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Low energy and intrusive thoughts

Autism (ASD) | Last Active: Dec 8, 2024 | Replies (4)

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@klash89

My formal diagnosis as a kid was Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). I fell one requirement short of Asperger's. But they keep changing the labels and now by the medical community's standard I'm just considered to be on the autism spectrum.

As for what you said about the physical exam, I have had many tests done, and all of them have come back saying that my levels are normal. I eat pretty healthily, making sure to avoid junk food most of the time and getting vegetables in most days. I get a good amount of sleep every night, although I have to take melatonin for that to happen (I practice good sleep hygiene to a strict degree, despite what the need for melatonin would lead you to believe. I suspect this need for melatonin is caused by my condition producing the low energy and intrusive thoughts.) I no longer exercise aside from walking. This is because even though I've been told that exercise will increase a person's energy over time, the last couple of times I tried that it did not increase mine. And yes, I stuck to that exercise for more than just a few days. A significant portion of my day is spent resting/sleeping, so I want to invest my time in what things are higher on my priorities, and exercise is a lower priority for me, one reason being is that I'm a skinny guy with a fast metabolism. I have not had any traumatic experiences.

My interests are reading and illustrating. It's only recently that I've really gotten into illustrating, so I'm trying to build up my skill.

I'm a young adult and I'm still having to live with my parents because of my low energy. I wasn't exaggerating when I said we have tried just about everything to get myself back to normal. But thank you for responding to my post.

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Replies to "My formal diagnosis as a kid was Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). I fell one requirement short..."

@klash89 It appears you are trying different things, and have a handle on what hasn't worked for you so far. I was formally diagnosed, as an adult, with Aspergers Syndrome and can understand some of the obstacles you are facing.

A couple of things I would suggest:
- start writing out your thoughts, and illustrating them if so inclined. A couple of years ago I started a conversation here on Mayo Clinic Connect: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/journaling-the-write-stuff-for-you/
For me, journaling has been quite insightful. And as you will read this thread, there are so many ways to approach this. It's not just words, you can expand into art journaling, writing poems, essays, etc. A look back after some time doing this, you may find your enthusiasm and energy has increased. My preference is to do it long-hand, for a couple of reasons: much more portable for me, and I can see how my mood is when looking at the handwriting.

- Zentangle is a great form of "meditative art" if you'd like to call it that. I discovered this in 2018, and it has changed my life! https://zentangle.com/ Take a look at their website

Remember, one's normal is not always another's normal, even in the autism world. We get upset and tired of being stuck in one spot, and it takes a great deal of commitment and effort to make a change. Even if we do not find the right key at the beginning, it is important to keep trying. Sometimes little changes at a time will make a difference in the long run. I am glad you came here to find a path.
Ginger