I'm Autistic - Ask Me Anything

[WeMarchOn]

I'm an Autistic adult, ask me anything!!

Ooh, I'll start! Were you diagnosed as a child or as an adult, and are you male or female? What is your number one helpful thing that gets you through the day?

Hi thanks for this, great idea!
What one thing would make your daily life better for you, in terms of other people's habits and behaviours?

Is there anything, as a child you wish your parents did differently. I have a severely autistic non verbal
Son and would love any advice, tips, insights that you can offer

Did you go to a specialist school or mainstream school? How were those experiences and did they affect/influence your future in any way?

@Lougle I'm female and was diagnosed 4 years ago aged 33.
I try to not overwhelm myself by doing too much in a day.

@marykissmouse I think would have to be if people don't understand my habits etc, I have contamination OCD and if someone doesn't follow my rules I become really really anxious

@clpsmum i was diagnosed as an adult so i was just treated the same as my siblings, I wish Autism back then was known as I could have had strategies and coping mechanisms in place

@januaryblues21 i was in mainstream school, it was tough like really tough! I'm quirky and people picked at my vulnerability

Hi! How often are you “aware” that you have perhaps said/done something that others might deem unconventional/socially unacceptable? Does it upset you if you do notice? Thanks :)

@Evangelinedream I'm always aware mostly afterwards, I can be very blunt and direct. In a situation though I will just speak my mind and say things without regard to peoples feelings, however I have empathy so I feel bad afterwards

Can I ask what some of your habits and rules are?

What made you get diagnosed as an adult? I believe my sister has Autism but has been misdiagnosed. How do you get a diagnosis? Is it a very long process? How did a diagnosis help you?

My dad has autism. I don’t. He found it impossible to show affection or love. He also was extremely blunt and found it hard to be interested in what I was doing.

I’ve grown up with huge issues around self worth and have been in counselling for it. We have traced most issues back to how my dad treated me. He was a decent man, responsible and law abiding. But his autistic features have massively affected me. I find it extremely difficult to have a relationship with him. I once asked him whether he ever noticed when other people were upset. His response was “there is a difference between noticing and not feeling the need to do anything about it”. I feel this sums him and his condition up completely. I think he is capable of feeling though. When I’ve told him that his lack of compassion or concern for me is incredibly hurtful, he seems affected. Not that he understands what to do with this information.

Sorry, not really the right thread to vent on. Do you have children? Do you feel your autism has affected your parenting?

His response was “there is a difference between noticing and not feeling the need to do anything about it”.

That is so revealing! It's often a source of tension in my house. DD2 has ASD and DH has traits which I believe would give him a dx if he pursued it. We have long-SMP arguments where I try to get him to see my point of view, so that he understands how, or why, or what upset me, and the end result is ..... I can tell that he doesn't want me to be upset, but can't see what he should do differently to achieve that.

It is revealing isn’t it!

Sadly it is that issue that has put me in months of counselling. We are barely on speaking terms whilst I deal with it. My counsellor is trying to help me to accept that he cannot change. It’s very hard and I feel pretty bitter about autism in general!

Are you scared of loud noises?

Are you in a relationship and if so, are they neurotypical?
Do you expect neuro-typicals to accommodate your condition and if so, how?

Do you have friends?

@SauvignonMum I'm not really one for structure and routine, I'm so unorganised!!
One ritual is I have a bath without fail every morning, I wouldn't cope if that changed.
Before I went on a diet I would go to the local shop and buy exactly the same things every day

@Noonefightslikegaston i was looking up Aspergers for my daughter and i was like hang on this is me!!
I was very very lucky, went to GP in the April, was tested in June and diagnosed in the July

@BeOurGuest I have 3 children, 2 are Autistic also, I'm quite empathetic and I show affection towards my children and Husband, however I don't hug anyone else and my friends know not to try.
I hate when people talk to me and they touch my shoulder.

@amyk91 loud noises can make me jump but not really scared

@Sallygoroundthemoon yes married to an NT

@Sallygoroundthemoon he is very supportive and knows my quirks and accommodates for it

@lerrimknowyouretheyir yeah I have friends, however I'm not a sociable go out with friends type of person