Sensory difficulties

Thanks for sharing! I love the Stim Punks website, it’s brilliant!

It has so many different articles about neurodivergent experiences including ADHD (Kinetic Cognitive Style):

https://stimpunks.org/glossary/kinetic-cognitive-style/

I hope you are feeling calmer now?

Sensory trauma is often a form of trauma that is overlooked in our autistic community.

If you want to learn more about sensory trauma, here is a brilliant video:

https://www.youtube.com/live/l_uoRDCUF80?si=l5YHKMfs7xfqKODU

Thank you, it's useful to have other links too. I haven't further explored stimpunks. I have an aversion to the word "stim"! But that shouldn't stop me.

I think that picture is useful to show people how it feels. I used to feel like that every day from work. I suppose I should be thankful it's much less frequent now, but still challenging when it does occur.

You are welcome! Why do you have an aversion to the word stim?

Unknown said:

I used to feel like that every day from work. I suppose I should be thankful it's much less frequent now, but still challenging when it does occur.

I absolutely understand! No one should have to endure that level of sensory trauma every day, at least now it’s reduced.

In the video, Emma Reardon explains that sensory trauma for autistics can come from everyday objects or activities but it’s still not healthy.

Deleted User said:

In a more enlightened world I wouldn’t need to explain because people would just be more accepting of a wider range of behaviours. We may get there one day.

Hopefully!

Absolutely. I now understand the reasons I struggle with work meetings and some ways to make them easier and maintain my focus. This means explaining to my closer work colleagues why I’m being different now - a work in progress. 

In a more enlightened world I wouldn’t need to explain because people would just be more accepting of a wider range of behaviours. We may get there one day.

Deleted User said:

NT people can suffer from full on burnout

I agree and I think it's probably for different reasons. Life is hard for most people at various points. Autistic burnout is misunderstood across the board.  I now understand why my treatments for anxiety were mostly ineffective. 

Yes I understand that, but not being safe enough to express ourselves authentically has significant consequences as I am sure you are aware.

Not as overt as bullying, but people will regard us as weird or uncomfortable to be around.

Deleted User said:

Re stimming though, I like the suggestion made above: "regulation". That makes much more sense to me as I don't feel that I'm "stimulating" myself, if anything it's the opposite - I'm trying to calm down a nervous system that it practically vibrating with excess energy.

Yes I can see why that word regulation makes more sense for you. After all stimming has many different purposes including communication, self expression and regulation.

 You might like this poster which shows the different ways in which stimming or regulation can be used:

https://ausometraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Stimming-Poster.pdf

NT people can suffer from full on burnout that takes a very long time to recover from but I think it's vastly more common among ND people (maybe even most?). The initial symptoms I had that set me on my journey to an autism diagnosis were, I now realise, autistic burnout. My GP's only contribution was to do blood tests then send me on my way when they came back clear. Eventually I saw a psychiatrist because my treatment for "depression" wasn't working and that psychiatrist, thankfully, suggested I seek an autism diagnosis.

But almost exactly three years on from my first realising I had a problem, I am still suffering from chronic autistic burnout and fear it may be part of my life experience for the rest of my days.

But people will misuse terminology. It's no different than a slightly hungry person saying they're "starving".

Re stimming though, I like the suggestion made above: "regulation". That makes much more sense to me as I don't feel that I'm "stimulating" myself, if anything it's the opposite - I'm trying to calm down a nervous system that it practically vibrating with excess energy.

Use whatever language you are comfortable with.

The internet has a lot to answer for. And many people these days don't know any different.

Like with most things I can see many angles and thus draw no firm conclusions. I can only speak for my own experience. But I'm still not going to use the S-word. 

Deleted User said:

real life consequences of obvious stimming, which I now realise is a necessity.

What kind of consequences? Like bullying or isolation?

I’m concerned less about the terminology than about the real life consequences of obvious stimming, which I now realise is a necessity.

Unknown said:

The next scene she was having a coffee with someone different and, again in front of the cameras said she had "a bit of ptsd" from the argument. REALLY!?  But who am I to judge...

Yes I completely understand your frustration with this. This is a brilliant example of exaggeration that can lead to harm for people with PTSD as it can cause feel really belittling.

 I have heard people do this regularly about other mental health concerns it is very inappropriate.

Unknown said:

Of course they mean well but it feels a bit like a projection of something they can't understand. 

Yes that’s what I sometimes think too. These words are circulated in popular culture and conversations but many people don’t actually know what they mean.

It's like, I was watching some rubbish on Netflix (Selling Sunset - don't judge me) and one of them had an argument in front of the cameras with another one (for the telly) . The next scene she was having a coffee with someone different and, again in front of the cameras said she had "a bit of ptsd" from the argument. REALLY!?  But who am I to judge...

Ausomely Autistic said:

I have heard people use the term sensory overload before whilst with me too. I imagine this may feel quite dismissive to you?

