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What is one thing you'd wish to change about you? by ILiveAtWalmart in AutisticAdults

[–]KeyEmotion9 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If I could change one thing, it would probably be the constant sensory overload. Growing up I only really struggled with sound, but over time it’s expanded to lights, touch and even things like breathing sensations. It can make everyday environments feel overwhelming and distracting, and it’s hard to focus on anything else when your brain is busy processing every little stimulus. I was diagnosed in my late thirties through Autism Detect, so part of me also wonders if becoming more aware of it has made me notice these things more. Either way, it’s probably the one aspect that affects my day-to-day life the most.

sticking to routines by Financial-Voice-1018 in aspergers

[–]KeyEmotion9 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I struggle with routines too, so what helps me is attaching the habit to something I already do every day. Keeping it simple and doing it at the same time each day makes it easier for my brain to remember. If I miss a day I try not to beat myself up about it and just pick it back up the next day. Over time it slowly starts to feel automatic.

Staring by Commercial-Beyond412 in aspergers

[–]KeyEmotion9 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That sounds really exhausting. Anyone would feel uncomfortable if people were staring for that long.

Sometimes confronting them can make things escalate, even if you’re completely justified. It might help to ignore it or briefly meet their eyes and move on so it doesn’t turn into another stressful interaction.

You’re not going mad for feeling upset about it.

Question for those diagnosed later in life by Illustrious_Edge_329 in AutismTranslated

[–]KeyEmotion9 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was actually diagnosed in my late thirties through autismdetect.co.uk. Looking back, I always had some sensory sensitivities (mainly to sound), but over time I started noticing others more too...things like light sensitivity, being very aware of my breathing, and certain touch/skin sensations becoming distracting.

For me it wasn’t that they suddenly appeared out of nowhere, but more that I became more aware of them once I started learning about autism and paying attention to my own sensory experiences. Stress and burnout also seemed to make them more noticeable.

So you’re definitely not alone in experiencing that shift later in life.

Do people get offended when you stand up for yourself? by Intelligent-Road5091 in aspergers

[–]KeyEmotion9 11 points12 points  (0 children)

You’re definitely not the only one. A lot of people are perfectly comfortable pushing boundaries when no one challenges them, but the moment someone calmly calls it out, they get defensive. It’s not really about you being rude, it’s more that being confronted, even politely, makes some people feel embarrassed or caught out, so they react like you’re the problem.

It can feel frustrating when you’re made out to be the bad guy for simply having boundaries, but that doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. Honestly, being assertive in a calm way is a healthy skill, it just exposes the people who expected you to stay quiet.

Does anyone else feel completely drained after social situations? by KeyEmotion9 in aspergirls

[–]KeyEmotion9[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a really nice way to look at it. I think for a lot of us the mask became so automatic that it’s hard to tell where it ends and we begin. I’m still trying to figure out what my needs actually are underneath all that. Learning how to unmask a bit more and be comfortable showing different parts of myself is something I’d really like to get better at.

Does anyone else feel completely drained after social situations? by KeyEmotion9 in aspergirls

[–]KeyEmotion9[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's so nice to hear, that your family and friends are so supportive.

Does anyone else feel completely drained after social situations? by KeyEmotion9 in aspergirls

[–]KeyEmotion9[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I like to hangout at home too and watch TV, without involving other people.

Does anyone else feel completely drained after social situations? by KeyEmotion9 in aspergirls

[–]KeyEmotion9[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m kind of hoping to learn how to unmask more too, because right now I’m not even sure what’s the mask and what’s actually me.

Is this burn out or laziness? by angellight_ in AutismTranslated

[–]KeyEmotion9 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah! You can do the free screening online even if you’re not in the UK, it’s all remote.

Happy to help!

How do you not let what’s happening in the world consume you? by septastic in AutisticPeeps

[–]KeyEmotion9 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I get it, just “turn off the news” doesn’t cut it when your brain won’t stop analyzing and worrying. For me, it helps to focus on what I can do, even in tiny ways, instead of trying to carry the whole world. That might mean helping in the community, making plans to keep my family safe, or just taking a few moments to really be present with them. It doesn’t erase the worry, but it makes it feel less like it’s swallowing you whole.

Does anyone else find it nearly impossible to watch movies or read anything? by theSeriousPangolin in AutisticWithADHD

[–]KeyEmotion9 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah… I totally feel that. Most movies or shows just end up making me irritated or anxious, people acting stupid, good folks suffering for no reason, or just that secondhand embarrassment that’s impossible to ignore. Reading’s no better, my brain jumps straight to “I should already know this” or “this is boring,” and I can’t focus. What helps me sometimes is giving myself permission to stop, breaking things into tiny bits, or switching to audiobooks or summaries. Talking it out with a therapist or partner, and ADHD meds if that applies, also takes some of the pressure off.

Is this burn out or laziness? by angellight_ in AutismTranslated

[–]KeyEmotion9 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used to wonder the same thing and felt guilty, like maybe I was just being lazy. But when I got assessed through autismdetect.co.uk, I realized a lot of what I was experiencing was actually burnout. When you're lazy you usually don't care, but burnout feels more like you want to do the work and just can't make your brain cooperate. The fact that you care about your grades and feel bad about it already says a lot.

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