asplanet.info
| Diagnosed later in Life, a need for knowledge, understanding and acceptance.... |
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| Written by AsPlanet.info - Alyson Bradley August 2007 / Updated May 2010 | |||||||||||||
| Jul 11, 2007 at 04:10 AM | |||||||||||||
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Spectrum-wise a criteria of endless possibilities... The conundrum to large, endless as we are all different but the same, not only are we all unique, also the way each of us views others differs. And apart from types, personalities, intelligence an endless list, of neurological and other reason, like straws in a haystack and even ...each description each of us has varied view and perceptions on.! . At times I start to think of one thing and then listen to others, and the combination of those thoughts simply flow as one. To me difference is no problem, simply my over analytic mind likes to question everything, whatever difference I may or may not have, I see as a part of self… ! . . Everyone is a unique individual, recognizing and being not always so easy and can be intimidating, especially if you’ve spent our lives looking for approval, trying to understand self, trying to fit. And when you try to be somebody else the best you can ever be is number two, so be yourself after all, and who’s more qualified? . i.e. “He wanted to conduct, but his styles didn’t work. During soft passages he’d crouch extremely low. For loud sections he’d leap into the air, even shouting to the orchestra. His memory was poor. Once he forgot he’d instructed the orchestra not to repeat a section of music. During the performance, when he went back to repeat that section, they went forward, so he stopped the piece, shouting, ‘Stop! Wrong! That will not do! Again! Again!’ For his own piano concerto, he tried conducting from the piano bench. At one point he jumped from the bench, thumping the candles off the piano. At another concert he knocked over a choirboy. During one long, delicate passage he jumped high to cue a loud entrance, but nothing happened because he’d lost count and signaled the orchestra too soon. As his hearing worsened, musicians tried to ignore his conducting and get their cues from the first violinist. Finally they pleaded with him to go home and give up conducting, which he did. Who was he? Ludwig van Beethoven. The man many consider to be the greatest composer of all time learned that nobody can be the master of all trades. " . But often when we find the strength and get to understand self fully, we may change, but often those around us not willing to accept those changes, that I find extremely hard at times. . Today yet another day and within the bigger picture of time seems insignificant in away, but if we make a small difference each day, maybe we can make a bigger difference in respect to our own time. Myself so much I want to do and seems so little time, I so need to stop procrastinating and get on with or duplicate original self. . Another aspect of who I am as an individual. The stigma surrounding mental health often means many find hard to talk about, but I feel considering the amount that do have at some stage in their lives, if we all spoke about, maybe the ignorance surrounding different mind sets would change. I have bipolar simply one label of many, but as with anyone I am not a label but a unique individual like we all are.! . As Those of us that face up to our differences, research and get to fully understand, are one step ahead of those that never do, as only by embracing who we are as individuals, not only helps us, but helps others understand the whys and what's of life. I may be no expert, but I do feel all my neurological differences are somehow connected, including bipolar and maybe even an extremity of mood from having to live in a society that often simply does not work for me. ! . To me the bipolar label simply helps explain another part of who I am, my extremity of moods a lot easier to control now I understand, and to be honest I often find I am more creative when on a high or low and as use to do not really brother me as such... it’s the not knowing or understanding that causes problems, the same for all my other spectrum differences. But to face up and how we impact on others only enriches our lives and those that surround us. . Those light bulb moments, when you know all that others have been telling you is so right all along and as I have found the most difficult individuals often teach us the most, the ones we run from is it because it hard to look at self. But sometimes its only when we do move on, we know what the problem goes away… . . We are different, but the same - what makes you feel like an outsider. ? Like when I first meet new people the chit chat starts which is a little like acting to me, not natural anyway...that stresses me, then usually start to over process information and either over muddle and shut down or rant none stop on a subject that at times interest no one else but me... not always like this when get to know people, but often the reason I stick with like minded, as then understood and allowed and I can be me . I do find asperger individuals at times over analyze, process look more into comments than others and often say the same thing in different ways, is it that we are at times so intently focused on our own need to say what we need to in our own way, do we misinterpret what none spectrum individuals say, I know I am misinterpreted at times.? . We are all different, but all the same - I admit I feel I fit into this world more when surrounded with like minded individuals, I even function better because easy to be able to simply be, and then maybe I could simply focus on achieving, instead of feeling a need to educate the world to exist. The majority only those we surround ourselves with.! . With me life has changed course when I was diagnosed, things just sort