I have never used this term in anyone's presence except very rarely in my partner's! So for other people to come out with it is weird.  Of course they mean well but it feels a bit like a projection of something they can't understand. 

Unknown said:

I'm talking about people casually using "burnout" who are not neurodivergent. "Oh I'm a bit burnt out, I've done a full week in work".

Yes now I understand. What they could actually be feeling instead is exhausted.

Unknown said:

Part of me now can see how language has evolved through the internet, because everything is more conspicuous. (Side note example being - something I've made up but people being "horrified, disgusted" over trivial matters, or "astounded and gobsmacked" over nothing in particular). The inflation of language.

Of course, it isn't for me to say they are not burnt out but my experience feels different and I've never fully recovered.

Yes obviously your experience of burnout is very different, but I do know that many people exaggerate their experiences on social media. I sometimes think this is partly due to the fact that they could gain more views/likes by doing so. Obviously it is not a good idea to compare experiences but I understand what you mean. 

Unknown said:

I have friends now who casually use "sensory overload" in my presence when things are a bit loud or bright. I don't even use these words myself except on here or in the confines of my own home.

I have heard people use the term sensory overload before whilst with me too. I imagine this may feel quite dismissive to you?

I'm talking about people casually using "burnout" who are not neurodivergent. "Oh I'm a bit burnt out, I've done a full week in work". That kind of thing. Part of me now can see how language has evolved through the internet, because everything is more conspicuous. (Side note example being - something I've made up but people being "horrified, disgusted" over trivial matters, or "astounded and gobsmacked" over nothing in particular). The inflation of language.

Of course, it isn't for me to say they are not burnt out but my experience feels different and I've never fully recovered.

I have friends now who casually use "sensory overload" in my presence when things are a bit loud or bright. I don't even use these words myself except on here or in the confines of my own home.

I can't find any conclusion in myself on this matter because, as autistic people, we ARE different to the majority, but then I just see people as people and everyone is different anyway. Oh well at least I enjoy discussing it!

Unknown said:

The socials are not on my radar but I wonder how much the term comes as part of visible autistic identity? Which

Yes absolutely! The word stim is very much a part of our autistic culture and is also referred to when talking about autistic pride.

You mention blu tac and hair ties, these objects were used as great stim objects long before we had such language to describe our experiences. So in theory any object can be defined as a stim tool, as long as it meets your sensory needs.

Unknown said:

Everyone has their own difficulty and experience with life but autistic burnout is a very real thing. It's a fine line isn't it, the "ownership" of certain words

Yes I completely agree, some of these words such as stim and burnout have almost become part of a new language- the language of autistic culture. But having stated these words don’t belong just to autistic culture as for example many neurodivergent people experience burnout in distinctly different ways to the predominant neurotype.

The socials are not on my radar but I wonder how much the term comes as part of visible autistic identity? Which you have to "sell" for "likes" online. This also ties with my opinion on stim toys. So yes they are useful for some people, but so is a hair bobble or a bit of blue tac and what did people do before st*m toys were invented.

I think the main problem I have actually is that I don't like to draw attention (from myself or others) what is in fact normal human behaviour. Up until knowing I was autistic I wasn't aware I did these things.

 I keep hearing the word "burnout" used more. Everyone has their own difficulty and experience with life but autistic burnout is a very real thing. It's a fine line isn't it, the "ownership" of certain words. Because sometimes it can water down what are actual,  real difficulties that only certain people are faced with. But I can't negate others' experiences. 

The socials are not on my radar but I wonder how much the term comes as part of visible autistic identity? Which you have to "sell" for "likes" online. This also ties with my opinion on stim toys. So yes they are useful for some people, but so is a hair bobble or a bit of blue tac and what did people do before st*m toys were invented.

I think the main problem I have actually is that I don't like to draw attention (from myself or others) what is in fact normal human behaviour. Up until knowing I was autistic I wasn't aware I did these things.

 I keep hearing the word "burnout" used more. Everyone has their own difficulty and experience with life but autistic burnout is a very real thing. It's a fine line isn't it, the "ownership" of certain words. Because sometimes it can water down what are actual,  real difficulties that only certain people are faced with. But I can't negate others' experiences. 

Deleted User said:

NT people can suffer from full on burnout

I agree and I think it's probably for different reasons. Life is hard for most people at various points. Autistic burnout is misunderstood across the board.  I now understand why my treatments for anxiety were mostly ineffective. 

Deleted User said:

Re stimming though, I like the suggestion made above: "regulation". That makes much more sense to me as I don't feel that I'm "stimulating" myself, if anything it's the opposite - I'm trying to calm down a nervous system that it practically vibrating with excess energy.

Yes I can see why that word regulation makes more sense for you. After all stimming has many different purposes including communication, self expression and regulation.

