Asperger's Syndrome (addicted to PMO)

Interesting... In that bulleted list, everything but that last point applies to me, especially when I was a kid. I couldn't speak until I was around 4, and I always got frustrated easily (which shocks people when I tell them about that; they see me as cool-tempered and "too" calm, lol). I dont know, I never thought twice about it because I honestly don't care about what I have or might not have, nor did I let it define me or stop me (hmm... from that previous statement, maybe I DO have that last point as a trait, actually). I did have ADHD problems when I was a pre-teen/teen, so I just always assumed it was that.

But what I see in many autistic people/Aspergers is the hate for change, and I don't have that (in fact, I find most changes refreshing). With that said, quitting PMO can be such a change that might make it more difficult for people with Aspergers/etc.

 

I have high-functioning autism (Developmental delay with high IQ). But It does not really impact my life or personality as much as society claims.

To me it feels like being a member of an oppressed minority.

 

For most of my life I didn't consider my autism to be relevant. I had my own interests and unique personality traits but nothing bizarre or unrelatable. It's only within the last year that I noticed my identity screwing up my life.

I was rejected by army recruitment, for nothing other than my autism identity. I was rejected from job applications when I mentioned my autism. When I was in school the government sent people to experiment on me. In my country I am classified as disabled.

 

My son has had an educational diagnosis of autism. We are seeking a medical diagnosis. Lots of problems at school. I would love to know more about your experiences. He has a really hard time making and keeping friends. The only way I can describe it is it's "odd" behavior, repeating phrases/sentences and he gets easily frustrated - he wants people to behave a certain way and interact a certain way. I'll keep an eye on this thread. I'm very interested. Personally I don't have autism though.

 

I already knew deep down but I recently got an official diagnosis, and while I hate putting a label on it if I had to pick it would be "low functioning" autism. I was quite surprised to read in the report that my scores reached "records" like being in the 1% on some catagories. Yay me lol

I have a list of things like disorders and such but I'll mention some of the biggest things I have to deal with all the time.

Ever since I was a wee lass I knew I was different, I've always thought folks were these weird aliens and I accidentally crash landed on this strange and foreign planet. There's nothing worse than being in a shop and getting treated weird or like a muppet because I refuse to shake a person's had or look them in the eye. Another great one is jokes, I understand the concept but i don't find things people say funny and so I don't laugh even when they weirdly do so at their own joke, I used to force or fake laugh but stopped one day because why should I for their sake? I guess I could say I'm severely off-putting to people and they obviously really don't like being near me, which again is great because I don't need the added discomfort but I just wish they wouldn't treat me like shit, but I guess that's what happens when your different.

I absolutely hate socialising and will avoid it at all costs, that's why I only have a partner and have never had any mates to play with growing up which is fine by me. If I didn't have my SO I honestly wouldn't be able to do anything or step outside at all. I've always been a loner and found out it was not only being autistic, but I'm actually an introvert as well, so some problems are magnified because of it.

I'm definitely not daft but unfortunately have learning disorders. Things that take people weeks or a couple of months can take me years if I'm at least able to grasp the concept, because embarrassingly enough stuff like words and even the alphabet I have trouble remembering so I need to rely on Google and spellchecker to help me out. That's why I dropped out of school when I was 16 as I was behind anyways, and continuing was just frustrating and bloody annoying since I didn't understand anything.

Besides socialising and understanding one of my biggest issues is with noise especially when it's loud like trains, movement, lights and even smells. I can't be outside alone or for too long, because I get severe anxiety from noises like traffic, people talking/walking, the smell of food being cooked or something like perfume, emergency lights flashing, etc. When you're autistic you fixate on things, so sound wise if I'm sitting in an office waiting I'll hear everything from whispering, shuffling, papers being moved or torn, the printer, the light humming and especially the bloody keyboard clacking when they type, it's way too overwhelming and I have to put on music and close my eyes or just leave because it's way too much.

While it may not seem like it to some when I type on the Internet I do have lots of issues and struggle but I wouldn't want anything changed though, I am who I am and am loved by someone for it. Plus autism is my core self so removing any part of that would destroy my identity and change who I am.

 

@seekagoodlife and @Sarah W. thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. My son definitely has problems with noise and is easily overwhelmed. What were the things your parents did that didn't help you? Was there anything that brought you constant pain in trying to cope with your difficulties? Was there anything they did really well?

 

No two autistic people will have the same experiences. Many of your sons issues should get easier with time. Autistic or not, everyone learns how to adapt to their environment. My mother encouraged me to try new things but didn't push too hard, I guess that's how I learned to fit in eventually.

 

Australia, not fitting the white Australian male stereotype doesn't help. These days I never tell anyone about my autism. As for my interests I like sci-fi, chess, history, philosophy, travelling, wrestling, being in nature and 90s sit-coms. Some of those interests are "offbeat" but I don't consider them weird.

 

@KS1994, wise words. I'll keep listening and learning.

 

Well honestly my parents never did anything about my autism and thought I was just weird and being stubborn, so they never tried to help or consider I had difficulties even though looking back at it I definitely was not your typical kid. But honestly even if they intervened and tried to actually help it wouldn't of mattered, I already had too many difficulties and problems learning so it most likely would of been the same outcome, it just would of been a faster and less painful time getting a diagnosis.

It took me until my adult life to realise and pinpoint that it was indeed autism, and as I get older my

The only thing I can think of is pay attention to your son and his needs and provide support when it looks like it's needed, be there for him, listen to anytging he has to say and don't treat him any differently. That was the worst thing my mum did, calling me weird, asking why couldn't I be normal because of my distant emotions with a usual blank face, and my "problems" just seemed more like an inconvenience rather than a legitimate loving concern from a parent.

You sound like you already treat him well and are concerned for his well being, I'm glad he has a parent that is making an effort to understand autism better to help out more. Ultimately you have to decide what's best for your child and his well being, and from what I've read you're doing the best of your abilities!

 

@Sarah W. thanks for the kind words and advice. I'm definitely not as patient as I could be sometimes but I've stopped worrying if his behavior makes him seem odd. That was the biggest relief.

@seekagoodlife, thanks for the comment. The most we have talked about it directly (he's only 7) is that he says he is scared his brain doesn't work. That he thinks and thinks but cant think the same as other people and doesn't understand things in school.