Duh?? But I thought... I once asked a a question on a popular AS Facebook page that said: "What are some things you ladies do to cope with sudden changes in life?"
I became alarmed when I got NO responses (!!!). An inevitable part of AS and Autism is mood swings and anxiety, which can cause meltdowns. Sudden, unexpected changes can put this process in high gear. So, I thought I would share with you a few simple things I do (or try to do) to make changes and transitions easier. Now I'm no doctor, and certain conditions need a doctor's diagnosis, care etc. Use your best judgement at knowing when to see a physician.
1. Learn to say NO
This is a HUGE one, so I'll start off with that. One of my favorite songs says it best: "There'll never be an end to the request upon your time. It's your place to stand up & tell the world you gotta rest a while.". I know this can be super hard for us super sensitive Aspies, but sometimes it's the only way. If you're like me, you also struggle with an internal guilt because you really LOVE your "cave" and your alone time. As in, too much. :) Just as sometimes, we have to make ourselves get up and function...sometimes, we need to do the opposite. When you need some ME time, take it. Believe it or not, you CAN say no to some of the countless functions and activities that your friends, family and co-workers are just determined that you join (especially if they know you have a tendency to "hibernate," and they feel it's their duty to "bring you out of your shell". Be careful. Sometimes we need to be in the shell for a while to recharge. Take your time. This can be especially critical around the holidays.
2. Make a List
This is something that will help you prepare for later when you DO have anxiety & tension. What things help you settle down? For me, usually it's certain tastes in my mouth: hard candy, or Hershey's kisses, a cold Pepsi? Maybe 3x5 cards with meditations, Bible verses, or favorite quotes. For some, having something to hold, or squeeze helps with stimming and helps take the edge off when nerves are on end. Try to keep these things with you...in your purse, bag, briefcase, pockets, backpack, lunch bag or in your car.
3. Step Outside
This is not always possible, but, whenever the situation permits, go get some air. This can help you get your thoughts together and calm down.
4. Take some deep breaths
This is for those times when you can't step outside or take a restroom break. Breathe in. Breathe out. Repeat. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and slowly breathe through your nose, this way, you take a much deeper breath and that helps your body relax.
5. Say it with Music
I have certain music I use that helps me calm down. Keep your favorite device & headphones with you. Organize your favorite playlists, or download your favorite music on to CD's. Nature sounds also work wonderfully for this. I love ocean waves, myself. Note: this can help a lot with sleep as well. Concentrating on music, comforting words or sounds can lessen anxiety and stress at night.
6. Reward Yourself
When facing something that perhaps you're are dreading to do, think of ways to reward yourself in the process. Make a special stop for example. Is there a favorite restaurant or coffee place on the way home? A bookstore, a look at antiques, is there a movie you really want to see? Go see it now! Note: sometimes a reward can become something as simple as a walk to the vending machine, if you're at work all day, or waiting at the hospital, say. Sit in your car & listen to a favorite radio program maybe.
7. Know your Triggers
This can be another list. For instance, I tend to get tension headaches, so I keep some pain reliever with me, just in case. If I really anticipate a stressful day, I'll even take it in the morning before I get started with the day. I also get butterflies in the stomach sometimes, so I keep some pepto tablets or antacids handy too. Now, I don't recommend using these things everyday. I only keep them just in case other things don't work, or are not practical.
8. Go Natural
I have two bottles of drops on my kitchen counter. They are both plant extracts that I got at a health food store. One says: anxiety and tension on the label, the other says failure and inadequacy. They are formulas designed for each. I take three drops of each on my tongue in the morning when I get up. Now I'm not giving away any names because different things work for different people, and some things don't work for certain people. I'll just say that they work for me... and with no side effects or higher doses. Do your research. There are a lot of supplements and remedies out there for anxiety, tension, and mood changes that really work, and have no side effects. They're natural. Just make sure you read up on them and use them correctly :)
9. Take Sheldon's Advice
On "The Big Bang Theory," whenever someone is upset, Sheldon offers them a hot beverage. Course, with Sheldon, this is not optional. This person is being comforted...whether they like it or not! :). But personally, I find that Sheldon's advice works...and you have as many options as you like! Hot tea, hot chocolate, hot cider, hot buttered rum :). You name it...it's quite comforting. Anything from Starbucks works! Just settle in and sip slowly...try it...I dare you! :)
10. Make A Space
Weather it is your bedroom, a corner of your house, or even a closet. Find a space in your house that you can make a refuge. A place that you can go to for relaxing when you're stressed. Fill it with things that comfort you: books, journals, favorite pillows, candles, CD's, favorite artwork, the sky's the limit! Just keep it simple, so the space doesn't defeat it's purpose. This can be where you go, say, during or after a meltdown. The best spaces can be one's that are not even in the house. :) my ideal space is one where I can shut out all lights and sound if I want to. Just do the best you can, and relax! :)
Hopefully, these things can help with stress anxiety and the Meltdowns that come with Autism and AS.
Showing posts with label depression. Show all posts
Showing posts with label depression. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Ripe Old Age :)
Duh?? But I thought...
What is it like for those who are elderly and have AS? Not even sure what made me think of this. Are there a lot of symptoms of AS that are simply attributed to "aging," and lost on most people...maybe even the person with AS? :). Does AS become worse as we age, or does it seem to, because we ARE aging? Hmmmm... I've read on various pages and things, that it does seem to become worse as we age. I suppose it all depends. For instance, women (in particular) with AS, can have a lot of difficulty with fine motor skills and depth perception. They can also have poor muscle tone. Doesn't all this tend to get worse as we age anyway? Usually. But how much more profound would it be for someone who always had issues with these things, and aging is making it all much worse? Now, most people with AS tend to have very long memories; but oftentimes our short term memories really fail us. We must have things repeated for us many times. I know I need this a lot! :). In fact, this is how things make it into my long term memory. I'm pretty sure, this is how it works for NTs too, but as usual, for those with AS, it tends to be more frustrating and more profound.
Anyway, I know I have often gotten a reputation for not listening, not paying attention, and not caring what others are saying. I often can't retain what was said to me until I hear myself say it. I don't know why...I'll have to ask God one day. But anyway, people can become upset and frustrated with me... "I just said that!". That kinda thing. So, how is it when all of this is exacerbated by age? Sensory difficulties, sensitivity to light and sound; difficulty retaining what is said to you because your brain must process all that is going on around you, (stimuli)and it might be that the aging process has caused all these things to be even more profound than they already were. Can we have enough patience to say the same thing a thousand times... to be understanding when someone steps right on us or backs into us, because they literally don't know where their body is in terms of space? This is WEIRD, yes...at least, I think so. And I hate it! But it happens to me all this time! Can AS possibly be confused with Alzheimer's? I don't know. And I'm no doctor. This makes me wonder how much worse Alzheimer's is made if someone also has AS or HFA (??).