of happen, and advocating has become a real passion, almost like I have been guided to reach out somehow...and I so enjoy doing, I feel privileged and lucky to be able fully to understand and accept self and view the world the way I do now and so I feel I can no longer compromise the way I did before, simply grasp life with both hands and do.. . But at times I do feel we all can judge others by our own lived experiences in life, of course they are all very varied just as we are and maybe before we judge others, we should take time to get to know, to get to fully understand, because once we step outside our own safe worlds, we simply become one small part of the vast ever ending universe.! . We start out in life just as and when we start to grow, so much information, that does not always match, why do others stop my fun, slowly I am worn down to conform, caged in - but I continue to grow and than once again a need for my own space, a life time to reconnect, to discover, and maybe like everyone else, simply I am another person with my own unique mind. . . As we age we gain confidence in self, are wiser and our knowledge can make a huge difference, to many living isolated lives and/or being labeled wrongly from a lack of real education and awareness, the world needs to know many of us are happy in our own way, when society allows and there should be maybe alternative living as we age.... as those traits of ours, that many over the years have tried so hard to erase, come back stronger than ever as we get older, and partly to exhausting to pretend and partly no reason to have to fit in to please others any more and like myself I realize when allow my different intelligence to be real, it opens up so many possibilities, in away discovering and being diagnosed later in life, I feel my life has just begun.! . We cannot explain to anyone even in a day, as it's a life time of differences and as we learn and grow in away as we research more we are privileged to get to really know self and often not many none spectrum get to do that, society in general encourages conformist, so when we step outside of what the average person feels we all should be like, at times it may seem we have to over explain over selves too often, my choice these days is stick with like minded individuals, as others will only listen if they choose or want to anyway. But as we grow, embrace self and gain confidence others simply will have to get use to us . . A reminded we all have our own unique brain wiring, there are different types of intelligence and as I have found the more I get to know self, I simply am and no longer feel at odds with the world... . . I was only diagnosed a few years ago May 2007, once I discovered the word "Aspergers" I started to research intently and I basically wrote everything down, in away my own report diagnosis... I ask my doctor to refer me to a physiologist and he totally agreed with what I was saying, armed with loads of information...after speaking with a physiologist for just 1 hour I was diagnosed. Simply brilliant for me in one respect but at the same time many I knew there was more and so my co-morbid's complexities started to add to my puzzle and all at once at first seen to hit me like a brick... . At first like a huge maze and had no idea which way to turn, the diagnostic criteria at times seems to over complicate, overlap and interact with each other and there seem no one knows all the answers as confusions in many fields I feel, many tick boxes that's hard for anyone of us to fit into... my simply version these days is that I am neurologically complex, which can mean intriguingly interesting or not, depends on societies perceptions..As a child crushed until broken, all that was needed was understanding, support and acceptance. Aspergers sensory wise the world often too much, Dyspraxia the most clumsy person in every room, Dyslexia what doesn't jumble, ADHD my mind continually on full power with no off switch, bipolar extremity of mood who knows where that will take me next! . None spectrum there is a new species revealed welcome to our alternative universe, where we get to hear, see, feel so intently at times sensory wise all too easy for us to overload and shutdown, the way I process information differently makes it hard for me to relate to many, chit chat seems irrelevant to me and often... prefer my own thoughts so at times rant on alone. . Many of us on the spectrum seem to have huge strengths, along with huge weaknesses, recent test confirmed that to me.. the average mind from west to east, mine from north/east to south/west. At times how I visualize I feel need to creativity place... somewhere, as its hard for me to listen, focus to what seems irrelevance to me, explain my inner mind to others, they simply stare! . . Another place to simply offload my thoughts . To everyone who I feel I may have affected and those of you who have felt affected by my actions, I cannot be precise as not sure myself as the world and life itself has not always made sense to me in its present form, but I never intend to offend anyway and I am truly sorry if you have ever miss interrupted my actions! . But as a parent I cannot help but wonder has my actions affected those closest to me, or how have others impacted on at times my misunderstood difference. Sometimes as children if unhappy maybe our only form of control is to refuse to do what others ask, but if we do why... in desperation to get heard, if we grow up at odds with the world not feeling understood we need some sort of outlet and sadly that is often refusal of food, a tantrum, self harm in a desperate attempt to be heard, to scream and not be heard by those around us can be soul destroying, listen as the consequences can be a lot worst.... so please listen . As adults I feel we all need to look deep within and ponder what we know may not always be right, there is dimensions out there no one