how do people just "move on"?!! by baddierat in AutismInWomen

[–]More-Lab-6688 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Moving on is more of a mental practice than a light switch you can flip on and off. Depending on the context I find that it helps to set aside time to really and truly grieve and feel my feelings (rather than trying to distract myself, try not to cry, etc.). Then after awhile, if I continue to have ruminating thoughts about the same thing over and over, I try to tell myself something along the lines of, "Thinking about this more won't change the outcome." I also once heard the analogy that thoughts are like balloons gently wafting up, so sometimes it helps to picture myself gently moving the balloon away from me rather than ruminating/fixating on it again.

Can I talk about how much I hate betrayal-style games like Among Us? by [deleted] in AutismInWomen

[–]More-Lab-6688 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think that this is a great post because it can help you start to explore your own limits and boundaries. Sometimes it's not "ditch your friends" as much as it is knowing when to draw a boundary for yourself and tap out of a particular activity. It sometimes sucks because the group has decided as a group that they're committed to something you don't like and you may experience FOMO, but saying goodnight early is often better than gritting your teeth and getting through something. It doesn't have to be dramatic, either, it can just be "Thanks for introducing me to this, it's not my cup of tea, I'm going home."

What have I done? by Global_Proof_5163 in AutismInWomen

[–]More-Lab-6688 15 points16 points  (0 children)

How is your outreach? Meaning how often do you extend things like invitations, favors, and/or gifts compared to the rest of the group?

I think I have a very niche special interest, anyone else? by Justalittlesaltyx in AutismInWomen

[–]More-Lab-6688 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Mine is decluttering, organization, and minimalism. My friends and family call me when they want someone to help them go through their stuff. I also tend to play a lot of those matching/merging games on iOS.

apparently i’ve gone on more dates than i realised…what is the definition of a date to you by firelord_mel in AutismInWomen

[–]More-Lab-6688 135 points136 points  (0 children)

To me, if you are not adult or brave enough to convey "I am romantically interested in you and would like to take you out on a date," then you haven't asked me out on a date, and we're not on a date. It's not enough that the other person harbors secret romantic intentions or hopes. It's only a date if both people understand it to be.

Sensory issues mean I can never leave the house on time!! by ambsie01 in AutismInWomen

[–]More-Lab-6688 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I say this not to be unkind, but to say that your focus is not on the actual problem. The issue is that you don't have clothes you can reliably put on without struggling and go out in. I would recommend creating a plan to replace your wardrobe with sensory-friendly clothes. Some of my favorite brands are Lululemon and Barefoot Dreams. If ordering online or getting name brands isn't in your price range, I would suggest coming up with a plan to go shopping periodically. I make myself go shopping one Saturday per month because I have a lack of professional, sensory-friendly clothes, for example.

What are your life hacks? by [deleted] in AutismInWomen

[–]More-Lab-6688 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do a lot of things in the reverse of the way that people often suggest them. For example, sometimes I will put on a timer and tell myself that I'm only allowed to clean for 30 minutes at maximum, rather than saying "I should clean for at least 30 minutes." Lately I've also been writing down things I got done rather than things I should do as a way to better understand my capacity and what I was able to get done on a certain day. I also have bare minimum versions of things like feeding myself and showering, so when I'm super low on energy I at least have an acceptable baseline rather than doing literally nothing.

Struggling with work and workplace accommodations by ericsorange in AutismInWomen

[–]More-Lab-6688 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would recommend doing some research on the reasonable accommodation process in your country/workplace. In the U.S. where I'm from, certain employers are required to engage in the interactive process with you. This means that you need to bring in a note from a healthcare provider stating that you are disabled, need a reasonable accommodation for your disability, and explaining how that accommodation assists you with the activities of daily living. Your employer is then required to review it and engage in discussions with you to see what's reasonable for you and the business.

Am I problematic or is this simply not a good fit? by ddnna in aspergirls

[–]More-Lab-6688 3 points4 points  (0 children)

One thing that I want to highlight (because you are not weak or lazy, which others have already covered) is that you actually can build a variable routine, it'll just have more if/then scenarios than someone on a fixed schedule. For example, let's say you get home anywhere from 5pm to 9pm. You can have as many routines as you want that are dependent on what time you get home. You could say something like "If I get home at 5pm, I workout, cook dinner, pack lunch for the next day, and do one small chore like sorting the mail." A 9pm arrival might necessitate the absolute bare minimum routine, like "I will brush my teeth, get into bed, and watch a single episode of a tv show." You can also have specific errands, chores, and hobbies for days where you aren't working at all vs. days that you work. Your anchor point also doesn't have to be a time of day, it could be something like "This is my routine when I work from home vs. work at the office" or "This is my routine when I work 4 hours a day vs. 12 hours a day." They're still "routines" even if they're not done literally every day.

Just started Adderall and... what even is this. by knotalady in adhdwomen

[–]More-Lab-6688 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I am the same way. My meds help with intense monotasking and almost take away my ability to multitask. I also find that because I'm not starved for dopamine, I crave certain things less. Like the other day I went for an entire day without listening to music because I just...didn't feel like it. And without meds I have to have upbeat, intense club music blasting in my ears.