The thing is, it's expected that someone who is aging will have things like memory loss, moodiness, poor coordination and balance, that kinda thing. So how often are the intense challenges and struggles of someone with AS masked by aging? Add to this, the fact that many elderly people living with AS have been living with it all their lives... But nobody knew what it was! What do you have to tell yourself all your life just to make it through? How many elderly folks today just grew up with the label of "slow," "clumsy," or even "retarded"? Maybe they struggled socially and academically at school. Maybe boys were bullied terribly, but their parents just thought "Boys will be boys"? So can we discern AS or autism in an elderly person, and if so...how do we tell? I'm not sure. Hmmm...how would one even find out more about this? I wonder...
What is it like for those who are elderly and have AS? Not even sure what made me think of this. Are there a lot of symptoms of AS that are simply attributed to "aging," and lost on most people...maybe even the person with AS? :). Does AS become worse as we age, or does it seem to, because we ARE aging? Hmmmm... I've read on various pages and things, that it does seem to become worse as we age. I suppose it all depends. For instance, women (in particular) with AS, can have a lot of difficulty with fine motor skills and depth perception. They can also have poor muscle tone. Doesn't all this tend to get worse as we age anyway? Usually. But how much more profound would it be for someone who always had issues with these things, and aging is making it all much worse? Now, most people with AS tend to have very long memories; but oftentimes our short term memories really fail us. We must have things repeated for us many times. I know I need this a lot! :). In fact, this is how things make it into my long term memory. I'm pretty sure, this is how it works for NTs too, but as usual, for those with AS, it tends to be more frustrating and more profound.
Anyway, I know I have often gotten a reputation for not listening, not paying attention, and not caring what others are saying. I often can't retain what was said to me until I hear myself say it. I don't know why...I'll have to ask God one day. But anyway, people can become upset and frustrated with me... "I just said that!". That kinda thing. So, how is it when all of this is exacerbated by age? Sensory difficulties, sensitivity to light and sound; difficulty retaining what is said to you because your brain must process all that is going on around you, (stimuli)and it might be that the aging process has caused all these things to be even more profound than they already were. Can we have enough patience to say the same thing a thousand times... to be understanding when someone steps right on us or backs into us, because they literally don't know where their body is in terms of space? This is WEIRD, yes...at least, I think so. And I hate it! But it happens to me all this time! Can AS possibly be confused with Alzheimer's? I don't know. And I'm no doctor. This makes me wonder how much worse Alzheimer's is made if someone also has AS or HFA (??).
The thing is, it's expected that someone who is aging will have things like memory loss, moodiness, poor coordination and balance, that kinda thing. So how often are the intense challenges and struggles of someone with AS masked by aging? Add to this, the fact that many elderly people living with AS have been living with it all their lives... But nobody knew what it was! What do you have to tell yourself all your life just to make it through? How many elderly folks today just grew up with the label of "slow," "clumsy," or even "retarded"? Maybe they struggled socially and academically at school. Maybe boys were bullied terribly, but their parents just thought "Boys will be boys"? So can we discern AS or autism in an elderly person, and if so...how do we tell? I'm not sure. Hmmm...how would one even find out more about this? I wonder...
Monday, October 21, 2013
Almost There...(Still)
Duh?? But I thought...
I saw a You Tube video about a girl who has HFA. The video demonstrates a typical day for her, dealing with her sensory issues and normal worries. Her dad does a voice over, and says: "In some ways, I think her having HFA can even be harder than if she were severely Autistic; because, you seem to spend your whole life being almost there...and then the disability takes over, and she realizes again, that she didn't quite make it. Whereas, if a person is severely autistic, their limitations can be much more clearly defined, and also their abilities." I think he was trying to say that there may not be as many grey areas for someone with severe autism, and this can make things less complicated overall (??). Hmmm... I am thankful to God for all of the ability that I have. What a gift!
This morning I saw a FB post from a page dealing with Autism and AS, from a person who is worried because they are an adult now, and their parents are getting older. People around this person are telling them that they need to get their life together and be an adult (because of the age of their parents). I can relate. Personally, I know that God gives everyone different strengths and weaknesses for a reason. He places different people in our lives, not just because we need them, but because they need us too. But it's no mystery that Autistics often don't reach normal milestones that show development at the typical time that others around them do. Hey, in many cases we DO reach them, and we do it well. But I think we often feel an acute sense of alienation, because we seem to live so much of our life, "out of gear" from most around us. Now our lives are so full of specific mercies and graces that God tailors to our situation and circumstances. Things that we would never know, were it not for the "weaknesses" in our lives that allow his strength to show.
What happens when someone comes of age (as it were) and they've been of age for a long time, but are still dependent on adults in ways that they dearly wish they were not? What if there seems to be no way to fix it, and so they must give into the weakness and allow others to help them? What better way to demonstrate God's grace, right? But here's where the fear comes in: The adults around this adult are getting older, they're tired (maybe they're hurting because they can't do a lot of things they used to). The one thing those of us with disabilities do not want is to be a burden to those around us. It breaks our hearts when we start out with so much passion, drive and enthusiasm to do the right thing (this we have droves of energy for) and then we get that feeling of "drop" as we must come to the realization that our bodies and senses are not able to handle the day to day processes of... working an 8hr a day job, or driving a car, handling multiple directions at once, dealing with bright lights, loud noises, and the overwhelming feeling that we just want to hide under a blanket and cry. There's a torrent of questions that run through our minds all the time. Sometimes, one of them is: Do I completely suck as a human being?" Ouch.
Now, as depressing as this is, I think we ALL have asked this at times of ourselves. I'm not saying that this is exclusive to those with disabilities...it isn't. But as we with disabilities get older, it becomes harder and harder to deal with the "burden" that we are a burden to others, I think. Sometimes we hate the fact that we feel like a little toddler learning to walk and we need a stronger, wiser, more capable adult to lean on to help us up the stairs of life. Add to this, the fear that those who make up our support system ARE getting older. Sometimes we fear that they will die and leave us. Then what?? What do we do when we feel like we're sliding around on thin ice and we're only trying to keep from sliding. We need to hold somebody's hand for that, but we feel rotten for sort of "attaching" to someone else. We're an adult now, right? Many of us also have a "crippling" fear that those we have to depend on, might secretly hate us. Because we can't seem to grow up. We can't get our lives together. We seem to always need the same assistance for the same things, and so we are forced to find different ways of measuring our successes in life, that usually are not the more noticeable successes of most of those around us.
Who wants to live with a spirit of fear (especially when God has not given us a spirit of fear)? So the guilt becomes thicker. Sometimes it seems to eat at our hearts like a moth eats at an old sweater. We know, we can't attach to other people THAT much, so we develop other attachments, vices, and methods of coping that often are unconventional and can seem childish, even. We have a Heavenly Father who understands. Anyone, who wants to ask me why I believe in God, it's that simple. He is the empathy that I often do not show to others...and not because of any Autism. It's because I'm self centered and want my own agenda, with the least amount of complication. Hey, doesn't everybody?
