Adults On The Autism Spectrum

Good evening, me lovelies. Just popped in to say hello. I am exhausted. Hubby has a sprained knee and it is extremely painful. We had 7 doctors appointments last week, including everyone. Our apple tree fell in a storm and we are paying a man to cut it completely down.

I was able to get a few things for the kiddos. So I would not wait until the last minute.I've been reading posts from Moms who have children on the Spectrum who have severe conditions that seem to go right along with their Autism. These children can be helped, but unfortunately our system in this country disagrees with how to treat them. Some children are so disabled that it requires almost super human effort to make any progress. Each child is different, so it is impossible to tell, at first glance, what can be done for them.

It makes me wonder about what supports I had as a small child that enabled me to excel academically. My home was pretty quiet, and I had plenty of attention. I played outdoors and had friends in the neighborhood. I had friends at church and felt loved and cared for there.

Not everyone on the Spectrum had the good fortune of having good health. Mentally, emotionally, and physically. Some have issues that must be addressed now if they are to happily live in this world. I want to learn all I can so that in some small way I can be an instrument of change.
Love and light
Mamacita Jane

Good evening, me lovelies. Just popped in to say hello. I am exhausted. Hubby has a sprained knee and it is extremely painful. We had 7 doctors appointments last week, including everyone. Our apple tree fell in a storm and we are paying a man to cut it completely down.

I was able to get a few things for the kiddos. So I would not wait until the last minute.I've been reading posts from Moms who have children on the Spectrum who have severe conditions that seem to go right along with their Autism. These children can be helped, but unfortunately our system in this country disagrees with how to treat them. Some children are so disabled that it requires almost super human effort to make any progress. Each child is different, so it is impossible to tell, at first glance, what can be done for them.

It makes me wonder about what supports I had as a small child that enabled me to excel academically. My home was pretty quiet, and I had plenty of attention. I played outdoors and had friends in the neighborhood. I had friends at church and felt loved and cared for there.

Not everyone on the Spectrum had the good fortune of having good health. Mentally, emotionally, and physically. Some have issues that must be addressed now if they are to happily live in this world. I want to learn all I can so that in some small way I can be an instrument of change.
Love and light
Mamacita Jane

@teresa, Volunteer Mentor, Happy Saturday to you!
Thank you for your kind words.
There is so much knowledge out there. More and more, we are understanding the mysteries of why we do what we do.

I am certainly differently wired.
I excelled academically until a small group of my peers was sent to the "best" school in town for gifted children.

It was not a good match for me.

The societal expectations were explicit in some ways, mysterious in otbers.

Coping mechanisms began to appear in my daily behavior. The stereotype of the pitiful child crying, rocking herself back and forth, in the closet, is not just a stereotype for this girl.

When I would do my homework every day after school, I would sit on the couch with a heavy pillow on my lap. Books spread out on top. The pressure, the heavy weight soothed my frazzled spirit.

We know now that weighted vests, weighted blankets, heavy pressure really helps us feel better.

We need that. Every day. We feel all the feels. We feel so deeply. Some of us, like myself, hear off the blooming charts. Is it any wonder there are countless little ones at the therapists' office, seeking anti -anxiety medication?

I have pictures of me in the backyard. I remember rocking back and forth as I stood under the pine trees. No one thought it odd or strange.

I remember climbing up the tallest tree holding onto a rope my Father had tied up at the very top. The thrill of actually repelling down that tree was a feeling I will never forget The sensations were once again, soothing to my Aspie nerves.

All of this is to say one thing.
Everything I do I do for these young ones coming up.
So that they will dwell on their strengths.
Build up their strengths, their abilities.
Realize everyone has limitations.
Rejoice in the concept that everyone can have a place at the table.

We adults on the Spectrum have so much to share. We help heal ourselves from years of hurt, abandonment, criticism, and worse, just by telling our stories.
Just by being told, "You are welcome here. "
Love and light,
Mamacita Jane

@mamacita - will you share more about how weighted blankets or other weighted items are useful to you or others you know who have a diagnosis of autism?

Coming soon, to a Mayo Clinic Connect Site near you......pressure, painful body sensations, and how weighted vests and blankets help those on the Spectrum. Personal stories and research, techniques used in the school systems. Everything you ever wanted to know, but were afraid to ask

Talk to you soon!
Love and light,
Mamacita Jane

@mamacita - will you share more about how weighted blankets or other weighted items are useful to you or others you know who have a diagnosis of autism?