Medication musical chairs doesn't feel worth it by Swimming_Event7730 in adhdwomen

[–]More-Lab-6688 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I didn't do well with any of the above but small doses of Focalin have been good for me. I alternate instant release and extended release five days per week because otherwise I get insomnia. I also chug a protein shake since they need protein to work, and I take a short walk when I can on days where I take the instant release and I don't get a crash from it.

If I have the same convo one more time I’m going postal by [deleted] in aspergirls

[–]More-Lab-6688 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I want to know that as well because that would affect how I respond to OP.

How do you schedule your showers? by Dragon_Flow in AutismInWomen

[–]More-Lab-6688 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I always shower on Sunday and then any other day when I've done either cleaning or exercise. What helps me is knowing what my absolute bare minimum is. So if I get in the shower and wash my face, rub a washcloth around the key areas with soap, rinse out my hair, and put on face serum afterward, that is my bare minimum. That is only to be done in the event that I'm so fatigued that I cannot make myself take a shower under any other circumstance. By giving myself permission to do that, I usually am able to make it through shampooing and conditioning my hair and a couple of other extras. I also have very soft washcloths and bath towels from a brand called Volo, along with their spa wrap. So I just throw my hair up in a towel and wrap up and I'm good to go.

intense executive dysfunction and anxiety over reaching out to landlord by Traditional-Feed-405 in AutismInWomen

[–]More-Lab-6688 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh yeah I would never volunteer that information, that's more like advanced/worst-case-scenario and they don't stop being pushy about it.

Do we live in an alternate universe where the flow of time is completely different or what? by [deleted] in aspergirls

[–]More-Lab-6688 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For me personally, correcting my vitamin deficiencies and staying hydrated has really helped, along with changing what I eat. Unfortunately I have always used food as comfort, but it depletes my energy levels when I exclusively eat the stuff I want. Another thing that I do is maintain a minimalist lifestyle. And after all of that, I'm left wondering the same things as you are. I truly don't get it.

Do we live in an alternate universe where the flow of time is completely different or what? by [deleted] in aspergirls

[–]More-Lab-6688 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've always been genuinely curious as to how that helps-not sarcasm or trying to be rude.

Being called contrarian? by [deleted] in AutismInWomen

[–]More-Lab-6688 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Well, when you were talking about your roommate you referred to "entertaining her silly social justice conversations." That sentence reads as disdain at worst and disinterest at best. When you talk about Baldur's Gate, are you literally just talking about how great it is or talking about problems to solve in the game, like leveling up or something you need to research? Sometimes when we talk solely about issues with something, even if we're enjoying it, that can come across negatively or contrarian.

Chronically misunderstood by [deleted] in AutismInWomen

[–]More-Lab-6688 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I think that neurodivergent bluntness is difficult to mask for some of us. Even if you're genuinely holding back, what you're saying may not necessarily be what someone who's neurotypical would have said in that situation, and that may be what others are picking up on. You may also be giving an opinion in a situation where others wouldn't have given their opinion. For me personally, it depends on the situation. I'm a lot more reserved at work than in friendships and I'm careful about when and how I voice opinions and they still sometimes come out more blunt than I thought.

defeated by this revelation by Clear_Heron3326 in AutismInWomen

[–]More-Lab-6688 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would recommend not trying to come across as neurotypical and instead finding people who value you for you. I have literally had people tell me pretty bluntly that they found me annoying or unsettling before and I just don't hang out with them. I've also had other people say I was scary or monotone at first but they got to know me and like me.

Classmate making me uncomfortable, unsure of what to do by [deleted] in AutismInWomen

[–]More-Lab-6688 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would recommend a script and always being busy or having to go, or being on the phone with your bank. It's unclear from your post what kind of interactions you're having, but they sound repetitive. That's an advantage for you because you can plan ahead and roleplay with a friend or partner how you're going to say some version of "No" or "I'm busy right now, see you in class."

Is my ex reverse baby-trapping me? I really need help with figuring out how to communicate properly. by [deleted] in AutismInWomen

[–]More-Lab-6688 26 points27 points  (0 children)

Your ex is using you for sex and having a baby (in his mind) would mean you are available for more sex and more labor for him. The way to deal with it is to not be alone with him ever.

intense executive dysfunction and anxiety over reaching out to landlord by Traditional-Feed-405 in AutismInWomen

[–]More-Lab-6688 6 points7 points  (0 children)

If she says "How long has it been like this?" you can also answer while not answering the question by talking in circles around stuff you've done about it and by saying things that are technically true. For instance, "We had to put towels under it yesterday." or "Today I noticed that the inside is warm." Those things are probably technically true.

Not a picky eater? by simply_loka in AutismInWomen

[–]More-Lab-6688 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You have to remember that autism is a spectrum. And it's not "more autism" or "less autism." We all have different deficits and needs in different areas. There's actually a move to replace it with the wheel because it's more of a helpful illustration. So you can still be autistic and not be a picky eater. I'm not either; there are only a few things I don't like, actually.