I saw a You Tube video about a girl who has HFA. The video demonstrates a typical day for her, dealing with her sensory issues and normal worries. Her dad does a voice over, and says: "In some ways, I think her having HFA can even be harder than if she were severely Autistic; because, you seem to spend your whole life being almost there...and then the disability takes over, and she realizes again, that she didn't quite make it. Whereas, if a person is severely autistic, their limitations can be much more clearly defined, and also their abilities." I think he was trying to say that there may not be as many grey areas for someone with severe autism, and this can make things less complicated overall (??). Hmmm... I am thankful to God for all of the ability that I have. What a gift!
This morning I saw a FB post from a page dealing with Autism and AS, from a person who is worried because they are an adult now, and their parents are getting older. People around this person are telling them that they need to get their life together and be an adult (because of the age of their parents). I can relate. Personally, I know that God gives everyone different strengths and weaknesses for a reason. He places different people in our lives, not just because we need them, but because they need us too. But it's no mystery that Autistics often don't reach normal milestones that show development at the typical time that others around them do. Hey, in many cases we DO reach them, and we do it well. But I think we often feel an acute sense of alienation, because we seem to live so much of our life, "out of gear" from most around us. Now our lives are so full of specific mercies and graces that God tailors to our situation and circumstances. Things that we would never know, were it not for the "weaknesses" in our lives that allow his strength to show.
What happens when someone comes of age (as it were) and they've been of age for a long time, but are still dependent on adults in ways that they dearly wish they were not? What if there seems to be no way to fix it, and so they must give into the weakness and allow others to help them? What better way to demonstrate God's grace, right? But here's where the fear comes in: The adults around this adult are getting older, they're tired (maybe they're hurting because they can't do a lot of things they used to). The one thing those of us with disabilities do not want is to be a burden to those around us. It breaks our hearts when we start out with so much passion, drive and enthusiasm to do the right thing (this we have droves of energy for) and then we get that feeling of "drop" as we must come to the realization that our bodies and senses are not able to handle the day to day processes of... working an 8hr a day job, or driving a car, handling multiple directions at once, dealing with bright lights, loud noises, and the overwhelming feeling that we just want to hide under a blanket and cry. There's a torrent of questions that run through our minds all the time. Sometimes, one of them is: Do I completely suck as a human being?" Ouch.
Now, as depressing as this is, I think we ALL have asked this at times of ourselves. I'm not saying that this is exclusive to those with disabilities...it isn't. But as we with disabilities get older, it becomes harder and harder to deal with the "burden" that we are a burden to others, I think. Sometimes we hate the fact that we feel like a little toddler learning to walk and we need a stronger, wiser, more capable adult to lean on to help us up the stairs of life. Add to this, the fear that those who make up our support system ARE getting older. Sometimes we fear that they will die and leave us. Then what?? What do we do when we feel like we're sliding around on thin ice and we're only trying to keep from sliding. We need to hold somebody's hand for that, but we feel rotten for sort of "attaching" to someone else. We're an adult now, right? Many of us also have a "crippling" fear that those we have to depend on, might secretly hate us. Because we can't seem to grow up. We can't get our lives together. We seem to always need the same assistance for the same things, and so we are forced to find different ways of measuring our successes in life, that usually are not the more noticeable successes of most of those around us.
Who wants to live with a spirit of fear (especially when God has not given us a spirit of fear)? So the guilt becomes thicker. Sometimes it seems to eat at our hearts like a moth eats at an old sweater. We know, we can't attach to other people THAT much, so we develop other attachments, vices, and methods of coping that often are unconventional and can seem childish, even. We have a Heavenly Father who understands. Anyone, who wants to ask me why I believe in God, it's that simple. He is the empathy that I often do not show to others...and not because of any Autism. It's because I'm self centered and want my own agenda, with the least amount of complication. Hey, doesn't everybody?
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Noises Off
Duh?? But I thought...
Sometimes what goes on inside is so all consuming that the physical body has no energy. Forgive me for the times I say way too much and seem to dump it all on your head. Quiet, sweet, full of wisdom...sure. But it feels like there's a volcano inside that threatens to erupt. It's energy, that I never seem to get rid of. When relaxing takes effort, you know you're in trouble, right? I wish I could run and run and run....but it's not going to happen. It's like there's another person and she's trapped inside me. The more she tries to get free, the more (she) is restrained. What do I do? It's like I'm underwater, swimming towards the surface, needing to concentrate...where is the top? Nothing can be released until I reach it. I finally make it, the air hits my lungs and this long scream wants to ring out. But it can't.
I must be reserved, in tact...and sociable. So, I am, I suppose...should I have a script? I just want to hold on to an idea, or thought...maybe one I had when I was "under the water.". Everyone wants to talk. Can I make room for what they want to say? I'll try. But excuse me if I need to step out. Sorry if I don't look at you or answer your question.
Don't worry, it is not your fault I want to just pull a blanket over my head. It's just too much? The light, the sound, the voices everywhere around.
My own thoughts won't leave me be, and I need to turn everything off.
Sometimes what goes on inside is so all consuming that the physical body has no energy. Forgive me for the times I say way too much and seem to dump it all on your head. Quiet, sweet, full of wisdom...sure. But it feels like there's a volcano inside that threatens to erupt. It's energy, that I never seem to get rid of. When relaxing takes effort, you know you're in trouble, right? I wish I could run and run and run....but it's not going to happen. It's like there's another person and she's trapped inside me. The more she tries to get free, the more (she) is restrained. What do I do? It's like I'm underwater, swimming towards the surface, needing to concentrate...where is the top? Nothing can be released until I reach it. I finally make it, the air hits my lungs and this long scream wants to ring out. But it can't.
I must be reserved, in tact...and sociable. So, I am, I suppose...should I have a script? I just want to hold on to an idea, or thought...maybe one I had when I was "under the water.". Everyone wants to talk. Can I make room for what they want to say? I'll try. But excuse me if I need to step out. Sorry if I don't look at you or answer your question.
Don't worry, it is not your fault I want to just pull a blanket over my head. It's just too much? The light, the sound, the voices everywhere around.
My own thoughts won't leave me be, and I need to turn everything off.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
A Drink of Water in the Desert
Duh?? But I thought...
Gonna make this one short and sweet because I'm tired...but I just wanted to get something down before I forgot about it. Tonight, I did a YouTube search on Autism and sexuality. Found a video from a young guy (I gather he was in England, but I'm not positive). Anyway, he used a certain sentence that just struck me, because it seemed to convey exactly how I feel...but I've never been able to word it exactly like he did.
He said: "You mourn the loss of something you've never had because you know you're never going to get it.".
Yep! Bingo!...Bulls eye! That's it! This explains why, deep down, part of me always feels like Charlie Brown when Lucy snatches the football, and he lands flat on his back...or like Bugs Bunny when he says:
"Something tells me I shoulda stood in bed!"