yet understands... We may be hard wired to think one way, does not mean it's always right. we need to be more open minded, as we can give birth and are often given a gift, a child but does not mean they will be like us, a duplication of self or want to be..... Change is uncomfortable for us all... we can all believe what we know, sense and feel but none of us are always right.... maybe I and others like me were born to question, stand alone and find answers that at times do not make sense! . Sometime I feel those of on the autism spectrum at times seem to function so much better, if we stick to rigid routines, often happier having the same people around us. Any change for me, takes me a while to adjust to, even takes a while when my own husband is home more during holiday seasons, I need a transition time for change, otherwise I feel like he is in my way, in my space, upsetting my routine, taking away my controlled safe world, it’s not that I do not want him around, even though I am sure I make him feel that way at times…. I just find the change so hard, as with people turning up unexpected, I may not open the door!. . When I was working full time and had children this was an extremely stressful time for me, as I had to over plan everything down to the last detail, every night would over prepared for the next day otherwise just could not cope in the mornings. Whenever I go out I like to know a few days before, what time, where so I can over prepare this helps the day work, run smoothly, if have too much to do and organize all at once, my mind just goes blank, overload and can slow things down to a standstill, this will surprise those who know me, I am the one that thinks of everything!. This of course can get extremely stressful / exhausting and so as I get older I want to work be a part of the world more, but have to try and find ways, do things to try and keep some balance in my life. . . . "I really believe Aspergers Spectrum Disorder is evolving so fast only because of more sophisticated diagnoses, I think it’s always been around and badly misdiagnosed for years and still is being, it does not help with the hundreds of fad treatments & false hope".
. . Being diagnosed in later life makes it no easier; it can feel like half your life has been a lie, a false identity. I struggled all my life trying to make sense and then when the bomb shell hit, it impacted my whole life. At first shock, realization and sheer joy, as my true journey begins. I had an urgent need for knowledge, I so desperately needed to know more about "Aspergers" how it was a part of my whole way of being and how was it I never knew up until, was diagnosed in my late forties. This new discovery was to change my whole perception and understanding of the world as I thought I knew it. . As I slowly made sense of my social, language and learning issues, as well as concerns of restricted interest – all of which were inherent, the very core of myself, my center heart and soul was about to go on a rocky journey. Which was so scary at first, it’s like entering a dark tunnel... not so unlike my dreams as a child and not knowing what was there, dare take the next steps. . I am now of course a very proud aspie, and hopefully my insight can help others take those first steps into a world still so little is known about. AS has always been there, but I have only just found it, it will never disappear and in fact is just a part of my many neurological differences which makes me I guess a slightly differently minded person from many, but has allowed me to view, sense and feel the world with such intensity at times, that I can only be thankful, that I am no longer lost and can now start to work with these differences, instead of fighting against the unknown. . Others ask me to explain I do and continual to, but you have to want to understand and listen, read this book and another, as I have spent a life time trying to understand the average person and getting it so wrong, I also realize for you to step into my world, I need to help you see through my eyes, But as everyone is a unique individual I can only share my journey, and not speak for everyone. My family, social and work life may never be like yours, but I now have a happy balance which is "normal" and happy in my eyes. I feel its important for anyone with Aspergers Syndrome to understand oneself, so that they can use to their advantage and get support if needed, as our differences are a part of who we are. . In spite of the fact that Aspergers was identified more than sixty years ago, there's still a great deal of information yet to be determined about it, such as a cause for the condition and also a cure. In fact, because the disorder was only added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in its fourth edition in 1994, many people who were previously diagnosed with other conditions have been re-diagnosed as having AS. . It manifests in various ways and can have both positive and negative effects. It is typically characterized predominantly with bad communication and social skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and physical clumsiness. I would like to add original, maybe not the same as you - outside the box, one of a kind, do not push away, what you do not understand, really listen and you may learn. . Because this disorder spent so long not being recognized, many adults suffering from AS are in need of assistance today. We can finally help them, as well as helping children with AS. Adults often ask, what is the point of being diagnosed after all these years? I usually reply to this I totally agree they do not need to be labeled or for anyone to know. But first being diagnosed can really help them understand themselves and make life easier for them, partners and families. As there could also be a genetic connection, by knowing you may not only be helping yourself, but maybe other generations to come. ..
