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Aspergers - Blog Posts
As an autistic, same. All us neurodivergents should travel in packs to relieve this societal tension. Let people be weird and/or nontypical! We’re not hurting anyone by being different from the average. <3
half of my time spent in public spaces consists of me wondering if i’m acting normal enough
For REAL.
While high-functioning may appear more “normal” to neurotypical people, in my experience, it takes a lot of hard work to appear that way. Hence the term “masking.” You’re essentially wearing a mask to appear more neurotypical to the people around you, but there’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes to help keep the facade up, and it is super tiring for the people doing it. I may be able to keep a bubbly and open presence at a party, but I know for dang sure I’m going to lock myself in a quiet room when I return home so I can decompress and process.
Oh yes, this is a really helpful guide. It can also be helpful to non-autistics as well! Some symptoms of ASD can also cross over to other conditions like PTSD and ADHD. It’s important to recognize your limits and know when you need to step away!
Some things that tip me off when I’m getting overloaded are on this list, but disassociation and the freeze response can also be reactions of overload too. So can becoming mono-syllabic or non-verbal.
Another important thing: don’t belittle yourself for needing a break! Everyone needs one from time to time, even neurotypicals. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. If anything, knowing how to take time for yourself in stressful situations is a sign of good boundaries and good mental health! I wish more parents taught this stuff to their kids; so many meltdowns could have been avoided.
Clues to help you figure out if an autistic friend or loved one is in overload
Overload is basically the point where our Autistic brains can no longer handle input. It's not a meltdown or shutdown, but more of a mental checkout. Frequent overloads, however, can lead to meltdowns or shutdowns.
It's important not to assume that we will have overload only in loud or busy environments. Autistic brains often process information at a much slower pace than a NT brain, so even quiet environments can cause overload if something triggers it.
Note: not every autistic experience is the same and these are general guidelines only.
Common signs of overload:
Loss of facial expression or difficulties in making facial expressions. May start to exaggerate facial expressions, too, as they are struggling to mask.
Staring off into space, easily distracted, struggling to pay attention etc.
Increased stimming.
Difficulties in speaking such as stuttering, forgetting words, mixing up sounds, or difficulty speaking at all.
May try to cover their ears, eyes etc to sensory input.
Increased sensitivities and may include new or unique sensitivities.
Headaches or feeling physically sick such as sweating, stomach ache etc.
Fellow Autistics: what signs would you like for others to know?
Oh yeah, for sure. Especially with conditions like Autism.
It’s often hereditary—and chances are that if you have it, a family member has it too. High-functioning ASD can often slip under the radar, and a lot of people get diagnosed later in life because of that.
The funny thing about figuring out youre neurodivergent is looking through your family and starting to notice youre definitely not the only one
has anyone else noticed their sensory issues getting worse during quarantine? particularly my sensitivity to sound has worsened. I feel like I’ve had the ability to control my surroundings so much that going out in public now is a real struggle cause it’s just so loud and chaotic.
do not do any of these things pls thank you
Please don't be shitty like these three people are. The source of this post is the Twitter account of FayeFahrenheit.
That near-meltdown point when you feel like you can kinda control it and you ask yourself "am i here to make a scene or am i here to silently die inside"
i would punch the next guy that made an “ass burgers” joke to me except my hand eye coordination is crap so i’ll just post about it instead
Why do people treat autism like it’s such a bad thing? It just means the chemical makeup of your brain is different than others. It’s not that bad and you can learn to live with it. I have it, and I’m just like other people. I have feelings, thoughts, fears, ideas, friends, people I love, and many other things. I’m just a bit more awkward. It’s not that bad.
Here’s some really good information on Autism_Acceptance to read.
Autism Is Not a Limitation
Temple Grandin, professor of animal science at Colorado State, was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2. Instead of letting this diagnosis limit her, she called upon her individual strengths and talents to find success in her life, and she is encouraging others to do the same.
Grandin recently spoke at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she discussed her activism in connecting Autistic individuals with higher education or careers. Grandin stresses that everyone, including employers, should focus on the unique characteristics and strengths of each person with ASD, and not their perceived limitations. According to Grandin, “There is too much emphasis placed on the deficit, and not enough on the strength”, she continues, “I’m seeing a lot of getting completely hung up on their Autism, caught up in a handicapped mentality”.
Temple Grandin (photo credit: Melanie Rieders)
Autistic children often have the ability to process material visually, as well as the ability to have an incredible focus on subjects of their interest. “Kids on the spectrum tend to get fixated on the things they like,” Grandin states, “so you need to use those fixations to teach kids different subjects.” For example, if a child has a fixation on airplanes, the teacher should incorporate planes in the teaching matter for physics, engineering, math, or even history.
Lastly, Grandin stated that there should be a stronger focus on the transition from childhood to one’s teenage years. In order to prepare them for adulthood, children should be given responsibilities and tasks. A strong foundation needs to be made in order for the child to potentially handle the responsibilities of employment at an older age.
As today marks the start of National Autism Awareness Month, it is important to realize that Autistic individuals need guidance and support in order to accomplish their goals and find confidence in themselves. Mentors are an essential part of the learning process for Autistic children. They can challenge children to learn things out of their comfort zone, while providing the patience and support that the child needs.
As Autism Awareness month continues, ICare4Autism will be sharing inspiring stories, recent news, and significant research findings about Autism. Additionally, we will be highlighting several self-advocates, who despite their diagnosis, have showcased their strengths and incredible gifts. We will also be distinguishing the eye-opening truth from the misconceptions about Autism that are often talked about or misrepresented in pop culture. We are looking forward to using this month as an incredible opportunity to spread awareness about Autism!
