1. < Autism (ASD)

Adults On The Autism Spectrum

Posted by Mamacita, Alumna Mentor @mamacita, Apr 29, 2018

Maybe you were really shy as a child. Perhaps you took home a huge stack of books from the school library, read them, and returned them the next day. Or did your best friend find you crying in your closet, unable to answer the question "Why?" At any rate, your life could be traced to the Self-Help section of the local bookstore. Unfortunately, most of the books were not much help. ADHD seemed to fit, at times. Your shrink said you might be Bi-Polar, although she wasn't really certain. All you knew was that you rarely fit in, anywhere. One day at work, it hit you square in the face: I don't speak these people's language! Really, it was like you were all playing this game, and everyone knew the rules but you. You couldn't tell a joke, and you never "got" any joke your co-worker tried to tell you. People started getting annoyed with you, because you had a memory like a steel trap. They didn't appreciate it when you called them on the carpet. Who knew? This was my life, and worse. I finally aced several tests that pointed me to the answer to my questions. The Autism Spectrum. Guess what? Little kids with Autism grow up to be Adults with Autism. Diagnosed late in life? This is the place for you!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autism (ASD) Support Group.

Mamacita, Alumna Mentor | @mamacita | Jul 3, 2018
In reply to @hopeful33250 "@mamasitalucita I appreciate your starting this discussion of the Spectrum. This could be very enlightening for..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

@mamasitalucita

I appreciate your starting this discussion of the Spectrum. This could be very enlightening for many of our adults who have problems that seem to be beyond treatment.

Could you share a bit more about how the Spectrum diagnosis came about? Was it a professional who diagnosed you? If so, what in particular led to this diagnosis?

Once again, when sharing personal experiences on this online community, please feel free to share only as you are comfortable doing so.

Teresa

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@sirgalahad, how can I describe you? A breath of fresh air, a brother from another mother, and a gift to the Autism community. You tell it like it is. You share with your heart. You do not judge. When someone is sick or hurting, you extend your hand and give a smile. I think that you should probably write a book. I know I would buy it.

REPLY
sirgalahad | @sirgalahad | Jul 3, 2018
In reply to @hopeful33250 "@mamasitalucita I appreciate your starting this discussion of the Spectrum. This could be very enlightening for..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

@mamasitalucita

I appreciate your starting this discussion of the Spectrum. This could be very enlightening for many of our adults who have problems that seem to be beyond treatment.

Could you share a bit more about how the Spectrum diagnosis came about? Was it a professional who diagnosed you? If so, what in particular led to this diagnosis?

Once again, when sharing personal experiences on this online community, please feel free to share only as you are comfortable doing so.

Teresa

Jump to this post

i cant write properlike to writ a book ,it takes me too long .i spent 6 years writing my masters and now had 5 years on my doctorate gruff gruff .i don't have a lot to say better at carrying people and holding them up until they get on their feet

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Mamacita, Alumna Mentor | @mamacita | Jul 3, 2018
In reply to @mamacita "I think that one of the most challenging aspects that I find as an Adult on..." + (show)
@mamacita

I think that one of the most challenging aspects that I find as an Adult on the Autism Spectrum, is the ability to balance all my responsibilities at the same time that I carve out time for the creative, joyous part of me. I was so neglectful of myself for so many years, it is actually like waking up and consciously deciding who I want to be that day. Does that make any sense? There are so many demands on my time, your time, everyone's time. But we have to breathe. We have to relax, and enjoy taking our time with the beauty that is all around us. I feel as though I have been given a second chance at life. I try to stay in touch with what is going on around me. But I deliberately schedule time for me to do "Autism things" every day. To study about what makes people tick. To look at past mistakes and move on, realizing that they were lessons learned. To be patient and kind with myself helps me to be more patient and kind with others. I was not raised to be a planner. I was not raised to be organized. But for me, learning daily how to be more structured, and to plan the things that matter to me, helps me to weather the stress of living in a world that is too loud, too busy, and extremely anxiety-provoking. I am a concrete thinker. Whatever you tell me, I will believe, unless it is proven otherwise. I don't get jokes, cannot tell a joke, although people do say I have a good sense of humor. I am a Mac in a PC world. I think differently than most people, outside of the box. I don't fit in. But I do come in handy. And learning to live in the moment, to be mindful, to have balance, is a noble task. To sum it all up: Make every day count! That is my challenge!