. . People with AS are not mentally challenged, or incapable of caring for themselves. They simply face different challenges. Use the support you need, but realize that you can have a fulfilling life and successful future - the only real problems we seem to continue to have is being totally misunderatood by the NT's, but its simply we think one way and they think another, our wires just get a little crossed from time to time. .
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. . . Aspergers isn't a disorder that affects only the person who has been diagnosed with it—it can also have a big affect on their families and friends. Parents find themselves raising a child they never expected to have, especially after being told at birth that the child is healthy. Siblings find themselves living with a brother or sister who requires inordinate amounts of mum and dad's time and who sometimes embarrasses them in public. To top it off, it's often really hard to even play with the sibling with AS. Then, of course, there are the psychological effects AS has on both the child and family problems like anxiety, stress, and depression are common in families with AS.
People with AS will often take substances like alcohol or drugs to help relieve anxiety, stress. But because of their obsessive behavior patterns, can become a bad habit to easily, leading to a depressive state. Aspergers parents and partners can feel rejected, as Aspergers people often lack the ability to communicate their own emotional state, will often become isolated and alone.
At times, people might give you advice and criticisms which you find slightly patronizing, pedantic or unimportant. This might often cause you to want to rebel, but you could in fact be rebelling against the very things which are to be most helpful to you. . .
Anger and Triggers
One of the problems I have had in the past, is I seemed to push away people when most in need, when most want help. I have been trying to work this out, and think partly due to the fact that we like to do things in our own time and in our own way. I think quite often the trigger can be the closes person to you, as if you do not understand yourself how can anyone else.
Any sort of stress and / or change can be a big trigger. I was like this, could become unreasonable and aggressive, not sure at times why myself. But it was like at times I was on my own, could not understand why others did not seem to understand me. But since being diagnosed I really have changed totally, knowledge of the condition is the key to understanding and being able to be ones true self.
I have found what works for me, if need own space is to let partner, other family members know. Instead of withdrawing and excluding them, my husband will now instead of getting into an argument, which he will not win anyway, and only make me defensive, never good to back us aapies into a corner as will just fight back, which will trigger us into a situation where we completely withdraw. He has now learnt to recognise if need a hug or space, can be that simple. So a few deep breaths, stand back, do not argue and try and be supportive, you could be the trigger without knowing it.
The other thing I have found, if things are escalating it’s good to try and have less coffee and alcohol. I have always found makes me worse, I do not drink anymore and that does really help me, clearer head, helps me to see if a problem starting, cannot give up coffee, but no one can be all good. We really need to find ways to relieve build up of stress, the best one for me is long walks, exercise. Some people just need quite time, to recharge. But it is important to find what works for you, and let others know. The norm cannot read minds, even if we think they should!
