rhymn. I cant "hear" want they are saying. Where do I start with my GP ? 

Welcome! I hope you find this forum a great place to discuss your thoughts around autism and hear other people's stories and ideas, I've found it so helpful. I was diagnosed at 30 (I'm 32 now), and one enormous thing that has helped me recently, that I can't praise enough, is recent advancements in hearing technology. My ears themselves are fine but there is something to do with the hearing / language parts of my brain where I can't follow speech very well and usually can't join in with conversations as they move quickly for me. There's some sort of sensory delay. About a month or so ago I tried some new hearing aid technology which is SINC (Speech In Noise Control), and the improvement was instant - my family said I was speaking better which was because I could hear myself clearly, and I could follow what they were saying and join in better. The tech dampens background noise and amplifies speech, which you can adjust for different environments, and it's been life-changing. Do let me know if you have any qs, wishing you all the best and welcome again!

Hi. Just so you know everyone who joins here has to post a video of themsselves licking an onion. It's the way we roll. Yeah we're a bit weird. 

Welcome! The forum here is full of wonderful, supportive people that also have some experience with autism, so you're in a good place :) 

Hi Siew

(sorry for the long post, in advance)

I have had anxiety most of adult life, and I now strongly believe that anxiety is probably a secondary symptom of my autism condition. I'm on stage three of an official diagnosis for AS, with all tests done to date suggesting I have it. Prior to all this, GPs only diagnosed my anxiety disorder and acute panic attacks.

I dealt with anxiety by reading about what triggers it, and the way the body responds abnormally as if in a fight-or-flight situation. When you begin to see the anxiety starting up, you can employ different techniques, such as only focusing on breathing. I have a strong noise aversion, with an aversion to noisy places with lots of people. I cope better now that I understand what is happening to me in those situations. For example, in a busy shopping mall when I start to feel anxious or awkward, I employ a kind of meditation whereas I walk along, all I do is focus on my breathing... watching my breaths in and out. It takes my mind away from other physical symptoms and takes my focus away from the disturbance. For me it is about understanding what is happening; our thoughts can trigger physical reactions, and external stimuli can trigger the negative thoughts, so its a cycle that can be broken. Understanding it all has helped me a lot. It is not a complete cure for me, but a coping mechanism.

Your GP can prescribe books from the library on anxiety (and autism). Most UK libraries have books on coping with anxiety. Specifically, the Duodecimal shelf number will be in the health section around 616.852 (sorry I am a nerd when it comes to Duodecimal numbering, and often if I see a book way out of place, I sometimes move it where it should go). Some libraries will separate books on prescription onto their own shelf, so be aware. I think a lot of libraries right now, you may not be able to go in and have to order the book online in advance. Check your local library online first, or call them. As I said, also ask your GP about 'books on prescription'.

Disclaimer: You can't get a proper diagnosis/prognosis from an online forum, but I think shared experiences can help signpost possible solutions. Apart from medication, also ask your GP about 'Cognitive behavioural therapy' and whether this might be of benefit to you in your specific case (Cognitive behavioural therapy has a Duodecimal number of 696.891 in the library). It is all about understanding and breaking that cycle of anxiety and thoughts.

Regards
Robert

Thank you once again for your answer. I guess that I will need to experience with meds myself to evaluate to which extent it works for me. I am having my phone GP appointment on Monday and I am looking forward to it.

I used to meditate in the past, and it worked quite well for me. I just lost the habit. I think that it is time to get into it again. 

Thank you Aidie. Yes indeed, the person who assessed me said that I made a good job putting systems and habits in place to deal with my issues even without knowing about my condition. But I guess that the birth of my son was too much to deal with. I make my best to remind my wife everyday that she is loved!

Hi Siew. Your welcome and no of course I don't mind.

Before I began medication I was overwhelmed and exhausted mentally and physically. I was suffering from depression and anxiety most of all and it all combined together was making life almost impossible to live. The effects of it all made me suicidal at times and my mood swings were terrible and sadly my mum got the worst of it. I really hate how I have treated her in the past. I'm still trying to forgive myself for that. I was crashing and burning so I knew I had to try and do something before I reached a place I couldn't get back from. So I started medication.

I was so lucky in the sense that medication worked for me. It took some time to find the right medication but when I finally did it was nearly instant relief. I'm now less anxious. Not nearly as depressed and my attitude and mood swings are a thing of the past. Sadly medication doesn't always work and for many people it can make them worse. For sure discuss it with your GP if you want to but be aware that it might make you worse than you are.

I am actually agreeing with Aidie here. I think in your case you have already achieved so much and that's under your own steam. It's amazing. I think you should get something like a support dog or maybe try some meditation exercises to help beat the stress and anxiety. Taking walks is also a great way of dealing with unwanted stress as well.

Keep going, your doing amazing! If you feel that meds might be best for you then have a talk with your GP and see what they suggest. I hope you find something that can help.

u doing ok arent you ? -- i mean its a stuggle but you have achieved so much ( a family ) in the face of such ADVERSITY. Get a Golden Retrievier as a stress dog  and buy your wife a bunch of flowers. you have so much to celebrate :)

your fool aidie

Thank you for your answer Charla.

I was almost decided to try medication, so it is reassuring to see that it works for somebody else. 

If it is not too much to ask, would you mind sharing your experience before/after medication? What changes have you noticed? If you already shared these experiences on this forum I'd be happy to read about it if you point me at the correct message.

Hi Sore, welcome to NAS. Hope your time here leads to the help your looking for.

Taking meds will be your decision in the end. I was told by my GP that they don't work for everyone but I think it might be a good idea to give them a try as they can make a huge difference. I've been on my meds for a couple of years and they have made a massive difference to me and I'm in a much better place now. And if you do try them but don't get on you can try other ones. But no pressure, take your time to decide on this. You can also discuss this more with your GP to figure out what meds will be best for you.

I also suffer from anxiety and depression and the meds I'm on really help me so I'm at peace currently.