Leave it to me to make comparisons with cartoon characters...but it's true! My mother has told me before that she feels really bad because she didn't really teach me any coping skills; but, to my relief, I think that those with Autism have difficulties LEARNING coping skills to begin with! Now, I know what you're thinking:
"How do you know you'll never get it? What do you mean?"
Well, in my case, I mean, a husband and a regular job. Those who are autistic want so much just to be on par with "normal people" (or you might say neuro-typical people). I think we grieve because something inside us is petrified that we never REALLY will be. I also think this is part of the reason we have meltdowns. I further believe that this is the reason we put so much weight on normal, everyday, mundane experiences, and we LONG for those things (eg. Marriage, job, moving away, children (maybe)). I mean, what is it like to literally long for those things all the time and then be petrified because you don't even know if you have the coping skills to deal with any of them? I mean, I know I couldn't even fake it! There's not enough emulating I could do of anybody, to do that EVERYDAY...I don't think so.
So, do I resign myself to the fact that it's just EASIER and my life is more simplified if I don't even try?? Who needs that?? That's crazy...and I refuse to give into it! But it's like I said...there's a grieving that goes on... for what I've never had, because I know I'll never get it. Things have to be altered, they have to be changed... They have to be adapted...and for that matter, I DON'T know that I'll never get it. But sometimes the breath of hope is stale air, and I'm struggling to FEEL as important as I really AM to God. Letting patience have it's perfect work is one thing...I just wanna make sure I don't dry up...you know? Anybody else feel that way?
Gonna make this one short and sweet because I'm tired...but I just wanted to get something down before I forgot about it. Tonight, I did a YouTube search on Autism and sexuality. Found a video from a young guy (I gather he was in England, but I'm not positive). Anyway, he used a certain sentence that just struck me, because it seemed to convey exactly how I feel...but I've never been able to word it exactly like he did.
He said: "You mourn the loss of something you've never had because you know you're never going to get it.".
Yep! Bingo!...Bulls eye! That's it! This explains why, deep down, part of me always feels like Charlie Brown when Lucy snatches the football, and he lands flat on his back...or like Bugs Bunny when he says:
"Something tells me I shoulda stood in bed!"
Leave it to me to make comparisons with cartoon characters...but it's true! My mother has told me before that she feels really bad because she didn't really teach me any coping skills; but, to my relief, I think that those with Autism have difficulties LEARNING coping skills to begin with! Now, I know what you're thinking:
"How do you know you'll never get it? What do you mean?"
Well, in my case, I mean, a husband and a regular job. Those who are autistic want so much just to be on par with "normal people" (or you might say neuro-typical people). I think we grieve because something inside us is petrified that we never REALLY will be. I also think this is part of the reason we have meltdowns. I further believe that this is the reason we put so much weight on normal, everyday, mundane experiences, and we LONG for those things (eg. Marriage, job, moving away, children (maybe)). I mean, what is it like to literally long for those things all the time and then be petrified because you don't even know if you have the coping skills to deal with any of them? I mean, I know I couldn't even fake it! There's not enough emulating I could do of anybody, to do that EVERYDAY...I don't think so.
So, do I resign myself to the fact that it's just EASIER and my life is more simplified if I don't even try?? Who needs that?? That's crazy...and I refuse to give into it! But it's like I said...there's a grieving that goes on... for what I've never had, because I know I'll never get it. Things have to be altered, they have to be changed... They have to be adapted...and for that matter, I DON'T know that I'll never get it. But sometimes the breath of hope is stale air, and I'm struggling to FEEL as important as I really AM to God. Letting patience have it's perfect work is one thing...I just wanna make sure I don't dry up...you know? Anybody else feel that way?
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Straight From the Heart
Duh?? But I thought...
Here I am in this blog which has an odd name (hey that almost rhymes), wondering how on earth to approach what I'm about to write...
This particular blog, has to do with my experiences dealing with Asperger's Syndrome...which I suspect I have, though I am only self-diagnosed. I do however, have another disability, which I was diagnosed with at birth. I have Cerebral Palsy. It's mild...I've had doctors tell me before that If I had not said anything, than they would've never known. Course... Then they see me walk and test my coordination a little, and they see that, yes...I do in fact have the condition caused by lack of oxygen (usually at birth).
CP can cause a whole mess of symptoms, many of which can be actually similar to Autism. I've looked up MANY lists of symptoms for Autism and AS (for both boys and girls) and with all of them combined, I found that many were similar...even identical to CP. As a result, I've even wondered if I was misdiagnosed because the symptoms for Autism seem to fit me even better than the one's for CP. Each of these conditions varies greatly, person to person, and AS affects girls very differently than boys...because our brains are wired differently to begin with... we're girls, right? Keep in mind, I'm no doctor...these are just observations of my own. Anyway, long story short, I think my CP has "masked" my Autism, and that's why we've never known I have it.
Now, I tell you that story, to tell you this story. (This story is quite different, but my point is the same).
I've always been quite sensitive...too sensitive, in fact. Always had a very childlike quality to me...look younger than my age, tend to love childlike things, and I have a need to know that there are still good intentions in the world. Any of these qualities, were either assumed to be just my natural personality, or attributed to a sensitivity brought on by struggling with CP all my life. Having a disability can bring with it an uncommon sense of tenderness, am I right? But sometimes one condition can either lead to, or "mask" another condition that the person can be puzzled by later on...
I once found a blog online simply called "Astrid's Blog.". If I remember correctly, Astrid is a bisexual female living with AS. She basically writes about what it is like to be bisexual and also have AS. As I looked through the blog, my mind started racing, as it often does, and I began to question many things.
I can say that, one thing I have never been unsure about, is whether I'm attracted to guys or girs. I am a princess, wanting to meet prince Charming...no question about it. To put it bluntly, I'm not attracted to females, I definitely like guys. But the thing is...I tend to like GAY guys...rather than straight guys. Okay...What's up with that? The problem there, obviously, is that gay guys are not attracted to GIRLS...Duh, right? But what the heck is goin' on there? Hmmm...the visions in my mind have always been, one man, one woman...for life. Obviously, this does not always happen, but ideally, that's what I want. I had two boyfriends back in high school, but the true love I've always wanted has elluded me...
Never could I understand why. Why didn't I want to date like a normal person? Why did all guys seem to scare me somehow? Why did the few guys I would become attracted to...usually turn out to be gay? (I would find out later). There would never be an actual relationship, mind you...just the hope for one. I would think that some guy was just the greatest thing since sliced bread, and get all ooey gooey over him...followed by a great big OOPPSS..don't think so. I should point out, that this was, either in reality...or fantasy. I would develop a fantasy around an actor, for example...and then find out he was gay.
