Published on 12, July, 2020
My journey to discovery began last week, when a friend suggested I may be on the spectrum and after researching I am convinced.
Aside from some other obvious traits I often feel what others feel and often it overwhelms me. Although I am getting better over the years, it can take days to recover. I struggle to work in an office as I feel too overloaded by noises, lights, emotions, it’s like I have no filter and I am looking at people wondering what super-powers they have that they can just tune it all out..!?
I honestly feel that now I have had my eyes opened – that I am happy. I was buzzing today knowing that I may not be the only person and that there are others out there that “get me” or maybe experience some of the challenges I do. Also, I feel very lucky that I can function out there.
BIG WAVE to all
Hi Noodles, I'm glad you found your way here with people that will get you.
I'm an empath too, recently diagnosed autistic and in my 50s, also used to work as a counsellor for a charity. Have you looked in to setting boundaries as an empath? It is exhausting feeling so much and something I am working on. I find water soothing and if I have felt overwhelmed by how someone else is feeling crying in the bath is the quickest way for me to process it. Finding water soothing is common for empaths,I discovered recently.
Are you going to go for diagnosis or happy to self identify for now?
Hey Ottilie,
Thanks! I tip my hat to you, that must have been a real challenge I mean at least when I helped it was only a few hours a month.
I survive by bubbling. At least that's what I call it. I picture myself surrounded by a bubble that glistens with a reflective exterior. I suspect it's a cross between meditation and telling my brain in its language what I want?! But I forget or get ambushed at times.
Water, I used to be able to sit & watch the sea for hours as a kid. Even just glimpsing it soothes my soul. Breathing in the sea air... someone should bottle that!
Happy to self identify. Thanks for reaching out.
It was a challenge and I realise now that I was trying to feel useful and being perfectionist because I was being denied diagnosis, which fed in to me feeling a failure at coping with life.
I've practised visualising being in a protective bubble too. Sometimes it works.
Maybe you know this already:
https://quietrev.com/9-self-protection-strategies-for-empaths/
There's some cross over with coping strategies for autism, like creating a safe space. I'm trying to focus on what works for me at the moment so I can prevent burnout. Another resource I am trying to find time to work through is Sonny Jane Wise's book The Neurodivergent Friendly Workbook of DBT Skills. I can recommend it.
Noodles said:Let me know how it goes. I am curious to know if it's just a bunch of questions.
For adult diagnosis it depends on which diagnostic tool the psychiatrist uses. For mine it was DISCO, which was designed more for females experience of autism. There were a lot of questions and it lasted all day. The assessor also noted how I coped throughout the day with the communication and interaction, which was exhausting for me, and could tell that I struggled with that.
Self diagnosis is fine if you're happy with it and is sometimes the only option with long wait times on the NHS and if going private is unaffordable. The problem is that you don't have legal protection as an autistic person without diagnosis. I also wanted to know for sure after years of being told I wasn't but feeling that it fitted me. You can always change your mind as you find out more and see what's best for you.