We all need to be heard for a little while.

elsien

To the casual observer, there aren't any of the obvious signs of autism or Aspergers, which is what made me wonder.

Indie_Kid

elsien wrote: »

To the casual observer, there aren't any of the obvious signs of autism or Aspergers, which is what made me wonder.

Some of us do try to hide it. You also need to remember it is a spectrum and each person is different. I know that one friend of mine only worked out something wasn't quite right because I'd taken a perfectly innocent comment the wrong way and though he was being rude.:o But he did tell me that it's not the sort of thing you can go around saying to people - he thought that having known me long enough, he could get away with it.

After a mix of that and a few other issues which led to me becoming extremely frustrated, I felt that I had no choice but to explain.

Waves_and_Smiles

Is it being confused with Social Communication disorder?

So far no insurance people, and also no water. Next door has a leak so they have turned it off!

Stoodles

Tell me more about Autism - If that's Ok? My understanding is obviously wrong. I had thought Autism was always quite noticeable, and included not being able to decipher figurative speech and physical/facial cues. While Aspergers was more in line with social awkwardness and geekdom. What amI getting wrong?

I had to do an Adult Autism test while they were groping their way to a diagnosis, and all I recall is a question I couldn't answer about Would I prefer to go to the theatre or a museum. I needed to know what play, with whom, which museum … All I ever found out was that I had scored high on empathy

Indie_Kid

Stoodles wrote: »

Tell me more about Autism - If that's Ok? My understanding is obviously wrong. I had thought Autism was always quite noticeable, and included not being able to decipher figurative speech and physical/facial cues. While Aspergers was more in line with social awkwardness and geekdom. What amI getting wrong?

I had to do an Adult Autism test while they were groping their way to a diagnosis, and all I recall is a question I couldn't answer about Would I prefer to go to the theatre or a museum. I needed to know what play, with whom, which museum … All I ever found out was that I had scored high on empathy

It being noticeable depends on the person themselves. I have friends who, for example, are just known as weird to those who aren't aware that they have Autism. Most of my friends don't know I have Autism. (it's not something I go around advertising) According to a friend of mine, it's always been obvious and so, when I told him, (I had to ask for advice) he responded with "I can't say I'm surprised".:o I mentioned on the previous page that I am currently having some serious issues communicating what I want. (and I can't blame the stupid limit on text messages - in my head I know what I want - I just can't put into words) Thankfully for me, he is aware of my issues and is well aware of what I'm trying (and failing) to get at.

In my case, part of my problem is taking things completely the wrong way. I had a friend use the words "even if they're as rubbish as you", which I found rather offensive.:o He had to then explain that by "you" he means in general and he wasn't aiming his comment at me. He did say that a) you can't just go around saying that to strangers and b) he thought he knew me well enough and thought he could get away with it. (ie, I wouldn't be offended by it)

Anyway, after that and another incident where we'd planned something and I'd completely misunderstood something, (he did say that he didn't fully explain what he had meant) it left me with no choice but to explain my situation. That was awkward. He's much older than me; so I couldn't just say "I have Autism" and leave it at that - because I had no idea if he knew what it was. (I knew he was a teacher and retired in 2000, which was before it was well known)

A lot of people with Autism do have problems with communication. I don't like crowds or loud noises or unexpected changes. (you have to give me at least 24 hours notice) Many of us have rather narrow interests and some of us (I include myself in this) do have some rather odd and socially unacceptable interests.

In general, males tend to be more obvious than females. I'm female and depending on who you speak to, it's either obvious or not. (and then there's the stupid people who claim I can't possibly have it, it's "just anxiety" and I need counselling)

Stoodles

I suspect lots of people here know about those "stupid people" who claim we have simply resolved problems.

Now you remind me I knew about the problems dealing with unexpected change. That is common to lots of conditions, isn't it? It's in the ESA form and I remember giving examples for myself.

Looking at your communication here I'd never have thought you have a problem.

Pyxis

Stoodles wrote: »

I had to do an Adult Autism test while they were groping their way to a diagnosis, and all I recall is a question I couldn't answer about Would I prefer to go to the theatre or a museum. I needed to know what play, with whom, which museum … All I ever found out was that I had scored high on empathy

Oh gosh, Stoodles! That's why I hate questionnaires, as nothing is ever black and white; it all sooooo depends! I wouldn't be able to answer the theatre/museum thing either, as it would so depend, as you say, on which museum and on which play! How on earth that question can help determine autism is beyond me!






Indie, I'm now totally intrigued by what your 'rather odd and socially unacceptable" interests are!
My mind is boggling away as no mind has boggled before!............
Dancing atop chimney pots?
Painting local cats purple?
Nude sunbathing on roundabouts?
Pinching strange men's bottoms?

I want to know, now!


I second Stoodles in that your written communication is excellent. I must admit, I prefer writing things down to saying them, as I usually tend to stumble over what I'm trying to say and can't find the right word. Until ten minutes later that is, and then it's too late!

Indie_Kid

Pyxis wrote: »

Indie, I'm now totally intrigued by what your 'rather odd and socially unacceptable" interests are!
My mind is boggling away as no mind has boggled before!............
Dancing atop chimney pots?
Painting local cats purple?
Nude sunbathing on roundabouts?
Pinching strange men's bottoms?

I want to know, now!

I'd rather not admit what they are. They really are not appropriate in the slightest. I remember being somewhat pleased when I discovered someone else with the same interests.

I second Stoodles in that your written communication is excellent. I must admit, I prefer writing things down to saying them, as I usually tend to stumble over what I'm trying to say and can't find the right word. Until ten minutes later that is, and then it's too late!

Thanks:o I know that I do sometimes struggle. And don't get me started on talking. I've lost count of the amount of times my friend thought I said one thing (he will say "did you say...?") only for me to have to tell him that I said something else. I know I've looked at some of his emails which I've needed to reply to and had to reply later because I can't quite put into words what I'm trying to tell him. He does for the most part, understand what I'm trying to get at.

Pyxis

It's ok Indie. Of course you don't have to say if you'd rather not! :A



Anyway! JM! I made the cake! Had to go out for eggs as I don't usually have them in the house! I only eat eggs about twice a year! (Undisguised eggs, that is!)

Here it is, straight out of oven and drizzled with sugar/lemon juice (which has soaked in). I'm just about to try it! Anyone for a slice?

It's the first cake I've made for years! :rotfl:

tea_lover

*pulls up chair*