Now, many actors ARE gay...duh, right?, there's no question about that. But the actors who actually had wives at home, rarely interested me at all. I thought they were not nearly as cute, and too rough around the edges. This always turned me off somehow. Now actually, I'm sure this is not as uncommon, or even as weird as it seems. I'm attracted to...tenderness, sweetness, sensitivity...and gay men have all of these things in abundance. Simple...and actually pretty smart, I think. (Until you consider that gay guys are not interested in girls) :) OOPPSS.
What I never could understand is how I would be drawn to gay guys...without KNOWING that they were gay. There's a big difference between knowing a man is gay while being attracted to his amazing qualities, and just not knowing...and then finding out the hard way. What I'm saying is, I would innocently believe that they were straight...being drawn to the sweetness in their hearts and countenance. I've never been someone who could "tell"...In retrospect, I can't tell even when the indications are screaming at me. Could this be due to AS? Do we just "not pick up" on those things?
Now, some people who are gay don't want everyone to know, that's true. On the other hand, some who are gay, just assume that everybody knows (I've had a few friends who did, anyway). But I always felt so strange because most people around me could (apparently) "tell". Most of the time, I couldn't. I never assume someone's gay, so until they tell me...or someone else does, I don't know. My attractions, and the fact that I could not pick up on a guy's sexual orientation really would make me wonder whether something was wrong with me. Bisexuality? That one's even harder for me. I mean, I can only relate to the way a guy treats ME. How am I supposed to tell whether he's attracted to guys too? Or do I just suck, because I can't tell? Is it like it was with me in the doctor's office?: I wouldn't know unless the person told me? What a mess! (from my perspective). I HAVE good taste in men...I mean, look at David Bowie! :)
As I said before, I am, at my core, a princess waiting for her prince...but everything about the process of pursuit (guys pursuing girls) was so uncomfortable and weird to me, that I would "run" from it. Wait a minute...he's the pursuer. He's supposed to chase me, and I'm supposed to let him catch me, right? This is the way it's supposed to be, right? All I can say is...I was (and still am) really afraid of letting any guy get too far into my world. I have a constant fear of being belittled and ridiculed...especially by men. The fact is, most qualities present in straight men are one's that I've had to learn to protect myself from, rather than be comfortable with. I prefer not to go into specifics, but like I said, gay men tend to be gentler, softer, and willing to be sure they don't hurt those around them. To a childlike, oversensitive girl like me...this is safety. This means I can breathe. This my "Teddy Bear" I've wanted all my life.
Is it possible for a guy to be straight but think like a gay man? How can it be when gay men are attracted to men? Seriously...I'm not being rhetorical here. How much harder is it when people "wonder" about guys who are even slightly tender or effeminate... as if being gay is the only possible reason a MAN could have for not being an obnoxious pain in the ass. Now I have known some amazing, sweet, considerate, "temperate" gentlemen who know how to treat their wives like Queens. Know where I met them? In church. Oh boy, now I've opened a different can of worms, but what can I say...it's true.
Is it POSSIBLE that some men who are gay or bisexual, are struggling with it because in their heart of hearts they don't think they were meant to be? And if a guy has Autism or AS, can he possibly be more "prone" to being gay or bisexual? (Maybe the autism "masks" it for awhile?). For instance, gay men tend to have many fetiches. (This is according to Dr. Joseph Nicolosi). What is a fetich? It's an unusual fixation with something, right? Don't people with autism develop many "unusual" fixations or obsessions? This is NOT to say that every autistic person is gay, or vice versa. No, not at all.
I then had to go on the personality traits of gay men that I have known. Just the one's I came up with in my mind matched traits found in most autistic (boys...but some of the same characteristics are found in autistic females too.). OCD tendencies, a need for strategic order (meticulous), overly sensitive (perhaps inappropriately sensitive?). As I looked all of this up, I became very sad...
Do you realize that for every AMAZING gay man on the planet, a girl misses out? This is heartbreaking to me because gay men are so wonderful. I mean, how many times have I heard that all the "good ones" are either gay or taken? So, I wanna know...Is there a way to turn it around? For those who might WANT to turn it around...is there a way to turn it around? I know, I know...we're always told that homosexuality needs to be accepted and embraced...and it DOES...for the sake of being honest. But what if a person could honestly turn homosexuality around if they wanted to?
I looked more into Dr. Joseph Nicolosi. His website says in bold letters: "You Don't Have to Be Gay". Wow. What does that mean?? Dr. Nicolosi says that in order for homosexuality to grip a person, they have to be disconnected from their body. Don't most autistic individuals have issues with...being "disconnected"? From their body? From what's going on around them? From other people (especially sexually?). I saw a FB post just today that dealt with asexuality in those with autism. Someone quoted Dr. Tony Atwood, who says that most Autistics tend to either not want sex at all, or they go the other way and become preoccupied with it. Now, asexuality is a different issue, I know, but I'm wondering about confusion. If a person grows up being confused about their body in general...can they not become confused about their sexuality too?
According to Dr. Nicolosi, something called Repairative Therapy can help a person learn to feel again, and discover what he calls their " heterosexual potential". He says that society teaches that shame comes when one finds out that they ARE homosexual. But he says Repairative Therapy teaches that homosexuality develops because people are attempting to repair what they are ashamed of. He says they learn to disconnect because they are trying to repair what's missing-- what has been "broken off" because of shame.
So, just how early does this process begin? Dr. James Dobson (Focus on the Family & Family Talk Radio) says it can begin as early as 18 months of age. He says that for a boy, there comes a point when they need to "break away" from mom and start "identifying" with dad (and being a man). But, apparently, this does not happen for all boys (or girls) but I'm sticking with guys here because I'm attracted to guys. :). Now, to me, all of this is very encouraging BECAUSE...according to the info. I found, homosexuality is not a choice people make...but neither are they born with it. It seems to me that it is a process that takes place in a child too young to even know what's happening to them. This also tells me that the "root" cause of homosexuality develops because a person is trying to survive and make sense out of things (though they don't know that in the beginning). So, then, the answer is not to accuse a homosexual of not caring about anything sacred and just abandoning it, right? Seems to me that they are trying desperately to get close to what is sacred, and moral, and right, not separate from it. Now, that's my opinion, based on what I researched; but it made light go on in my heart, because finally, this complicated subject made some sense!
Now, as mentioned, I don't have an issue with my own sexuality. My issue has to do with a fear of danger associated with men who are straight (because of past treatment). But amazingly, Dr. Nicolosi says this is the same issue that homosexual men have. That is, something happens to them that makes them afraid of men! This to me, is extremely interesting, because wouldn't you think that gay men would be afraid of WOMEN?(Isn't this why they gravitate toward men, because they're afraid of women? Dr. Nicolosi says no. Homosexual men are afraid of MEN. But they are desperately trying to connect with what they are afraid of (I would imagine, so they can conquer the the fear). He says that when a homosexual boy becomes a man, it's no longer about daddy teaching him how to be a man, but he still has the deep core loneliness inside. So he now struggles to "connect" with the men he's afraid of in another way. JN also says that homosexuality actually is not a a sexual problem...it's a gender identity problem. He quoted a client who'd been treated at his clinic as saying the following: "I realized that I don't have a problem sexually, but I DO have a problem with everything else."
