One other reason that led me to think I might be on the Spectrum was the unusual way that I was able to connect with and understand a young child that I worked with years ago. Back then we really didn't know all that much about the Autism Spectrum, or what kind of specifics to use in helping young children. The Team tried everything we could think of, and kept records of what worked and what didn't. I also kept a daily journal, which was supervised by the school system psychologist. She and I worked very closely together. I did everything she asked me to and took every training she wanted me to, I read every book I could get my hands on, and slowly it dawned on me that One: I was most likely somewhere on the Spectrum and Two: I had an Empathic streak a mile wide. Many people on the Spectrum do not believe in a Power greater than themselves. They are fine, loving, kind people, but not necessarily religious. Some are Spiritual, Seekers, on a journey to find peace and the ultimate Truth. I am somewhere in the mix, and have learned that God shows up in the most difficult of circumstances. This child's Team had a handful of seekers from all different paths, united to help her live a happier, healthier life. We always laughed and said that when they make a movie about their journey, I wanted Michelle Pfieffer to play me! Now, I think Kathy Bates would be more accurate as to both my personality and appearance. I get asked if I know who I look like all the time. And my personality is very much like her as well. Who knows, maybe that movie will get made after all! Anyway, take good care of yourselves. If you feel you might be on the Spectrum, it is not the end of the world. You have options. There are many free tests you can take to help you get insight. After I bombed three major tests it was finally a relief. A blessing.

greetings and salutations from a 60 year old Autistic my handle are Sir Galahad and I am an Australian.In regards to Autism its a physiological condition which occurs at the end of the 1st trimester of the development of a new Baby. This is when the brain is laid down to change the zygote into a baby and its a genetic condition with the brain being rewired and biochemically different and hormonally different from a Neurotypical.I have recently doing self-observation as a 60-year autistic, I am a biomedical scientist by education and work history As we age the primitive brain is flooded more often by the adrenaline hormone Epinephrine and this increase anxieties and depression in the amygdala and hippocampus. My name is John and I am a friend of Mamamasitalucita. In terms of Empathy, Autistic are extremely empathetic and we do have feelings its due to the bullying intimidation and denigration we revert to our core autistic acts to calm and stabilize us. I am Australian and a senior hospital scientist Westmead children's hospital Sydney Australia .i say good day and greetings and salutations .

Hello @sirgalahad and welcome to Mayo Connect. I am so glad that you joined our discussion and I appreciate the information you shared in your post. We all learn from each other and you have offered a wonderful perspective to us of how an empathetic Autistic individual can "revert to our core autistic acts to calm and stabilize us." That comment was very insightful and helpful. We all know that bullying and intimidation are hurtful, but you have provided us with some real solid information.

Your self-observation with the aging process is also helpful.

As you are an insightful individual, I hope that you will post again.

I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Teresa

Sir Galahad, if cloning is ever ethical or possible, they need to consider you as one of the first. Your comments are thought provoking and insightful. So glad you popped in. Love and peace, Mamacitalucita

There are tests which, when taken, give you an Idea of whether or not you night be somewhere on the Spectrum. Just being different, quirky, or sensitive does not an Autie make. ADHD can have very similar traits. I can attest to that, as I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was in my fifties. They did an assessment, took my family history, spoke with me at length, and I was tested on a computer with a program specifically designed to weed out those with ADD. They said, "Congratulations! You failed miserably!" Medicine for ADHD helped for a long time, and I thought my troubles were over. But that was just the beginning. And one day at work, I was just standing there in the copy room, and suddenly I was overwhelmed. Everything was loud, way too loud. I couldn't think, I couldn't figure out how to do the task I had done many, many times, and the teacher was waiting for her copies so the class could begin working. A co -worker showed up and knew something was wrong. I was drenched in perspiration, my stomach hurt, I wanted to cry, I may have cried. I was so confused, and I couldn't understand what was happening to me. Somehow I got the papers to the teacher, and I went home later that day and made an appointment with my doctor for that very week Fast forward to the present. After many doctor's appointments, counselor visits, and much research on my part, my doctor and I determined that I am, indeed, on the Autism Spectrum. I would love to find a specialist in the area, but it is not necessary for me. I have what I need for now. If I were a young college student, I would definitely seek out an excellent specialist, so that I could receive services at the university. Some things that I had to deal with in college were so very difficult. I look back now and honestly don't know how I did it. I was just going out on a wing and a prayer! Hmm....now, that right there sounds like a good title for a book. Until we meet again, Mamacitalucita

@mamasitalucita This is a great story on your struggles that led to your diagnosis. I think that all of us feel "quirky" at times, but the feelings you expressed show the differences between someone being on the Spectrum and someone else with similar symptoms. You have great insight - thank you for sharing that with all of us!

Teresa

My focus in life is to share what I have. I was in that little cave that I made for myself for so long, when I finally got out, I knew I needed to share with others who might need a word of encouragement. I don't want anyone to go through life alone. I have more than a few physical impairments, conditions, whatever you want to call them. They do not define me. That's how I arrived at this discussion. I joined Mayo Clinic Connect a couple of years ago, interested in learning more and feeling some community. I got two for the price of one! Ha!!! Some people make caps and prayer shawls for people going through chemo, or little children at St. Jude Children's Hospital. I respect and honor that unselfish spirit to use the abilities God has given them. Me? You wouldn't want to wear a prayer shawl I made. I can't crochet worth a flip. Maybe one day someone can teach me, because it is beautiful. Until then, I will use what is in my hand. The great prophet Elijah, or was it Elisha? Well, he asked the poor widow lady what she had in her hand. She and her child were on the verge of death. No welfare program for them in the Bible. What she had was a tiny bit of oil, and some flour. He asked her to bring all the containers she could find, and to return to him. Then, a miracle happened. There was oil up to the brim and overflowing! Talk about a starter up company! Women in business for sure! When someone tells me they are ordinary, they are not special, they have no gifts, I have started asking them, "What is in your hand?" You don't have to be straight, politically astute, wealthy, prominent in your social circle, a student of psychology and behavioral science, sociable, talkative, witty, funny, Orthodox, Southern Baptist, or a Jew For Jesus to come here and share. We love you all. We want to know what you are thinking about. And we want you to know we care. Keep coming back. And give us something to talk about! We are better together. Love and light, MamacitaLucita

Great ideas, @mamasitalucita. Yes, we all have potential for our own "startup" company! We can take what we have been given and commit it as a service to others and we get more back than we could have imagined!

Teresa

thankyou M/s Teresa mentor bear hugs I am a great friend of Mamamasitalucita she invited to come and join

@sirgalahad I am so pleased that you accepted Mamamasitalucita's invitation to join our Connect Community!

Teresa