Adults On The Autism Spectrum

Children with Autism become adults with Autism. Life lessons can be learned, and no one who is Autistic needs to be ashamed of who they are. We learn how to cope with the noise, the anxiety, the loneliness. We learn that it is better to count on one hand the number of good, decent friends that we have than to fill up our lives with shallow, meaningless relationships. Let us all appreciate and be grateful for the blessings with which we have been showered!

Got a tad bit overwhelmed while shopping today. Had my Grandson with me and he was looking for a new bicycle. We found the area easily, although they had changed everything around. I love this store, especially when they have good sales! We knew we weren't going to buy it on the spot, though, because we hadn't yet gone to our local " Mom and Pop" store yet. ( We like to support our locally owned merchants whenever possible.) The music was a bit too loud for my super- sonic ears to tolerate. There weren't very many people shopping, no toddlers screeching, babies crying, or rambunctious Kindergartners climbing up display stands. But I felt dizzy, uncomfortable. We had put bug spray in our shopping cart, along with a few gadgets to keep my husband cool in our sweltering summers. I snared a really cool pair of breathable shorts to garden in, and almost went to check out the clearance aisles for gym wear when I suddenly felt I had to leave. This was no panic attack, not really. I have had many, many of those throughout my life. This was something else. I quickly pushed my cart to the first available check out lane. Immediately I could sense another person come right up behind me. Glancing over to my right I saw a young boy, around ten or so, turn on one of those new gadgets that instantly plays music or answers your questions. I couldn't believe he would be so rude as to enter my space and blast me with what passed for music. His eyes met mine and I felt that he was waiting for my response. I cannot look someone in the eye for long periods of time. I had to leave. Now. I checked out as fast as I could, all the while shaking inside. I wanted to "pass" for just a typical shopper, just running errands like everyone else. But I'm not like everyone else. I hadn't been out of the house for awhile. I tend to be somewhat self-conscious of my appearance. If I forget my ear plugs, just the ordinary noise level will trigger me. I managed to get back home, safe and somewhat sound. Yet, once again, I felt like the little kid outside the window, looking in. Never fitting in. But it's ok. I can live with sensory overload. Next time, I'll remember to wear ear plugs!

You are correct, all of us "copy" behaviors we see around us. We all have cultural norms and standards, which vary somewhat from place to place. It really fascinates me. I love studying about how people live all over the world.

Hello @mamasitalucita

I just read the above post about your shopping trip which ended uncomfortably. I so admire how you were able to take this uncomfortable situation, remove yourself and then look at it again with new eyes and not be devastated by it! I wish you could teach all of us "neurotypicals" how to do that. What I really appreciate is the fact that you don't take this one experience and decide never to go out again, but instead you think that "Next time, I'll remember to wear ear plugs!"

Your attitude really is inspirational. If you ever decide to write a daily inspirational book about your experiences, I would love to read it. But for now, I'll just be content to read your posts.

Teresa

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.

For @hopeful33250, and anyone else who read my story of going to Academy Sports and getting totally overwhelmed with the noise and sights. I grabbed the buggy today, cleaned off the handle bar and the doors whooshed open! Immediately the loud music began screaming in my supersonic ears. I thought " You have your ear buds, you can use them!!!" Then immediately I decided " No, I got this." I took my buggy and headed off to look for a patio umbrella and a small /medium pool. I went down all the aisles, and found exactly what I needed , on sale. Meanwhile, Bubba and Gramps were on the other side of the store, getting Bubba's new bike. I even had a good conversation with an employee. We talked a good long time, and hopefully I laid some groundwork for some other person to come along and give her some more encouragement. And to think I almost didn't even go into the store after my last misadventure there. It felt good to be out where other families were shopping for the summer, planning on enjoying their days together. Buying things that will help them enjoy their backyards and each other. You are inspirational. You take your time to be available to people all across the world, who need a place to feel safe. A place to ask questions. I just hope more people find the blessing I have found here.

While we were on vacation recently, my youngest daughter and I watched a documentary called the Magic Pill. It features a lovely little girl who is on the Autism Spectrum and also has seizures. While I am in no way at all a nutritional advisor or medical professional, I have to say that I do heartily recommend the dietary changes this film recommends. I personally have seen the benefits in my own life. I have had chronic pain and depression, Fibromyalgia, Degenerative Disc Disease, Spinal Stenosis, to mention a few. At the age of sixty-six, I am in better shape than I have been most of my life. Changes in diet should always be discussed with one's PCP. My family physician is all on board with my decision to stay as low carb as possible. I also have Type Two Diabetes, and this way of eating has helped me weigh the lowest I have weighed since my thirty-two year old was born. The Father in the film has a blog, and I think you can also find him on Facebook. If you or someone you know has problems with sensory overload, meltdowns, communication issues or any other health related issues common to those on the Spectrum, take a look at this documentary. Remember, always continue any medications until your Physician says it's time to back off a bit. Do not self medicate or make drastic changes until you have studied it like your life depends on it. Because it does. Peace and love, MamacitaLucita.

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Thank you.

I have noticed that Asperger's, which I have, is something that doctors do not like to talk about. 🙂 I don't know what it feels like to JUST have Asperger's, but I have read that it makes the individual more likely to have other mental illnesses also, and I have them! That's me! Unfortunately! LOL.

Asperger's, along with the other mental illnesses I have, is something that I wouldn't wish on ANY human being. I'll go more in to detail later.

By the way, how come there is not a live chat room here for Mayo patients? It needs to happen!

Good questions, @usernameca
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