 You might like this poster which shows the different ways in which stimming or regulation can be used:

https://ausometraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Stimming-Poster.pdf

NT people can suffer from full on burnout that takes a very long time to recover from but I think it's vastly more common among ND people (maybe even most?). The initial symptoms I had that set me on my journey to an autism diagnosis were, I now realise, autistic burnout. My GP's only contribution was to do blood tests then send me on my way when they came back clear. Eventually I saw a psychiatrist because my treatment for "depression" wasn't working and that psychiatrist, thankfully, suggested I seek an autism diagnosis.

But almost exactly three years on from my first realising I had a problem, I am still suffering from chronic autistic burnout and fear it may be part of my life experience for the rest of my days.

But people will misuse terminology. It's no different than a slightly hungry person saying they're "starving".

Re stimming though, I like the suggestion made above: "regulation". That makes much more sense to me as I don't feel that I'm "stimulating" myself, if anything it's the opposite - I'm trying to calm down a nervous system that it practically vibrating with excess energy.

Use whatever language you are comfortable with.

The internet has a lot to answer for. And many people these days don't know any different.

Like with most things I can see many angles and thus draw no firm conclusions. I can only speak for my own experience. But I'm still not going to use the S-word. 

Unknown said:

The next scene she was having a coffee with someone different and, again in front of the cameras said she had "a bit of ptsd" from the argument. REALLY!?  But who am I to judge...

Yes I completely understand your frustration with this. This is a brilliant example of exaggeration that can lead to harm for people with PTSD as it can cause feel really belittling.

 I have heard people do this regularly about other mental health concerns it is very inappropriate.

Unknown said:

Of course they mean well but it feels a bit like a projection of something they can't understand. 

Yes that’s what I sometimes think too. These words are circulated in popular culture and conversations but many people don’t actually know what they mean.

It's like, I was watching some rubbish on Netflix (Selling Sunset - don't judge me) and one of them had an argument in front of the cameras with another one (for the telly) . The next scene she was having a coffee with someone different and, again in front of the cameras said she had "a bit of ptsd" from the argument. REALLY!?  But who am I to judge...

Ausomely Autistic said:

I have heard people use the term sensory overload before whilst with me too. I imagine this may feel quite dismissive to you?

I have never used this term in anyone's presence except very rarely in my partner's! So for other people to come out with it is weird.  Of course they mean well but it feels a bit like a projection of something they can't understand. 

Unknown said:

I'm talking about people casually using "burnout" who are not neurodivergent. "Oh I'm a bit burnt out, I've done a full week in work".

Yes now I understand. What they could actually be feeling instead is exhausted.

Unknown said:

Part of me now can see how language has evolved through the internet, because everything is more conspicuous. (Side note example being - something I've made up but people being "horrified, disgusted" over trivial matters, or "astounded and gobsmacked" over nothing in particular). The inflation of language.

Of course, it isn't for me to say they are not burnt out but my experience feels different and I've never fully recovered.

Yes obviously your experience of burnout is very different, but I do know that many people exaggerate their experiences on social media. I sometimes think this is partly due to the fact that they could gain more views/likes by doing so. Obviously it is not a good idea to compare experiences but I understand what you mean. 

Unknown said:

I have friends now who casually use "sensory overload" in my presence when things are a bit loud or bright. I don't even use these words myself except on here or in the confines of my own home.

I have heard people use the term sensory overload before whilst with me too. I imagine this may feel quite dismissive to you?

I'm talking about people casually using "burnout" who are not neurodivergent. "Oh I'm a bit burnt out, I've done a full week in work". That kind of thing. Part of me now can see how language has evolved through the internet, because everything is more conspicuous. (Side note example being - something I've made up but people being "horrified, disgusted" over trivial matters, or "astounded and gobsmacked" over nothing in particular). The inflation of language.

Of course, it isn't for me to say they are not burnt out but my experience feels different and I've never fully recovered.

I have friends now who casually use "sensory overload" in my presence when things are a bit loud or bright. I don't even use these words myself except on here or in the confines of my own home.

I can't find any conclusion in myself on this matter because, as autistic people, we ARE different to the majority, but then I just see people as people and everyone is different anyway. Oh well at least I enjoy discussing it!

Unknown said:

The socials are not on my radar but I wonder how much the term comes as part of visible autistic identity? Which

Yes absolutely! The word stim is very much a part of our autistic culture and is also referred to when talking about autistic pride.

You mention blu tac and hair ties, these objects were used as great stim objects long before we had such language to describe our experiences. So in theory any object can be defined as a stim tool, as long as it meets your sensory needs.

Unknown said:

Everyone has their own difficulty and experience with life but autistic burnout is a very real thing. It's a fine line isn't it, the "ownership" of certain words

Yes I completely agree, some of these words such as stim and burnout have almost become part of a new language- the language of autistic culture. But having stated these words don’t belong just to autistic culture as for example many neurodivergent people experience burnout in distinctly different ways to the predominant neurotype.