Would a homosexual male, then, be unable to identify with women because he has not been allowed to identify with men either? I don't know. This is just a question that came to mind. But if it's true, it's just heartbreaking! Our men can learn to be men, so they can't identify with women either? What else is there? How does he deal with all the arguments, and stereotypes and scrutiny from others? Imagine, trying to escape one fear, only to be judged for who you've become? I think that whatever our views are on homosexuality...we need to look within the heart and empathize with someone who is probably very lonely. Those who are homosexual, and bisexual, need our love, and our support. Not our lectures, not our sermons, not our defensive arguments, and not our distancing ourselves. This only creates mistrust, which does not help. For the homosexual who secretly wishes for a wife and children, he needs to be able to voice that without being treated like he's a liar. He needs to know that there IS help and support. To the woman out there who is trying to get up the courage to let her defenses down, and just let a man be a man...I empathize with you. To the woman who feels safe with a man who's gay because he has the sensitivity she's wanting...I get it.
Lastly, to the person, who's autistic. They're lonely, curious and having trouble identifying with the same sex...let alone, the opposite sex...praying that you find someone you trust whom you can emulate, and share your feelings without fear. Do everything you can to build your confidence up, and be assertive...but gentle.
Much more to say, but I'm in need of sleep...
Blessings my friend!
How does a man be comfortable in his masculinity, and still be sweet and tender? How can a woman be comfortable in her femininity and ALLOW a man to be masculine, without unconsciously wishing he were more of a "girlfriend"? I know there are different kinds of "assertiveness," but which kind am I supposed to have? I mean, I have it in my head that straight guys are going to judge me or hurt me, or put me down...so I'm on the defensive there. This is not good, I know (because it doesn't help me get into a relationship); but I'm still trying to figure how to turn it around.
Here I am in this blog which has an odd name (hey that almost rhymes), wondering how on earth to approach what I'm about to write...
This particular blog, has to do with my experiences dealing with Asperger's Syndrome...which I suspect I have, though I am only self-diagnosed. I do however, have another disability, which I was diagnosed with at birth. I have Cerebral Palsy. It's mild...I've had doctors tell me before that If I had not said anything, than they would've never known. Course... Then they see me walk and test my coordination a little, and they see that, yes...I do in fact have the condition caused by lack of oxygen (usually at birth).
CP can cause a whole mess of symptoms, many of which can be actually similar to Autism. I've looked up MANY lists of symptoms for Autism and AS (for both boys and girls) and with all of them combined, I found that many were similar...even identical to CP. As a result, I've even wondered if I was misdiagnosed because the symptoms for Autism seem to fit me even better than the one's for CP. Each of these conditions varies greatly, person to person, and AS affects girls very differently than boys...because our brains are wired differently to begin with... we're girls, right? Keep in mind, I'm no doctor...these are just observations of my own. Anyway, long story short, I think my CP has "masked" my Autism, and that's why we've never known I have it.
Now, I tell you that story, to tell you this story. (This story is quite different, but my point is the same).
I've always been quite sensitive...too sensitive, in fact. Always had a very childlike quality to me...look younger than my age, tend to love childlike things, and I have a need to know that there are still good intentions in the world. Any of these qualities, were either assumed to be just my natural personality, or attributed to a sensitivity brought on by struggling with CP all my life. Having a disability can bring with it an uncommon sense of tenderness, am I right? But sometimes one condition can either lead to, or "mask" another condition that the person can be puzzled by later on...
I once found a blog online simply called "Astrid's Blog.". If I remember correctly, Astrid is a bisexual female living with AS. She basically writes about what it is like to be bisexual and also have AS. As I looked through the blog, my mind started racing, as it often does, and I began to question many things.
I can say that, one thing I have never been unsure about, is whether I'm attracted to guys or girs. I am a princess, wanting to meet prince Charming...no question about it. To put it bluntly, I'm not attracted to females, I definitely like guys. But the thing is...I tend to like GAY guys...rather than straight guys. Okay...What's up with that? The problem there, obviously, is that gay guys are not attracted to GIRLS...Duh, right? But what the heck is goin' on there? Hmmm...the visions in my mind have always been, one man, one woman...for life. Obviously, this does not always happen, but ideally, that's what I want. I had two boyfriends back in high school, but the true love I've always wanted has elluded me...
Never could I understand why. Why didn't I want to date like a normal person? Why did all guys seem to scare me somehow? Why did the few guys I would become attracted to...usually turn out to be gay? (I would find out later). There would never be an actual relationship, mind you...just the hope for one. I would think that some guy was just the greatest thing since sliced bread, and get all ooey gooey over him...followed by a great big OOPPSS..don't think so. I should point out, that this was, either in reality...or fantasy. I would develop a fantasy around an actor, for example...and then find out he was gay.
Now, many actors ARE gay...duh, right?, there's no question about that. But the actors who actually had wives at home, rarely interested me at all. I thought they were not nearly as cute, and too rough around the edges. This always turned me off somehow. Now actually, I'm sure this is not as uncommon, or even as weird as it seems. I'm attracted to...tenderness, sweetness, sensitivity...and gay men have all of these things in abundance. Simple...and actually pretty smart, I think. (Until you consider that gay guys are not interested in girls) :) OOPPSS.
What I never could understand is how I would be drawn to gay guys...without KNOWING that they were gay. There's a big difference between knowing a man is gay while being attracted to his amazing qualities, and just not knowing...and then finding out the hard way. What I'm saying is, I would innocently believe that they were straight...being drawn to the sweetness in their hearts and countenance. I've never been someone who could "tell"...In retrospect, I can't tell even when the indications are screaming at me. Could this be due to AS? Do we just "not pick up" on those things?
Now, some people who are gay don't want everyone to know, that's true. On the other hand, some who are gay, just assume that everybody knows (I've had a few friends who did, anyway). But I always felt so strange because most people around me could (apparently) "tell". Most of the time, I couldn't. I never assume someone's gay, so until they tell me...or someone else does, I don't know. My attractions, and the fact that I could not pick up on a guy's sexual orientation really would make me wonder whether something was wrong with me. Bisexuality? That one's even harder for me. I mean, I can only relate to the way a guy treats ME. How am I supposed to tell whether he's attracted to guys too? Or do I just suck, because I can't tell? Is it like it was with me in the doctor's office?: I wouldn't know unless the person told me? What a mess! (from my perspective). I HAVE good taste in men...I mean, look at David Bowie! :)
As I said before, I am, at my core, a princess waiting for her prince...but everything about the process of pursuit (guys pursuing girls) was so uncomfortable and weird to me, that I would "run" from it. Wait a minute...he's the pursuer. He's supposed to chase me, and I'm supposed to let him catch me, right? This is the way it's supposed to be, right? All I can say is...I was (and still am) really afraid of letting any guy get too far into my world. I have a constant fear of being belittled and ridiculed...especially by men. The fact is, most qualities present in straight men are one's that I've had to learn to protect myself from, rather than be comfortable with. I prefer not to go into specifics, but like I said, gay men tend to be gentler, softer, and willing to be sure they don't hurt those around them. To a childlike, oversensitive girl like me...this is safety. This means I can breathe. This my "Teddy Bear" I've wanted all my life.
