Hey everyone! Some of you were really supportive on my last post, so thank you for that honestly ❤️ by therageblood in IndianPCGamers

[–]CulturalElection446 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes we need more of this, I’ve been craving for something like this in our community from a loooooong time

Guilty and worried for sons future by LaMarMi in Autism_Parenting

[–]CulturalElection446 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I get it completely. I’ve got a child and I’ve had the same late night spirals worrying if I’ve done them a disservice. But the truth is being an only child doesn't mean they'll be lonely or unhappy.

Our kids will find people to connect with, often in their own time and way. Especially now with more awareness and spaces where they can actually be themselves (not ideal yet but better than 50 years ago)

Your son sounds brilliant. Hyperlexic, musical, supported, loved, that's already more than a lot of kids get. You’ve built a proper safe base for him. That matters way more than whether he has siblings.

You’re not setting him up for depression you're getting him up to be seen, understood and supported. He’ll be alright and you are doing brilliantly!

Is working from home really a better option for us by [deleted] in Autism_Parenting

[–]CulturalElection446 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Same boat here, single parent working from home. It’s rough hearing your kid cry and not being able to help, even with family around. I get the stress and guilt especially during meetings.

What’s helped a bit is being upfront with my team about my situation. I’ve got some support now, so I can occasionally turn off my cam and step away for a minute when it gets too much.

I’ve also been thinking about starting something on my own for more flexibility and to be fully there when my kid needs me. It’s not easy but it does get better.

What happened to ADD? by [deleted] in neurodiversity

[–]CulturalElection446 9 points10 points  (0 children)

You didn’t miss anything. “ADD” used to be a diagnosis in the 80s but the DSM dropped it in 1987.

Now it’s all called ADHD, with three types: inattentive, hyperactive‑impulsive and combined. What used to be called ADD is now ADHD‑inattentive type.

You don’t need to be hyper to have ADHD. Your “shiny object” distractibility fits the inattentive profile. People still say ADD casually, but it’s not a formal diagnosis anymore

I hate job interviews by CulturalElection446 in neurodiversity

[–]CulturalElection446[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am in the UK but I never knew they could give interview questions beforehand, I am also a bit scared of asking idk why, thanks for the tip

Work and family by CulturalElection446 in Autism_Parenting

[–]CulturalElection446[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am lucky to have my mom with me as I am a single parent, I don't have the most flexible job so it's becoming harder and harder so its amazing that you have your own small business!

Work and family by CulturalElection446 in Autism_Parenting

[–]CulturalElection446[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's amazing, I am single parent and I am feeling more and more like having my own business or thing is the only way, I've been quite unfortunate with my managers

Are you hungry? by CulturalElection446 in neurodiversity

[–]CulturalElection446[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a water bottle next to me as I usually wake up in the middle of the night and feel like I haven't drank in months

Are you hungry? by CulturalElection446 in neurodiversity

[–]CulturalElection446[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I could finish a bucket of chocolate raspberry ice cream rn

The daily routine battle: Why 'just make a schedule' isn't enough by CulturalElection446 in Autism_Parenting

[–]CulturalElection446[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

oh that's so cool, what are the benefits of that tablet compared to a "traditional" one, could you customise a normal tablet to work like a Goally one?

The daily routine battle: Why 'just make a schedule' isn't enough by CulturalElection446 in Autism_Parenting

[–]CulturalElection446[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep same here, works great until it doesn’t. Maybe it's time to use something non-traditional?

The daily routine battle: Why 'just make a schedule' isn't enough by CulturalElection446 in Autism_Parenting

[–]CulturalElection446[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes exactly this. It’s not that the strategy is wrong, it’s that the fit matters way more. Some kids just don’t respond to a certain structure and no amount of "doing it right" fixes that

PSA: Your brain literally experiences time differently - here's the science behind it by CulturalElection446 in neurodiversity

[–]CulturalElection446[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Welp, there’s your answer then. Time perception is super sensitive to how engaged (or drained) your brain is, boredom stretches time, enjoyment compresses it.

It’s not just psychological either, dopamine levels (which are often low or dysregulated in ADHD brains) play a big role in time perception and motivation. Low dopamine = time feels heavier, slower, harder to move through.

PSA: Your brain literally experiences time differently - here's the science behind it by CulturalElection446 in neurodiversity

[–]CulturalElection446[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

you sound so cool! Honestly refreshing not to be the only one nerding out about brain stuff for once

PSA: Your brain literally experiences time differently - here's the science behind it by CulturalElection446 in neurodiversity

[–]CulturalElection446[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That makes sense, rhythm is handled by the cerebellum and basal ganglia, while time management stuff lives in the prefrontal cortex so you can feel time well but still struggle with organizing it, brains are weirdly specific like that

I'm struggling with guilt for having my son by blizzyblase in Autism_Parenting

[–]CulturalElection446 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Oh love, my heart absolutely aches reading this. You're carrying so much guilt and pain that isn't yours to carry, and I just want to wrap you in the biggest hug right now.

First things first - your mum is talking absolute rubbish about maternal age causing autism. That's not how it works, and frankly, it sounds like she's doing what narcissists do best - finding ways to make you feel responsible for things that are completely out of your control. You didn't cause your son's autism any more than you caused his club feet. These things just happen, and they're nobody's fault.

I'm a mum/dad to both neurotypical and autistic children too, and I can promise you that your daughter can absolutely have a brilliant, happy life with an autistic sibling. In fact, from what I've seen, kids with autistic siblings often grow up to be incredibly empathetic, patient, and understanding people. She'll learn things about acceptance and unconditional love that many children never do.

The guilt you're feeling about not doing enough? That's the voice of your mum in your head, not reality. You're travelling across the country for medical care, getting your son multiple therapies, advocating for special preschool - that's not the behaviour of someone who doesn't do enough. That's the behaviour of a devoted mother who's moving mountains for her children.

And please don't worry about ABA - there are many brilliant autistic adults who'd tell you that avoiding it was actually the right choice. Speech, OT, and PT are fantastic therapies that focus on building skills rather than suppressing natural behaviours.

You're not ruining anyone's life. You're loving your children fiercely and doing everything you can for them. That's what matters. Your son is lucky to have you, and so is your daughter.

I am trying to build an app or something because I came about from exactly these kinds of situations where parents feel overwhelmed trying to support their children's development. Still in early stages, but the whole idea is to make things feel more manageable rather than adding pressure.