Unfortunately people with asperger syndrome quite often can have depressive states, with high and low’s. This is often due to them feeling totally misunderstood and alone, as they see it anyway. If not dealt with at an early stage, can go on to become depressed and could go on to turning into bi polar, or other similar conditions. Of course not everyone will, and depends on circumstances, but just want others to be aware this is a real possibility. At this stage will need outside professional help, no need to be sad and lost on one’s own. . . Emotional Chaos, sensory issues overloaded, shutdown... .
. The importance of early diagnosis: Because the condition of people with Asperger syndrome is not as marked as those with autism, they may not be diagnosed for a long time. This can mean that their particular needs may go unrecognized and parents may blame themselves, or worse still blame their child for their unusual behavior.
The wonderful thing about computers is having such a vast population using the Internet. Allows individuals with Aspergers syndrome, and similar conditions a voice, they can communicate with each other in a way that was not possible to do offline due to the rarity and the geographic dispersal of individuals with Aspergers syndrome. As a result of increasing ability to connect with one another, a subculture of “Aspies” has formed. Internet sites have made it easier for individuals to connect with each other. Helping to spread awareness, and a better understanding.
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No Reason Sad moments Want to cry Negative Thoughts Build up Overload Cry inside Confusion Muddle Twisted Tears full No sense No time No end Chaotic Emptiness Loneiness Aleination Breaking free Release the flood Just need to cry . . Diagnosed late in Life First getting diagnosed is not easy, you have to revaluate yourself. I could not help but wonder, how could I have not know for so long, did I want to know, would it change me, make a difference – I could be wrong. That’s when I knew I had to find out, I needed to know. Because if I was I had to know, if it was real it had to be fact. I did not want to have to keep just presuming, and having to try and convince everyone else.
When you most want the help, it can be hard. It’s not something people tend to talk about, or know about. I feel too many professionals (doctors, psychologists, teachers etc) still are not well enough informed on Autistic Spectrum Disorders. But with more awareness than ever, this is beginning to change. If you decide to be diagnosed it really is your choice, this is something you have to decide for yourself. Take time to find out as much as you can, as soon as I did there was no choice for me, I knew at last this could be away of really being able to be me.
Far too often, it’s left to you, or someone else in your life to recognise the symptoms. If not diagnosed it often leads to being wrongly diagnosed. I did try and get help about 10 years ago, had no idea what if anything was wrong, just knew I was different, and had problems dealing with certain issues unlike everyone else. It was suggested I was depressed, but knowing this was not the case decide not to push the issue, as did not want to be put on anti-depressants, lucky for me never like to take any drugs. So still feeling confused and misunderstood, carried on dealing with my differences alone.
Anyway, once realise you may have ASD or similar condition is to find a doctor or someone who will listen. But before that I would advise read as much as you can about aspergers and associated conditions, and write down all the reasons you feel you have aspergers. I also put down differences as far back as childhood, because as we get older we change. The more understanding and supporting evidence you collect the better, as will make the next step so much easier.
Once decided on a doctor, arrive armed with as much knowledge and information as possible, as this will not only prepare you, but make the whole process a lot easier. Make sure you write down as much as you can, because as it may all be new to you, can be quite hard explaining to someone else. I was lucky my doctor did agree to refer me to a psychologist for an assessment first time. But I was very well prepared, as knew would be lots of little things I would have forgotten to mention otherwise.
When I arrived to see the psychologist was very nervous, as never been to one before and was not sure what to except. But defiantly did not expect what happen next. I was asked why I thought I had aspergers, thought they would be asking me the questions. Just as well I was well prepared, but 1 hour is not a long time. But she did agree it was quite possible I had all the symptoms! But once her draft report arrive at my home, which clearly stated I had aspergers. I just stood there, I was all alone and it’s a lot to take in at first.
After reading the first draft did not know if I should cry or jump for joy, to be honest I think I already knew at that stage and really it was a big relief, everything just seem to make sense and others would really have to believe me now. I was not making it all up, or crazy. I really was simply just different, and the strange thing was I had come to that conclusion a while ago. Use to say to one of my friends here in NZ “I do not know why but I’m different for everyone else” but I did not know then there are lots more just like me. It was strange when first reading the words I have aspergers – it’s like, all of a sudden after being one person all your life, you find out your someone else.