Is it possible for a guy to be straight but think like a gay man? How can it be when gay men are attracted to men? Seriously...I'm not being rhetorical here. How much harder is it when people "wonder" about guys who are even slightly tender or effeminate... as if being gay is the only possible reason a MAN could have for not being an obnoxious pain in the ass. Now I have known some amazing, sweet, considerate, "temperate" gentlemen who know how to treat their wives like Queens. Know where I met them? In church. Oh boy, now I've opened a different can of worms, but what can I say...it's true.
Is it POSSIBLE that some men who are gay or bisexual, are struggling with it because in their heart of hearts they don't think they were meant to be? And if a guy has Autism or AS, can he possibly be more "prone" to being gay or bisexual? (Maybe the autism "masks" it for awhile?). For instance, gay men tend to have many fetiches. (This is according to Dr. Joseph Nicolosi). What is a fetich? It's an unusual fixation with something, right? Don't people with autism develop many "unusual" fixations or obsessions? This is NOT to say that every autistic person is gay, or vice versa. No, not at all.
I then had to go on the personality traits of gay men that I have known. Just the one's I came up with in my mind matched traits found in most autistic (boys...but some of the same characteristics are found in autistic females too.). OCD tendencies, a need for strategic order (meticulous), overly sensitive (perhaps inappropriately sensitive?). As I looked all of this up, I became very sad...
Do you realize that for every AMAZING gay man on the planet, a girl misses out? This is heartbreaking to me because gay men are so wonderful. I mean, how many times have I heard that all the "good ones" are either gay or taken? So, I wanna know...Is there a way to turn it around? For those who might WANT to turn it around...is there a way to turn it around? I know, I know...we're always told that homosexuality needs to be accepted and embraced...and it DOES...for the sake of being honest. But what if a person could honestly turn homosexuality around if they wanted to?
I looked more into Dr. Joseph Nicolosi. His website says in bold letters: "You Don't Have to Be Gay". Wow. What does that mean?? Dr. Nicolosi says that in order for homosexuality to grip a person, they have to be disconnected from their body. Don't most autistic individuals have issues with...being "disconnected"? From their body? From what's going on around them? From other people (especially sexually?). I saw a FB post just today that dealt with asexuality in those with autism. Someone quoted Dr. Tony Atwood, who says that most Autistics tend to either not want sex at all, or they go the other way and become preoccupied with it. Now, asexuality is a different issue, I know, but I'm wondering about confusion. If a person grows up being confused about their body in general...can they not become confused about their sexuality too?
According to Dr. Nicolosi, something called Repairative Therapy can help a person learn to feel again, and discover what he calls their " heterosexual potential". He says that society teaches that shame comes when one finds out that they ARE homosexual. But he says Repairative Therapy teaches that homosexuality develops because people are attempting to repair what they are ashamed of. He says they learn to disconnect because they are trying to repair what's missing-- what has been "broken off" because of shame.
So, just how early does this process begin? Dr. James Dobson (Focus on the Family & Family Talk Radio) says it can begin as early as 18 months of age. He says that for a boy, there comes a point when they need to "break away" from mom and start "identifying" with dad (and being a man). But, apparently, this does not happen for all boys (or girls) but I'm sticking with guys here because I'm attracted to guys. :). Now, to me, all of this is very encouraging BECAUSE...according to the info. I found, homosexuality is not a choice people make...but neither are they born with it. It seems to me that it is a process that takes place in a child too young to even know what's happening to them. This also tells me that the "root" cause of homosexuality develops because a person is trying to survive and make sense out of things (though they don't know that in the beginning). So, then, the answer is not to accuse a homosexual of not caring about anything sacred and just abandoning it, right? Seems to me that they are trying desperately to get close to what is sacred, and moral, and right, not separate from it. Now, that's my opinion, based on what I researched; but it made light go on in my heart, because finally, this complicated subject made some sense!
Now, as mentioned, I don't have an issue with my own sexuality. My issue has to do with a fear of danger associated with men who are straight (because of past treatment). But amazingly, Dr. Nicolosi says this is the same issue that homosexual men have. That is, something happens to them that makes them afraid of men! This to me, is extremely interesting, because wouldn't you think that gay men would be afraid of WOMEN?(Isn't this why they gravitate toward men, because they're afraid of women? Dr. Nicolosi says no. Homosexual men are afraid of MEN. But they are desperately trying to connect with what they are afraid of (I would imagine, so they can conquer the the fear). He says that when a homosexual boy becomes a man, it's no longer about daddy teaching him how to be a man, but he still has the deep core loneliness inside. So he now struggles to "connect" with the men he's afraid of in another way. JN also says that homosexuality actually is not a a sexual problem...it's a gender identity problem. He quoted a client who'd been treated at his clinic as saying the following: "I realized that I don't have a problem sexually, but I DO have a problem with everything else."
Would a homosexual male, then, be unable to identify with women because he has not been allowed to identify with men either? I don't know. This is just a question that came to mind. But if it's true, it's just heartbreaking! Our men can learn to be men, so they can't identify with women either? What else is there? How does he deal with all the arguments, and stereotypes and scrutiny from others? Imagine, trying to escape one fear, only to be judged for who you've become? I think that whatever our views are on homosexuality...we need to look within the heart and empathize with someone who is probably very lonely. Those who are homosexual, and bisexual, need our love, and our support. Not our lectures, not our sermons, not our defensive arguments, and not our distancing ourselves. This only creates mistrust, which does not help. For the homosexual who secretly wishes for a wife and children, he needs to be able to voice that without being treated like he's a liar. He needs to know that there IS help and support. To the woman out there who is trying to get up the courage to let her defenses down, and just let a man be a man...I empathize with you. To the woman who feels safe with a man who's gay because he has the sensitivity she's wanting...I get it.
Lastly, to the person, who's autistic. They're lonely, curious and having trouble identifying with the same sex...let alone, the opposite sex...praying that you find someone you trust whom you can emulate, and share your feelings without fear. Do everything you can to build your confidence up, and be assertive...but gentle.
Much more to say, but I'm in need of sleep...
Blessings my friend!