The ICare4Autism International Conference will be discussing the Global Autism Workforce Initiative on June 30th in NYC. An esteemed roster of speakers will be discussing the importance of implementing programs that incorporate Autistic individuals in the workplace. For tickets, please click here
AspieCon is part Aspergers Convention, part resource fair. There a several panels, activities, CosPlay, D&D and more!
I realize I was rather polite ("safe") when I created this. There have been times Thanksgiving has been just fine. But there have been others that were overwhelming. Then there were the times it included a person or two who thinks Asperger's is a load of bull and who ends up making things tense. In short, Thanksgiving can be complicated... How are these get together's for you?
Being female on the spectrum means wearing a mask for far too many. It's hard to be ourselves in public, around others, but we must. We must love ourselves enough to be ourselves wherever we are. We must be brave enough to try.
But theory and practice aren't always the same, are they? And neurotypicals can be cold, callous, and cruel.
I'm finally choosing to be "me." It's not always easier, but the more I try, the better it is. The healthier it is. Do I have autism? Maybe; they didn't diagnose girls when I was younger. I do share a lot of traits. For one, I have Sensory Processing Disorder, for sure. I'm as socially awkward AF. But my daughter is def an Aspie. I've seen her put the masks on. And I'm proud of her for choosing to grow into herself.
To hell with the masks - let's finally be free to be...us.
Claim courage and you will find a way to improve your life. 💕
Run with the Stars
I’m a writer, a published author. This reality humbles me. But lately I feel like I’m running a million miles an hour and making as much progress as someone trying to cross a finish line on a treadmill.
Getting this third manuscript pulled together has taken much longer than I ever anticipated. And that’s just to get it ready for submission (for consideration). Most of the reasons for this slow down are varied and valid. Shifting gears from creative nonfiction to fiction is an adjustment; one I underestimated. Life also happens and sometimes won’t take a backseat to anything. But there are other aspects I can control, instead of letting them run the schedule.
One thing my Aspergirl pointed out to me in the middle of all this was how this MS read more like naked retelling of events rather than allowing the reader a true glimpse into a new world. Her advice woke me up. It made me realize as much as I love writing, I had become stale. It explained why the last handful of articles I wrote feels flat. I’m grateful for her and her insight. I know what I needed to fix this; I needed to reacquaint myself with nature.
Can you relate?
Sometimes writing means we spend too much time ignoring our senses. We become dull and lack sheen. Our minds become hungry for stimulation a keyboard and laptop screen will never be able to provide. We need to step away and step outside, or at least peer out the window. We need to feel the breeze tousle our hair, to watch the leaves swirl about when a storm is heading our way. To sense the electricity in the air before the sky opens and drenches the dry grass. To hear the rapping of the rains against our windows, hoping we remembered to close everything up tight. To feel ourselves tense up when thunder makes our home feel like it will expand and contract with each burst.
In other words, our bodies as well as our minds need to know we are, indeed, alive. This life will be reflected in our writing, as well as any deadness that lingers inside.
~Julie
🙌🙌🙌 Preach! 🙌🙌🙌
“Me Too”
It’s important to remember that when an Autistic person gives a “me too” response or story it’s not to steal your thunder or make light of your situation, but instead to show solidarity with you, and show that we understand what you are going through. So when you tell us what you are going through, and we respond with our own story of when it happened to us, please keep that in mind.
My publisher, Future Horizons, has this free social stories piece written by Carol Gray specifically for victims of hurricane Harvey, but also applies to Irma. Grab it and share it if you feel it will help. Esp helpful for parents.
Read it? Tell me your thoughts.
The Stranger and the "A" Word
Recently, someone introduced herself to me and then immediately asked what I do. When I mentioned living life immersed in the Autism Spectrum (Asperger's), this stranger gave me quite the blank stare. She left me wondering if she thought Asperger's was a myth. Or that she felt living life as a Neurotypical is "better than". And that my career as a writer and advocate was "less than". But she didn't utter anything other than a few barely audible words. Somehow mentioning the "A" word left her speechless. I wanted to tell her she'll catch flies with a mouth open wide like that. But, I didn't. I was in church. And so was she. And I'm striving to be better than that. Maybe she merely didn't know how to respond? Still, there are far too many who will never "get it" and that...gets me.
If anyone can provide me with links to websites or other info about ADD & Asperger’s I would appreciate it a lot. As a kid, Iwas diagnosed with ADD and on the lower spectrum of Asperger’s, but right now I’m feeling so confused on what it means to have them. For so long I’ve been thinking it’s a normal part of me, and unfortunately I’m not getting the proper medication due to personal reasons.
I’ve come to the realization that I don’t like taking pills so I’m looking into other ways to help combat my ADD & Asperger’s. Acupuncture is an option I’m looking at right now. For so long I’ve felt out of place in the world because of my conditions already no with depression.
The passion I have for writing is nonexistent due to my jumbled up feelings. I love to read and do research on topics about plants, animals, and anything fantasy. Sometimes though, that makes me feel even more isolated because what I research seems weird.
I really want to understand myself since I think that will help me improve both mentally and physically. Any info would be appreciated.
I HATE feeling like an outcast. I HATE feeling like an alien. I HATE having to try hard to appear as normal. I HATE how my way of thinking makes me so strange. I HATE feeling and being different. I HATE feeling and being alone. I HATE being autistic.
I'm here with you on this. It's such a scary thing to have to look them in the eyes and see a different glance staring back. It's especially hard to have to rationalize everything that happened in your head, just enough so to make sure your friend has some sort of clue what you're talking about when you explain the situation later on. Cause they're gonna ask. And you'll have to answer. And it's so nerve-wracking. Ugh
Nobody talks about how hard it is to face people again after you've had an episode in front of them
Once they've seen you do full-force into self-destruct, they always look at you with a sense of wariness and like you're not the person they thought you were
The shame makes me want to rip my skin off