I had to send the draft report back 4 times before I was happy with it, not sure if wanted to delay a little longer or just needed more time before sent to doctors and official. The strange thing is the letter did go to my doctors, but they never called me. I guess after all there is none thing wrong with me. Except for years of conscious effort trying to be someone other than what I should be, has at times been extremely stressful. Still find it hard at times, knowing I suffered for so long unnecessarily, growing up and continually being told your wrong. Brainwashed by society and the media, to be someone you are not.
But now I’m so proud to say I’m an aspie, and to me it is now just a fact like everything else. But one good point being diagnosed later in life was that I really got to study how society and the world really works, not like the norm where there knowledge is acquired unconsciously. If you have never heard of aspergers before, then please do not try and stereotype me or institutionalize what you do not understand. I have had to spend a life time trying to understand the norm, just try and see things through my eyes for a short time.
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Something to think about One thing to remember is that Aspergers Syndrome is a very difficult condition to diagnose, that’s why being more aware is so important. Unfortunately, so many people have and still are going undiagnosed, and some especially not so many years ago were misdiagnosed. Older people with undiagnosed AS, may currently be receiving inappropriate treatments, greater awareness of AS in the older population would enable better understanding and care of these people. . As Aspergers Syndrome can also be found in conjunction, with other medical conditions, making it even harder to diagnose. Some common problems people with Aspergers syndrome are found to have include (but are not limited to) are: Speech Disorders, Tourettes Syndrome, and other tic disorders, Non Verbal Learning Disorder, dyspraxia, dyslexia, ADHD, ADD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder , Depression (including Bipolar), - Generalized Anxiety and Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorders such as phobias.. . hypersensitivity to external noise, forgetting oneself in front of the computer, ruminating things passed in previous days… Insomnia, most often complaining of diffuse difficulty in falling asleep. Until my husband found out I had Aspergers, he never believed I seem to not need or unable to sleep whenever, and unfortunately lack of understanding can lead to partners of AS people feeling neglected. . And more poor co-ordination, clumsiness etc, eating problems including allergies, phobias about food, overeating, and ?anorexia (some cases), visual problems eg Irlens, health problems due to high pain tolerance e.g. broken bones or appendicitis being ignored for a long time by the person. . By definition, those with AS have a normal IQ and many individuals (although not all), exhibit exceptional skill or talent in a specific area. Because of their high degree of functionality and their naiveté, those with asperger syndrome are often viewed as eccentric or odd and can easily become victims of teasing and bullying. . While language development seems, on the surface, normal, individuals with asperger syndrome often have deficits in pragmatics and prosody. Vocabularies may be extraordinarily rich and some children sound like "little professors". However, persons with asperger syndrome can be extremely literal and have difficulty using language in a social context. . . Through life experience we gain intuition expertise, intuition can be so strong, we think we already know, but do we. Can over thinking lead to misconception! . . Mind Time (be good to your brain) - just believe it us Aspies need it! A distinction is not often made in the philosophy of mind between the mind and the brain, and there is some controversy as to their exact relationship, leading to the mind-body problem. The brain is defined as the physical and biological matter, responsible for all electrochemical neuronal processes. The mind, however, is seen in terms of mental attributes, such as beliefs or desires. . I feel it’s especially important for us apies to have mind time, reflect, top up call it what you will. Soak in the bath or hid in the garden shed, we seem to need our own space and time, cars recharge batteries, so why do some of us just let our minds get too run down, that’s when things can turn to mash! We are all continually told to look after our bodies, so why not our minds. . Mind Time Day, try to take steps to free yourself of the past hurts and worries that continue to live with you. Start a personal ritual; write down your thoughts, to get out all your feelings. Treat yourself to a beautiful journal to give yourself a regular outlet for all your emotions, regrets, and worries. Don't push these emotions away. Harness them and move on as a smarter person. You can even Email them to me to add to site if feel will help others. _____________________ . . Socializing for me takes A LOT of energy and find I can handle so much, I often feel I want more