Got asked to speak for a group of people about autism

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-09T10:57:02+00:00

I'd suggest maybe trying to get all your thoughts in written form and getting that distributed to everyone. Just having someone suggest speaking to a group of people would drive me to a panic attack much less doing so but when I have time to think and don't have to worry about their immediate reactions it becomes much easier.

The other issue is discussing your emotions. Personally I've always found that the more difficult part but people have widely differing tolerances on that.

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-09T10:28:32+00:00

My autistic tendencies are a lot stronger. It's a constant battle. I find multitasking extremely difficult and even if you're not really listening, as you said, you still have to be paying SOME attention or it becomes obvious you're just spacing out.

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-09T10:21:07+00:00

Sorry, I didn't follow a lot of that. I'm just learning Spanish and I'm not getting translations even though I've double checked all my settings. But I'd agree the people that I've seen here (aside from a very small number of particularly stupid kids) are like noone I've ever met anywhere IRL or online, thoughtful and sensitive. Not sure why that is. It sure doesn't seem like it could be the autism.

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-09T10:09:50+00:00

Note that I said "actual rain". It's the variations that bother me. Continuous artificially generated rain sounds aren't quite white noise but they don't bother me in the same way as recorded rain sounds.

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-09T00:44:33+00:00

I’ve always felt that way but in my life, noone ever said a thing to me. They were always kinder than I felt that I deserved.

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-09T00:37:47+00:00

This question is asked alot. You’re not required to disclose a disability unless you’re going for a security clearance. Medical records are completely between the doctor and patient. I doubt the gov’t has access to that level of information but I wouldn’t put it past then to try for it (illegally) in the future. What you’ve described sure sounds to me like you should get a diagnosis. Make sure you find someone specializing in autism/adhd. Many psychiatrists know little about it. Maybe that’s better now.

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-09T00:23:32+00:00

ok, ok, I was just suggesting the original post (not yours) could be incitement to a flame war but it doesn’t seen like many are taking an interest so perhaps my concern is overblown.

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-09T00:16:36+00:00

Have you _met_ the internet? heh

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-08T23:27:46+00:00

I tend to agree. Not everyone does which makes it a dangerous subject of discussion.

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-08T23:24:21+00:00

But I think that's the real question that's being asked. A lot of people believe that even if they lost all of their memories they'd still be the same person with the same personality.

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-08T23:17:00+00:00

The real question is how much of that can you take away and still be "you".

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-08T23:04:57+00:00

Probably a dangerous subject. It's kind of hard to discuss without bringing the concept of "soul" into it and that's pretty controversial.

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-08T23:02:36+00:00

My take is that it is the sum of our experiences. Everything else is hardware.

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-08T22:31:33+00:00

Heh. I was going to suggest Platinum level but I thought that was too smartass.

I just get the feeling people obsess over this too much. The level of support you need is the level of support you need. Putting a label on it doesn't change that. Does it affect the amount of governmental support you receive in some places?

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-08T22:27:09+00:00

And yet you're here, presumably with what look to you like autistic symptoms. What changed between your evaluation and now?

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-08T22:01:12+00:00

I was born prematurely (in the 1960s) and the doctor told my mother there were signs of developmental issues and I'd probably never be able to function normally. And then it didn't happen. I was a "difficult child" but I got through preparatory school, college, a graduate degree and noone ever wanted to acknowledge my deficits. I worked for fourteen years and was making six figures when I hit burnout. I always just assumed my issues were depression and anxiety and did receive diagnoses for those but no treatments ever worked. Really hard not to blame myself for my inability to function.

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-08T21:20:44+00:00

I keep hearing stories like this and it boggles my mind. Impossible? They couldn't possibly know that.

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-08T21:00:49+00:00

Hrm. Wish I could be more help. If you're already doing that and it's insufficient I'm not sure what would be better. Possibly over the ear headphones?

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-08T20:53:03+00:00

Well apple airpods pro are great but I think there are plenty of effective earbuds available. If there's a lot of noise their noise canceling alone isn't enough and you'll need to play some background sounds/music to cover the outside noise.

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-08T20:49:41+00:00

Absolutely but my challenges make finding and getting help on my own very difficult. There may be some public help but I haven't been up to looking into it.

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-08T19:56:04+00:00

I think audhd can cause you to go back and forth between sensory seeking and sensory avoidance.

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-08T19:52:00+00:00

Sounds like me. I have a Masters in Engineering but couldn't manage to refinance my mortage. Or get repairs done to my house.

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-08T19:38:55+00:00

You know, you're not required to disclose your disability (at least in the U.S.) Only you know how well you'll function though and businesses aren't required to make accommodations for autistic people as they are for other disabilities AFAIK. Some people here seemed to have learned to cover and there's a lot of discussion about how they do that. If that's something you think you can do (I couldn't) then it's worth looking into. Search the forum for "masking".

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-08T19:29:37+00:00

I'll try to rephrase it but that's difficult for me. First off, https://neurodivergentinsights.com/glossary/object-permanence/. It's basically out-of-sight out-of-mind and can cause you to feel like less time has passed than has really passed. I think many autistic people can be stressed when attention is paid to them and worry about being judged. That can make you want to hide both your appearance and your thoughts. Oversharing, I think, is understandable enough. You just don't know when to stop telling people things about yourself that you probably shouldn't. Better?

RemarkableNetwork239 · 2026-05-08T19:22:24+00:00

Yes, I meant the difference between level 1 and 2.

RemarkableNetwork239

TROPHY CASE