How does a man be comfortable in his masculinity, and still be sweet and tender? How can a woman be comfortable in her femininity and ALLOW a man to be masculine, without unconsciously wishing he were more of a "girlfriend"? I know there are different kinds of "assertiveness," but which kind am I supposed to have? I mean, I have it in my head that straight guys are going to judge me or hurt me, or put me down...so I'm on the defensive there. This is not good, I know (because it doesn't help me get into a relationship); but I'm still trying to figure how to turn it around.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Noise
Duh?? But I thought... My family always seems to be in perfect sync with each other when when they talk. They speak in sync with each other and it doesn't matter what else is going on,...they always know what the other one is saying. But I'm the one who does not get heard. I try to join in conversations like those around me, and I'm ignored. I have to say things 3 to 5 times before they are even heard. I begin a sentence and I'm completely cut off. I sit between my family, trying to literally be in the middle of what's going on. It never ceases to amaze me, because my family will talk AROUND me and OVER me to each other, but I get cut off, and am not heard. I try to explain my position, and just sound completely ridiculous because the only problem seems to be that I am just too sensitive(maybe...but I can't help it.). I end up sitting on the sofa, just looking at my IPad, and grinding my teeth because I want to be heard, but I can't. When I raise my voice, I seem to just disrupt the flow of everything. My family is in sync with each other, and then they look at me like; "What's your problem?"
Most of the time, I don't really know how to get excited about the stuff my family goes on about. I find that I usually have to hear a conversation about three times before I can really respond to it the way I want. The first time, would simply be to take it all in, and make sure I understand what it's about! The second time would be to pick through and find the parts that best relate to me, and that I'm interested in. The third time would be to put together something thoughtful in response that I really want to say. However, this "process" is not real life. I only get one shot, and I'm dealing with switching subjects and sarcasm, and loud voices and jokes, and whatever is on TV. And that's another thing: Why does everybody always wait until I'm trying to watch TV to talk about everything under the sun?? I'll be watching a program that I've been waiting to watch ALL DAY, and THEN my family will start talking back and forth to each other, across the living room and the kitchen.
It is at this time that I officially become the "bad sport" because I literally become a spoiled sport. I have to get as close to the TV as possible, so I can try to hear what's going on. If ever I ask that others hush so that I can hear what's going on, I can tell that they don't get what my problem is. Then they feel nervous, like they can't say anything. (No... Just quiet down so I can hear!). The other thing I never understand is that supposedly, my family wanted to watch the same show too. But then they talk through it...loudly, and usually about things that have NOTHING to do with what's on TV.
Well...I can't hear. I can't concentrate. I can't enjoy the show because all the noise just gets mixed together and I can't process what's going on. But the worst is yet to be told :). At any given point somebody will suddenly go "So what happened?". I don't know...because I'm finding out what's happening at the same time they are...and I'm now being interrupted by someone asking me to explain what's going on! This just distracts me even further! So then, that person goes: "Well, you've been watching it, haven't you?". Strange. At the risk of just being a selfish brat: Umm, doesn't anyone else get that maybe if they would shut the hell up, I would KNOW what was going on?? Doesn't anyone else get that they said THEY wanted to watch this too...and now they're just being rude?? Doesn't anyone else see me sitting as close to the TV as possible so I can hear?? Doesn't anyone else hear me trying to " break into" this conversation so that I don't just sit there with a bad attitude all night? Doesn't anyone else get that I'm just trying to "join" what's going on, so that I don't give others the feeling that I'm being rude to them?? No. They don't even notice.
But if I get Mad, and I tell them how I feel, and I let them know that I'm mad...now I'm the one who's being rude to THEM... I'm the one with the bad attitude (they think)...I'm the one with the problem. It's ridiculous! And people wonder why those with autism are not very sociable! One minute people feel the need to remind me that I need to say something when something is wrong. The next minute, I'm trying to say that something is wrong, and I feel like I have to scream to do it because nobody hears me, and then people don't want to talk to me because they don't know what my problem is. Such is life, in an Autistic's world, I think. They say, don't sweat the small stuff. What if all you have is "the small stuff"? Amazing, when all you want to do us live your life, and others won't let you and then they think (I'm) the one with the problem. I know this is the kind of stuff that we are supposed to just laugh off...but I don't think it's funny, myself. If this were a Dear Abbey letter...I would sign it, "Frustrated."
Most of the time, I don't really know how to get excited about the stuff my family goes on about. I find that I usually have to hear a conversation about three times before I can really respond to it the way I want. The first time, would simply be to take it all in, and make sure I understand what it's about! The second time would be to pick through and find the parts that best relate to me, and that I'm interested in. The third time would be to put together something thoughtful in response that I really want to say. However, this "process" is not real life. I only get one shot, and I'm dealing with switching subjects and sarcasm, and loud voices and jokes, and whatever is on TV. And that's another thing: Why does everybody always wait until I'm trying to watch TV to talk about everything under the sun?? I'll be watching a program that I've been waiting to watch ALL DAY, and THEN my family will start talking back and forth to each other, across the living room and the kitchen.
It is at this time that I officially become the "bad sport" because I literally become a spoiled sport. I have to get as close to the TV as possible, so I can try to hear what's going on. If ever I ask that others hush so that I can hear what's going on, I can tell that they don't get what my problem is. Then they feel nervous, like they can't say anything. (No... Just quiet down so I can hear!). The other thing I never understand is that supposedly, my family wanted to watch the same show too. But then they talk through it...loudly, and usually about things that have NOTHING to do with what's on TV.
Well...I can't hear. I can't concentrate. I can't enjoy the show because all the noise just gets mixed together and I can't process what's going on. But the worst is yet to be told :). At any given point somebody will suddenly go "So what happened?". I don't know...because I'm finding out what's happening at the same time they are...and I'm now being interrupted by someone asking me to explain what's going on! This just distracts me even further! So then, that person goes: "Well, you've been watching it, haven't you?". Strange. At the risk of just being a selfish brat: Umm, doesn't anyone else get that maybe if they would shut the hell up, I would KNOW what was going on?? Doesn't anyone else get that they said THEY wanted to watch this too...and now they're just being rude?? Doesn't anyone else see me sitting as close to the TV as possible so I can hear?? Doesn't anyone else hear me trying to " break into" this conversation so that I don't just sit there with a bad attitude all night? Doesn't anyone else get that I'm just trying to "join" what's going on, so that I don't give others the feeling that I'm being rude to them?? No. They don't even notice.
But if I get Mad, and I tell them how I feel, and I let them know that I'm mad...now I'm the one who's being rude to THEM... I'm the one with the bad attitude (they think)...I'm the one with the problem. It's ridiculous! And people wonder why those with autism are not very sociable! One minute people feel the need to remind me that I need to say something when something is wrong. The next minute, I'm trying to say that something is wrong, and I feel like I have to scream to do it because nobody hears me, and then people don't want to talk to me because they don't know what my problem is. Such is life, in an Autistic's world, I think. They say, don't sweat the small stuff. What if all you have is "the small stuff"? Amazing, when all you want to do us live your life, and others won't let you and then they think (I'm) the one with the problem. I know this is the kind of stuff that we are supposed to just laugh off...but I don't think it's funny, myself. If this were a Dear Abbey letter...I would sign it, "Frustrated."
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