friends, but then get over whelmed, like them on my terms, in others words "can put them away and bring them out when please to" of course this does not work. . Not understanding who we are can be sooooo frustrating and often we become angry, defensive, accusing and even complete denial is not uncommon, anger, frustration offer happen because we do not feel understood often even by those close to us, which can be quite alienating and lonely and there is so little support, awareness for adults here in NZ, but that is beginning to change. . In regards to professional help, I feel this is also important when you feel you’re ready, if you decision to get diagnosed that is, and if you do finding a good professional not so easy here in NZ, I wished I could give you a list, there is Dr AvaRuth Baker and I have only heard all good. I was not diagnosed by her myself (see my profile for more on my diagnosis), but as far as I know the only professional on the autism spectrum who does diagnose here in NZ. I have met her, but do not know her personally, so anything to do with her I feel best for you to inquire direct. . As for needing support or medication or not, that has to be your decision and your need to be assessed by professionals, I am not a professional but do have my own opinion and my own reasons for that, as we all have our own views (more on web site "Do not Drug Us - Understand Us"). I feel it’s important at some stage you take professional advice and decide for yourself all the options. . True identity, understanding oneself and acceptance makes heaps of difference.... but having a connection with real people is vital for me and I have found this on line, as I have more control over when I feel like communicating. . Many of us seem to suffer from not being able to stop thinking, now everyone thinks... thoughts are represented in a "language" sometimes known as mentalese which allows complex thoughts to be built up by combining simpler thoughts in various ways. . Quote: "Different subjects and different affairs are arranged in my head as in a cupboard. When I wish to interrupt one train of thought, I shut that drawer and open another. Do I wish to sleep, I simply close all the drawers and then I am asleep." Napoleon . If like me I always give 110% to whatever I do, and often over focus to much on things, at times going a little overboard, so no surprise now and again need some down time, many of us on the autism spectrum have OCD traits, along with possible bipolar traits which I feel is just the next step, an extremity of not being understood. Maybe my worst point at present is probably being addicted to coffee, can think of worse vices. I have had like many of us worse additions in the past, but then I was lost and it was desperation to find my way, that lead me onto many wrong paths... . I do realize of course, it has to be a two way process long term to work. Maybe you may not understand your partner, friend, family member, but it's often the same for us, what may be obvious to you, may not be to me. Some people take much longer to come to terms with things, partly I feel some see it as a reflection of themselves, especially if a parent they want their child to be like others, but no one is the same really... . But being differently minded, the only hurdle as I see it is understanding and acceptance of oneself. You cannot explain to others, what you do not understand yourself and unfortunately there is a stigma attached to the word "Aspergers" but that’s just narrow mindedness, which is changing.... . Right now I feel like I need to be reprogrammed, as it taken years for me to get it so wrong, and no one can change that overnight. But I am content in at last finding the true me, I no longer feel lost in a jumble of cross wires.. _____________________________ . . Join in one of the many AsPlanet forum discussions and/or comment below http://asplanet.info/forum/index.php?topic=1040.msg8934#msg8934 "Early intervention / diagnosis.. My take is if the child's happy and their is no real problem, let them be and develop in there own way. Far too often once they get diagnosed too many people start to intervene. It does concern me that many governments are thinking of diagnosing earlier and I cannot help but wonder who that's for. I partly feel society puts far too much pressure on what stereo type "norm" should be and therefore, finds it hard to allow differently able individuals, going out of their way to conform children before they have a chance to find self... YES bucket loads of awareness and understanding is needed in regards to asd, giving society, parents more insight and understanding, that's the only way anyone will ever allow and accept..." . . . "Its all to easy to be offend by those we do not understand! Sometimes when meeting new individuals I rant on about self and barely able to listen to others, many think I am being rude when I am simply surviving the only way I now how, if nervious/anxiety my mind can seem like a computer on full power with the thought process scattered, taken away for awhile, even blank. But all I need is simply time to readjust and helps when not judged!" .
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