Adults On The Autism Spectrum

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor, I think we might be a pair, alright. Laurel and Hardy. Mutt and Jeff. Flopsy and Mopsy. Heckle and Jeckle.

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Auties who are non verbal, when we refer to "talking" on this site, of course, of course, of course we are referring to whichever method of communication you personally use. If you use sign language, and you are able to send me a video message, I have a friend who can translate for me. Will it take some time? Probably. Does it matter? Not really. I want to "hear" from you all in any way that you are able to do so. If you speak French, mine is too rusty. But if we were around each other for about two weeks, I would remember it. Works with the French relatives!

If you speak Spanish, we are out of luck. My son in love could speak with you fluently. Don't know anything about Chinese or Japanese, German or Arabic. But they tell me there are apps for all of that and more. My point in all of this rambling is that I don't talk on here just to hear myself speak. That would be incredibly boring, don't you think?

I do like to share stories that I think might help someone along their way. I like to get the conversation started. I like to share information, and I will be getting better at doing that. ( When I was little, we were using chisels and hammers, carving letters onto rocks, a la Fred Flinstone)

Someone once said in front of me, oblivious to my own personal label of Autism, that Autists don't feel like other people do. I was horrified. Yet there are still plenty of folks who think that.

So, what do you say? Let's show everyone the feels! Wonderful Wednesday to you, me lovelies.

Mamacita

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As I just read this post, I feels the warm fuzzies, @mamacita

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Teresa, I don't know why I didn't manage to get this out earlier than just now. There are all kinds of communication issues that the people of my tribe encounter. Their success in life depends on whether or not their individual needs are met or not. Each person is different. I find myself drawn to people of the world with all the different languages and forms of communication. It is my special interest. One of them.

My youngest daughter days she can't take me anywhere. I talk to everyone. I have the phone number of the lady I met in the waiting room at the Base Hospital yesterday. She insisted I take it. I had already given her my one remaining Mayo Clinic Connect card, with @mamacita handwritten on it. By the looks of her body language, I could tell she was in pain. (Who says Autistics cannot feel empathy?!!)

Fortunately for me, my allergy to the three dogs who sleep in my room kicked in just about then. I sneezed furiously, and of course I said "Sorry" even though etiquette says you don't have to. (WHO says Auties don't read etiquette books?!!)

She said something to the effect of "That's ok." And that's all it took. We were off on that grand ad venture, of chatting and laughing until we almost cried. I knew she spoke Spanish, but she was fluent in English. Before our daughters were ready to leave the building, she was all set up to check out Mayo Clinic Connect.

Turns out she has one of those implants for pain control. Bless her heart, she said hers doesn't work. I told her I would study up on that. I shared with her that there were lots of groups on Connect and that I was sure one would be a perfect match for her.

She was very sweet, gave me her Puerto Rican recipe for dressing, and is now permanently embedded in my phone and in my heart. Undoubtedly Neurotypical, but no matter to this Autie's heart. I have a friend. From unexpected places. One of the many reasons I always say we are not alone. We are indeed, better together. Love and hugs,
Mamacita

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@mamacita What a delightful sense of humor! You gave me a smile for the day.

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Wow, you really won her over to Mayo Connect, @mamacita. Good work, you deserve a raise.

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Teresa, I don't know why I didn't manage to get this out earlier than just now. There are all kinds of communication issues that the people of my tribe encounter. Their success in life depends on whether or not their individual needs are met or not. Each person is different. I find myself drawn to people of the world with all the different languages and forms of communication. It is my special interest. One of them.

My youngest daughter days she can't take me anywhere. I talk to everyone. I have the phone number of the lady I met in the waiting room at the Base Hospital yesterday. She insisted I take it. I had already given her my one remaining Mayo Clinic Connect card, with @mamacita handwritten on it. By the looks of her body language, I could tell she was in pain. (Who says Autistics cannot feel empathy?!!)

Fortunately for me, my allergy to the three dogs who sleep in my room kicked in just about then. I sneezed furiously, and of course I said "Sorry" even though etiquette says you don't have to. (WHO says Auties don't read etiquette books?!!)

She said something to the effect of "That's ok." And that's all it took. We were off on that grand ad venture, of chatting and laughing until we almost cried. I knew she spoke Spanish, but she was fluent in English. Before our daughters were ready to leave the building, she was all set up to check out Mayo Clinic Connect.

Turns out she has one of those implants for pain control. Bless her heart, she said hers doesn't work. I told her I would study up on that. I shared with her that there were lots of groups on Connect and that I was sure one would be a perfect match for her.

She was very sweet, gave me her Puerto Rican recipe for dressing, and is now permanently embedded in my phone and in my heart. Undoubtedly Neurotypical, but no matter to this Autie's heart. I have a friend. From unexpected places. One of the many reasons I always say we are not alone. We are indeed, better together. Love and hugs,
Mamacita

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@sirgalahad, thank you so much! My daughter and son in love have to work. Except for Thanksgiving day. And the weekend, of course. But we wake up when Daughter comes down for coffee, and otherwise puttering around in the kitchen. So I decided to go ahead and start meal preparation early. I had planned to do it yesterday, but we had a big day.

First, Daughter and I went to the sonagram appointment and got to see baby girl's cute face. She was dancing and rolling all over the place, so we did not get the best picture. But it was wonderful to see her little nose, mouth, and fingertips. She looks a lot like her big brother.

Then we went home where Papa and I kept the six year old . Played and read with him. Then the whole crew went to see the movie The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Fun for everyone. We came home after, and rested. Aww, I'm not gonna lie. I collapsed into a coma for hours. By the time I woke up it was time for the kids to come home from work. I had made a meatloaf and pasta with veggies for dinner. Husband decided to go get takeout for him and the 13 year old. Oy vey.

I tried not to take it personally. My food tasted delicious to me. Son in love had two helpings. Guess Hubster figured the 13 year would not consume my carefully prepared meal. Junk is much preferred.

Today there will be more homework, more playing and reading, and a little bit of television. Some therapeutic housecleaning, and maybe a shower for me! Later I will attempt the perfect dressing and squash casserole for the perfect people in my life.

I am Thankful for food, shelter, friends and family. I am glad I can call on the good people who come here for support and have a safe place to tell my stories. For you all to tell your stories. It is important to be heard, even if we cannot speak a word. For all of you out there, reading these words, Happy Thanksgiving. We are better together! Love you and hope to hear from you all very soon!

Mamacita

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