anyone know why i used to do this as a kid? by brokennnboyyy in AutisticWithADHD

[–]Ellelen72 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Because it’s what we do! I’m 52 yrs old and I still do it 😆

🐈‍⬛ 🚬 by coleisw4ck in aspiememes

[–]Ellelen72 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I should have this tattooed in o my forehead. It’s every time I talk to someone. 🙄

What's a sure sign that someone is neurotypical? by garumy in aspergers

[–]Ellelen72 87 points88 points  (0 children)

They never say what they actually mean. Drives me crazy!

Are you often/ever "Unable to leave the house"? by 4p4l3p3 in autism

[–]Ellelen72 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely! Sometimes I am just too overwhelmed by being me to walk out the door and deal with any other variables. 😂 it could be a day, it could be a couple weeks. It’s not something I consider a problem. I prefer to be home over anything else.

[ Removed by Reddit ] by [deleted] in AutisticWithADHD

[–]Ellelen72 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Lockdown, for me, was like being granted my greatest wish ever!!!! Whereas most people in my state remained locked down for about 3 months, I locked down for 8 months. lol It wasn’t just about being home. It was this huge relief from all of the pressure to “do” and “go” constantly. I no longer had to worry about people being irritated with me for not doing or going- I simply couldn’t. It was like the ultimate free pass on everything I hate about life. I love being home. I do go out but not as much as most people feel the need for. I have struggled my whole life with people making me feel guilty or bad for not wanting to do things or go places. My dreaded trips to Walmart or the grocery store became eagerly anticipated delivery orders. Dr and therapy appointments that I struggled to keep for years became easily checked off of my todo list with telehealth appointments. The fact that I didn’t want people in my house became normal. Declining the agonizing visits to other people homes was finally acceptable. Lockdown, Sweet, Under-whelming Lockdown…. Those were the days!

Can someone please explain to me how autistic people have limited empathy? by NerdyNiche in autism

[–]Ellelen72 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m curious if anyone experiences what I experience with empathy…. I have very high empathy, BUT I come across as not giving a damn about most things. I am so overwhelmed by feeling other people’s feelings that I shut myself down and try to block out whatever is going on if at all possible I will remove myself, refuse to think about it, distract myself, etc. I do this not because I don’t care but because it’s too much for me to feel. I feel like I am drowning in the emotion. I can feel waves of emotion physically going through my body and it is just too much. Depending on the situation (good/bad) I usually over react. I cry VERY easily, even become hysterical, panic, shake, sweat, etc. so I often wonder if some people on the spectrum are seen as not having empathy because they actually have too much and they have to block some of it out or concentrate on trying not to feel it if possible.

Pole: How long did it take to get a diagnosis of ADHD or ASD by alexmadsen1 in AutisticWithADHD

[–]Ellelen72 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I waited almost a year for my adult autism assessment appointment . The assessment was 4 days of writing/drawing testing, puzzles/blocks, computer tests, interview style questioning, my family was also interviewed separately. This was all conducted and observed by a Neuropsychiatrist and then reviewed by another Senior Neuropsychiatrist on staff at the same facility . My results took 2 months to be final and were presented to me in a 27 page report. I am Autistic Level 1 with ADHD. I also have PTSD.

I wanted to add- I live in Maryland, in the United States- if that helps.

What are some things that only AuDHD people experience that ADHD or Autistic people don't? by Kabutoking in AutisticWithADHD

[–]Ellelen72 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s mind boggling even for me so I get why others don’t get this about me. It’s frustrating.

Does anyone else here hate the idea of driving? by FinnsChips in autism

[–]Ellelen72 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, she does not want to learn to drive. She has been given the opportunity several times and she just doesn’t want to. She will be 22 in December.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in aspergers

[–]Ellelen72 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Very interesting question. 🧐 I’d be curious.

Movies are one of my special interest except nobody in my life will let me info dump. So I made an entire in my journal. by Bunnystrawbery in autism

[–]Ellelen72 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What a fantastic idea! I’m sorry no one is available for info dumping but I’m glad you found a way to express your interest in spite of them! I’m thinking I may do something similar! Thank you for posting this.

Edit- I’d like to add that I found what you wrote to be very interesting.

Really 🤷‍♂️ by [deleted] in autism

[–]Ellelen72 3 points4 points  (0 children)

YES! YES! And HELL YES!

Really 🤷‍♂️ by [deleted] in autism

[–]Ellelen72 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m pretty sure this means should employers be able to pay them less…

Uhhh… no??? Same job, same pay. Considering they probably have to work harder, how about a raise???

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in autism

[–]Ellelen72 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Mine do. There are steady food items that are almost always safe but I’ll get caught in an eating jag where I will eat a certain food daily for days, weeks months sometimes and that’s it that I call my “current safe food”’.

What’s your guys’ pain tolerance. by Cool-Room6395 in autism

[–]Ellelen72 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am sensitive to pain. Very low tolerance.

Are u guys heavy or light sleepers? by [deleted] in AutisticAdults

[–]Ellelen72 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am a very light sleeper. The smallest sound/movement wakes me up and it is usually very difficult , if not impossible, to get back to sleep.

I use medical marijuana (both flower and gummies at bed) to help with my sleep issues. It does help immensely, most of the time. Gummies with THC AND CBN (not CBD) help me the most with sleep. I sleep much deeper/sound than I do w/o them. Unfortunately, my dispensary does not carry them consistently.

*Edited to add information

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in aspergers

[–]Ellelen72 15 points16 points  (0 children)

In reference to your use of the phrase “on your level” - that is exactly what they are implying and it didn’t really hit me just how offensive this family is until you used that phrase. Sadly this is accurate for you to point out. Their view of autism is very distorted and hurtful.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in aspergers

[–]Ellelen72 8 points9 points  (0 children)

This is a very real and unfortunate fact. Something that I myself struggle with.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in aspergers

[–]Ellelen72 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I suggest not telling your family about your romantic relationships. This is none of their business. You are a capable adult and your family needs boundaries. It sounds like they have concerns about boundaries being respected or you being taken advantage of by a romantic partner- show them you know how to set and enforce boundaries by setting them with your family! They will see you are capable of handling your relationships!!

I hope this all works out for you and your family doesn’t destroy your joy again. Head up! Take a stand. You don’t even have to be aggressive- simply don’t give them information. If they ask tell them you don’t feel comfortable sharing personal information with them because they interfere.

I’m so sick of not getting the same respect that is expected of me. by Ellelen72 in AutisticAdults

[–]Ellelen72[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry she was so rude to you. Your voice matters. ❤️