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Adults On The Autism Spectrum
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!
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@lioness,@sirgalahad, and members of the Autusm community , thank you for your encouragement.
Checking in here is like coming home, to me. Home is where they have to take you in. That was said by a very famous individual whose name escapes me at the moment.
Been a pretty rough couple of months. Burnt out, exhausted, and facing difficult decisions.
I have only been on ADHD meds for a week, tomorrow. I noticed major improvement immediately, which was a very good sign. Tomorrow I have an intake meeting with a counselor. It may turn out that the ADHD meds were all I needed. That and lots of rest and space.
Just trying to cover all the bases. It won't do any harm to see if there is an underlying mood disorder. My PCP is very thorough, and only wants to be certain I am on the right path.
With good people like you by my side, I can handle it.
Mamacita
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5 Reactionsall the best remember to have written your signs feelings anxieties and streesors whilst you were off the neds including the shingle sand other immune health issue sand burnt out and drained beyond the pale
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4 Reactionsok gang I will be on my phone mamacita you will have to contact me thru that means I wont be on mayo till next tuesday
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3 ReactionsI will. It's hard dealing with new medical professionals. Anxiety over what I will say. Will this be a total waste of my time or will this be helpful?
I remain optimistic. Will let you know as soon as I can how it all turns out.
Hugs and positive vibes all around.
Mamacita
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3 ReactionsOk, John..take care. Love and light to you!
Mamacita
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3 Reactions@teresa,hopeful33250 , getting ready to walk out the door to bare my soul to a complete stranger who quite possibly is at least one generation younger than me , is likely not trained very well in geriatric conditions, Autism in Adults,
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And I am scared. You go in and tell the truth after baring your soul on page after page of forms listing your psychological and medical history, as well as that of your parents and close relatives.
On paper, I look like a train wreck.
On paper, I should not be the hopeful, happy, joyful person I am.
On paper, I have physical conditions going all the way back to childhood trauma that should have killed me long ago.
But I'm still here.
They asked me on paper one of the hardest questions I have ever had to answer.
"When did you first experience suicidal ideation and what were your plans?"
What will they think if me when I have to explain that I had to be between 2 and 4 years old....
What will they think of me when I have to explain that I bonded as an infant to my nanny who they had to let go when I was a year old?
How will they look at me, what will they write down in that paper in front of them, when I say that my mother was so very ill, she didn't want me and could not be a mother to me? What will they think about me.....when I tell them I have overcome so much? But not without help.
I just don't know. I just know I have to make a start, to protect my health and do the proper self care needed to live my best life. An abundant life.
Coffee first. Then I'm off.
Say a prayer. Send positive vibes and all the positive energy you can my way.
I appreciate it. Love and light to every one of you, my Autists and Allies. You are amazing and I love each and every one of you for being here.
I feel so much better just talking with you.
Mamacita Jane
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5 ReactionsLisa Lucier, Connect Moderator....kerp me in your thoughts as best you can.
It is so difficult sharing personal information to a complete stranger.
Autistics feel very deeply.
We take criticism so painfully seriously.
I have been on the other side of that desk.
I know by experience some of the things she will tell me .
When working with my own clients, I never write anything down until my client leaves or I drive away, if it is,a home visir.
That is how sensitive we can be.
I hope you have a wonderful day today. Thank you for your support. It means the world to me.
Mamacita Jane
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4 ReactionsDear @mamacita,
No matter the age of the person who you will see, I'm sure he/she will be just as amazed by your spirit and determination as I am (and everyone else on Connect). Go into this appointment recognizing you are a gem and you will shine brightly! Love and light to you my friend!
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5 Reactions@mamacita What this person should do and say is, "You're amazing, You're such an example of how strong people can overcome negatives in their life. You're a shining presentation of how to use your situations as a stepping stone, and not a millstone. I want to help you feel and be the best you can and want to be." That's what this person should say, and we'll all line up to tell him/her just that! Sending gentle cyber hugs and uplifting prayers on wing.
Ginger
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4 ReactionsTeresa,Ginger,John....everyone from Mayo Clinic Connect, and all our friends and allies, Auties and those who think they might be Autistic: greetings from the land of the living!
As many of you know, I recently had to get some of my meds changed around a bit so that I can be my best self. We are not done yet, by any stretch of the imagination. But it is progressing along, no doubt as it should .
I am being forced to slow down, rest, and relax. I even talk to myself in my own counselor voice, which gets kind of crazy, but at least I give good advice!
I could not resist that.
I want to make Mayo Clinic Connect my go to. From now on, when I get a moment and I feel like I need to check in to see what's going on lately, this is where I want to be.
It's hard for me to leave once I arrive. But I am sure we can work something out.
Anyway, I just wanted to check in with you guys. It is so hard for me to slow down and take it easy. But I have to, to keep my blood pressure from going sky high. I want to be around a long time.
You guys make life easier when the road is rough. I appreciate all the work you do to help others. Including this crazy old cat lady.
Talk to you later, loves.
Mamacita Jane
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5 Reactions