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@mamacitalucita here. I have had more time to think of this question. Some of the most difficult challenges I have had are issues that frequently are associated with Autism. The Depression, Anxiety, and to a lesser degree, OCD. As I have said many times regarding my physical conditions, all of them respond to the power of positivity, eliminating negative self-talk, and practicing mindfulness. When one practices self-care, the diet is managed by reading everything one can and implementing legitimate, health-giving foods. Exercise, keeping busy, taking time to rest every day and just be still ...all of these things help the body, mind, and soul. There are certainly times when medication is a necessity. The more detailed and honest I am with my doctor, the better he can understand what is going on with me. If I do not tell him what is going on, his hands are tied. It took me years to tell him of my extreme anxiety. I was embarrassed, because I felt there were so many other things wrong with me. I felt so broken, so damaged. So, there you have it. It's difficult at times to find quality medical care to help you live your life as full as possible. It's even harder when you have multiple conditions that require "fine tuning." Oftentimes you are given the impression by medical staff that they find it hard to believe that one person could have so many ailments. Sometimes they even act like you are making it up. But you have to keep trying. You have to keep believing that tomorrow will be a better day. If you have co-existing conditions, they will wreck havoc with your Autism if you allow it. Keep your meds filled and take them as directed. Keep a journal, jot down times when you feel bad, or your meds don't seem to be working as effectively. Make sure you include things in your life everyday that give you joy. If you don't have any, you need to find some. They are out there. And they are in there - inside of you. Remember what you loved to do as a child? It's time to get back to it. Or a reasonable attempt. .Need a tribe? Community? Come here. We are a very diverse bunch but we work together as a team. That's what community is about. We are better together. Love and light, @mamacitalucita

REPLY
Mamacita, Alumna Mentor | @mamacita | Jul 3, 2018
In reply to @johnbishop "@mamasitalucita, you have such a positive message and outlook. Thank you for starting this important discussion...." + (show)
@johnbishop

@mamasitalucita, you have such a positive message and outlook. Thank you for starting this important discussion. I was clueless about Autism until my wife's niece had a son that was diagnosed with Autism when he was a small child. He's in his 30s now and a delight to be around. It's fun to just sit around and have a discussion on things that he likes. He is a blessing to his mother and father. Over the years I have learned a lot from him. Like you mentioned about memory, his memory is amazing. He loves trains and has done so much reading on them and visiting different museums around the country that he knows engine numbers by heart and can tell you when they were made and all of the nitty gritty details. He is like you say, a Mac in a PC world...and I love Macs!

Blessings on your day!

John

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@johnbishop, I will say that anyone who loves trains is a friend of mine! I never had a train set as a child, but I made sure my children did! I think I really got them for myself, actually! I loved trains so much. Real trains, with smoke and whistles. The noises, oddly enough, were always soothing to me. And the repetitive movements felt like someone had ordered a special stimming exhibition, just for me. The hard metal and wood that made up the body of the trains made me feel safe, protected, cozy. My Father took me on a train trip one time, just him and me. Tell your Nephew to keep up the good work in his research about trains. He's a keeper. Blessings, @mamacitalucita

REPLY
sirgalahad | @sirgalahad | Jul 3, 2018
In reply to @mamacita "I think that one of the most challenging aspects that I find as an Adult on..." + (show)
@mamacita

