Adults On The Autism Spectrum

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

Hello @mamasitalucita

I noticed that you referenced that you "only have so many spoons." I have heard the Spoon Theory before, but for those who have not read it, I found the reference here: https://butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/ It is really worth the read. Click on the link, I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Thanks for this great reminder,@mamasitalucita, we all need to remember it!

Teresa

@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

Mamasitlalucita Yes you’re right, I’m still in the learning process I’ve learned not try to schedule to many things in the day I try to just do just get the main priorities done and everything thing else will have to wait can’t do the multitasking anymore. I’ve also learned that if I going to go out with a friend I can’t do to much the day before, but I have to admit this is not my personality I have always been a multitasker and it is very hard for me just to be still , some days I can if I’m hurting but it’s usally because I did to much the day before lol . But now I just try to take care of what’s the most important. Thanks for letting me know how you do it

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

Hello All:

Mayo Clinic recently posted a news feed on the topic of Happiness. I thought you might all enjoy it! Here is the link, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/newsfeed-post/happiness/?pg=1#comment-112103

I would enjoy hearing from you if anything stands out and makes a difference in your attitude!

Teresa

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

Hi everyone! How was your day? Mine was super busy, with shopping, cleaning, and getting my pedicure. That is one of the girly things I do once a month to pamper myself. You sit in a massage chair and it is just terrific. But I digress. We have an announcement to make! Our group will have a new name very soon to reflect who we are and what we do here. We are growing, and not just in numbers. So stick around, ladies and gents, the show is about to begin! ( Cue the Fiftie's TV Music!) Until we meet again, MamacitaLucita

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

Teresa