Celebrations and Being on the Spectrum

I was diagnosed in my 40’s, when I was in medical care for breast cancer and one of my doctors asked me, and pursued the question. Although many of us on the spectrum have some similar issues, we are also different. @mamacita once said that when you’ve met a person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism. I thought that was quite profound. Understanding some of the similarities help our families understand us.
Here is a list of books available on the topic. A website called goodreads.com might be able to narrow the list. Anything written by Temple Grandin will be very insightful as well, if you can find it at your library.

Your book suggestion will be a tremendous help. My husband just asked me “how did the ER Doc determine this condition”.
The family Dr once suggested he journal for relaxation. He enjoyed it but now has stopped. I’ll get a journal book today. Maybe he’ll share how he feels.
If possible, could you tell me how the doctor presented this condition. If so where there specific clues.
I’m so glad I found this group and here I join the Mayo connect to learn about Bipolar.
Wishing health and blessings in 2022. Happy New Year to all. ❤️

I can now relate to how you felt in that situation. These words of wisdom will help me to understand my loved ones feelings at a higher level.

I think this doctor was pretty tuned in to people being on the spectrum, because he picked up on things no one else ever did. The things he mentioned were a different syntax, a need for all the information, walking on my toes when nervous, and not really liking to be touched. He just asked if I was autistic, I said “no, I am just strange”, he said “no you are not, I think you are brilliant, but I also suspect you are autistic”. He also knew me from my business so I agreed to let him refer me and sure enough. I am not just weird, I am on the spectrum.
Just like that I felt better about being different. I get to balance out the weird, with brilliant! 😂

@auntieoakley As you mentioned before @mamacita's words of "once you've met an autistic person, well, you met one autistic person" rings true again. Along with all the discussion groups we members share here, about different journeys to health and our experiences, being on the autism spectrum is like a pendulum. What fits for one may not fit for another, and even our little toehold on that pendulum slides around from time tot time!

My oncologist is thrilled that I take such a diehard interest in my health issues, preferring to call me an "involved patient" rather than "difficult", as I come in each month with a list of questions. Writing things down means, for me, more clarity.

Being different is a good thing! And being brilliant is an added bonus!
Ginger

Ginger - "@mamacita's words of "once you've met an autistic person, well, you met one autistic person" rings true again." AMEN! I managed a number of people on the spectrum in my career (many gravitate to tech jobs) and each one was unique. We have family members on the spectrum, and each is awesome in their own way.
Perhaps that is why it takes so long to diagnose so many...

My daughter, as a school nurse to many kids of different backgrounds, has learned to never use the words "autism" and "spectrum" with the parents because the concept is frightening in some cultures. She uses "neuro-atypical" and carefully explains how different people process life in a variety of ways. It seems almost everyone can understand and accept this concept, and will often agree to an assessment "to help your student be the best they can be"

What do you think of this approach?
Sue

@sueinmn Before retiring, I sometimes had the duty of training people in new procedures. As someone on the spectrum, this left me in great distress to make sure I would actually "get through" to those who were supposed to learn. I approached it from the idea that everyone can learn. Some by listening, some by seeing things written down and following instructions, some by hands-on. And any combination of those is fine. The goal is to do what it takes to learn/understand/apply new information. I believe it made me a better instructor because I had already dealt with the challenges of exposure as a neuro-atypical. I was more accepting, more understanding, of those who had a difficult time with concepts. And, really, there were several who just didn't have what it took to do the detailed and critical work! There is a lot of stigma attached to words, isn't there?
Ginger

Lol, he called me high maintenance.

I understand that the Autism condition is often a common denominator in brilliant people. I’m researching talented people with possible Autism.
I’m not sure of my future findings. I’ll send any new information onto our group. If this research has already been presented please let me know as to not be repetitive.
Thanks to all for sharing your experiences.

That would be great, thank you. I don’t believe any research or studies have been posted here. There might some on other conversations. I wish there was more on adults diagnosed with it. There is a lot of research on children an adolescents, but I never see much about adults. Maybe we mask better than we think?