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figuring out who i am

HMN

hi everyone! I was diagnosed with autism last week and am still navigating what that means for me and how it will affect my life from now on. 

if anyone has had any autism-related experiences (like certain behaviours or actions of yours happened because you are autistic) that they wouldn't mind sharing, I really would appreciate it. I'm going through the process of putting a name to the experiences I've had throughout my life and slowly realising that many things I considered to be 'weird' about myself (such as sensory overload) were actually autistic traits!

I'm also trying to figure out how to non-awkwardly (and hopefully not very anxiety-ridden) tell my friends about my diagnosis. I don't want them to think of or treat me differently but I do want them to know at some point.

any tips and advice would be greatly appreciated :D 

have a lovely day!

Parents

  • Hi   great news on your diagnosis and I hope it’s given you some clarity and that you definitely are a unique person. Here are some of my autism experiences that I’ve learnt to put a name to. I was diagnosed 4 months ago so I’m still looking back on life piecing things together:

    Monotropism: I’m unable to start a task and not finish it. Even basic things like cleaning, all the way up to decorating a house. I will push myself constantly until it’s finished which means I lose sleep, don’t eat properly or function in basic ways and neglect those around me

    Communication differences: I’m unable to tell what people are feeling or thinking. Unless you spell it out, I won’t assume or know. Unable to be in a group chat, can’t keep up, make eye contact or not be self conscious. I need clear language and small talk gives me the ick.I struggle with keeping friends as they become too much. 

    Echolalia: repeating tasks or word in your head. Mine come from paragraphs in books or song lyrics 

    Sensory overload: Even someone scrolling a phone sends me into a spin. Clothing, lights, music, smells. Anything that has landed in my environment that I havnt invited in basically.

    Meltdowns and shutdowns: Both caused by the same thing but look different on the outside.

    Stimming: I used to have facial stims as a child, but now mine more look like finger and foot tapping and internal stimming such as songs, books and sentences on repeat 

    Social differences: The cost of socialising for me far outweighs the desire to do it. Even with family. I’m finding I’m now unable to mask and it’s not getting a good reaction from those around me. 

    Executive function: Sometimes starting a task like getting a shower or walking the dog is difficult but when my brain has locked in im Not stopping no matter what.

     Special interests: Mine differ from one week to the next but I love gathering information. 

    I hope this has helped and welcome to the group. I’ve found it very informative, welcoming and generally affirming as like minded people are all in one place Blush

Reply

  • Hi   great news on your diagnosis and I hope it’s given you some clarity and that you definitely are a unique person. Here are some of my autism experiences that I’ve learnt to put a name to. I was diagnosed 4 months ago so I’m still looking back on life piecing things together:

    Monotropism: I’m unable to start a task and not finish it. Even basic things like cleaning, all the way up to decorating a house. I will push myself constantly until it’s finished which means I lose sleep, don’t eat properly or function in basic ways and neglect those around me

    Communication differences: I’m unable to tell what people are feeling or thinking. Unless you spell it out, I won’t assume or know. Unable to be in a group chat, can’t keep up, make eye contact or not be self conscious. I need clear language and small talk gives me the ick.I struggle with keeping friends as they become too much. 

    Echolalia: repeating tasks or word in your head. Mine come from paragraphs in books or song lyrics 

    Sensory overload: Even someone scrolling a phone sends me into a spin. Clothing, lights, music, smells. Anything that has landed in my environment that I havnt invited in basically.

    Meltdowns and shutdowns: Both caused by the same thing but look different on the outside.

    Stimming: I used to have facial stims as a child, but now mine more look like finger and foot tapping and internal stimming such as songs, books and sentences on repeat 

    Social differences: The cost of socialising for me far outweighs the desire to do it. Even with family. I’m finding I’m now unable to mask and it’s not getting a good reaction from those around me. 

    Executive function: Sometimes starting a task like getting a shower or walking the dog is difficult but when my brain has locked in im Not stopping no matter what.

     Special interests: Mine differ from one week to the next but I love gathering information. 

    I hope this has helped and welcome to the group. I’ve found it very informative, welcoming and generally affirming as like minded people are all in one place Blush

Children
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