I think that one of the most challenging aspects that I find as an Adult on the Autism Spectrum, is the ability to balance all my responsibilities at the same time that I carve out time for the creative, joyous part of me. I was so neglectful of myself for so many years, it is actually like waking up and consciously deciding who I want to be that day. Does that make any sense? There are so many demands on my time, your time, everyone's time. But we have to breathe. We have to relax, and enjoy taking our time with the beauty that is all around us. I feel as though I have been given a second chance at life. I try to stay in touch with what is going on around me. But I deliberately schedule time for me to do "Autism things" every day. To study about what makes people tick. To look at past mistakes and move on, realizing that they were lessons learned. To be patient and kind with myself helps me to be more patient and kind with others. I was not raised to be a planner. I was not raised to be organized. But for me, learning daily how to be more structured, and to plan the things that matter to me, helps me to weather the stress of living in a world that is too loud, too busy, and extremely anxiety-provoking. I am a concrete thinker. Whatever you tell me, I will believe, unless it is proven otherwise. I don't get jokes, cannot tell a joke, although people do say I have a good sense of humor. I am a Mac in a PC world. I think differently than most people, outside of the box. I don't fit in. But I do come in handy. And learning to live in the moment, to be mindful, to have balance, is a noble task. To sum it all up: Make every day count! That is my challenge!

Jump to this post

Mamasitalucita , I bearhug you the area of the brain is the Hypercampus and amygdala and occurs when floods of Epinephrine adrenal gland hormone floods this the flight and fight hormone the Hypercampus and increases anxieties and depression . anotherfrind of mine uses cannabis oil as a nightly dose to help her depression and chronic illness and it gives her fresh relief i am on anti depression meds and usually get changed once a year .I also have cognitive based therapy useful assistance and paintingor singi g or listening to music ,helping others and cuddling a cat or dogs because of the unconditional love

REPLY
Mamacita, Alumna Mentor | @mamacita | Jul 4, 2018
In reply to @hopeful33250 "@jfsherley Hello, I appreciate your honesty in your post. I believe that what you are saying..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

@jfsherley

Hello, I appreciate your honesty in your post. I believe that what you are saying is that you do not like to pre-plan activities because you are sure that you will feel like keeping the commitment when the time comes. Is that correct?

Teresa

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Hi there, @jfsherley! You know, if I do too much one day, I pay for it the next day. I try to have a wide open space in the middle of my day where anything is possible! Kind of exciting, at least to me. If I am going out of town on the weekend, my housework is going to get done by Thursday so I don't have to do anything on Friday. If I have a friend who texts me at the last minute and says "Let's go eat Chinese!" Well too late...I've already had lunch! And here's the thing, I like to plan ahead and know what to expect. I am not the girl who loves surprises. Most of my friends get this now, because I just get real frank with them. They understand. The ones that don't understand, well, I haven't seen them in quite a while. Five months sound familiar? I like your attitude! Until next time, Mamacitalucita

REPLY
sirgalahad | @sirgalahad | Jul 4, 2018
In reply to @sirgalahad "where do i go to log a new coment" + (show)
@sirgalahad

where do i go to log a new coment

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i did find out how and posted a new discussion coment on cureing of autism

REPLY
Mamacita, Alumna Mentor | @mamacita | Jul 4, 2018
In reply to @sirgalahad "where do i go to log a new coment" + (show)
@sirgalahad

where do i go to log a new coment

Jump to this post

@sirgalahad, I am certainly no computer whiz. But I will give it a shot as it seems you and I are the only two people awake in the Free World. OK, I know it's not that funny, but I tried. For starters, at the end of this post I am making to you, right now, is a rectangle on the left hand side of the page. Click on reply. A space will open up where you make a comment or ask a question. Try that first, because I am punchy with sleepiness and have to go to sleep. If I can find more info I will send it to you. Good night, bro. Peace. Mamacitalucita

REPLY
sirgalahad | @sirgalahad | Jul 4, 2018
In reply to @mamacita "Hi everyone! How was your day? Mine was super busy, with shopping, cleaning, and getting my..." + (show)
@mamacita

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

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nigh nigh dear one sleep well i have just found a scientific medical papers that have identified 20 different genes that has been identified inpeople on the autism spectrum .this paper is from boston uni dept biology and dept pharmacology and experimental therapeutics+
paper is FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENTS IN Autism : from neurogenesis and neurite growth to synaptic plasticityby james gilbert and hemp-ye man from the frontiers in cellularneuroscience

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