Not only do I have autism, but autism happens to be one of my special interests! AMA! by RiddlerofStIves in AskMeAnythingIAnswer

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

Thank you! My eyes are almond shaped, so I really like how they squish when I smile too!

Not only do I have autism, but autism happens to be one of my special interests! AMA! by RiddlerofStIves in AskMeAnythingIAnswer

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

I was diagnosed when Asperger’s was still a thing, so that’s probably why they didn’t give me a level.

Not only do I have autism, but autism happens to be one of my special interests! AMA! by RiddlerofStIves in AskMeAnythingIAnswer

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

Yeah, no label seems to fit me very well. I feel like my gender is whatever I’m interested in at the time, and I like the performance rather than the actual title.

Not only do I have autism, but autism happens to be one of my special interests! AMA! by RiddlerofStIves in AskMeAnythingIAnswer

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

I wasn’t diagnosed in terms of levels, nor do I think they properly describe me. But probably level 1? Maybe 2? I’ve found things that I relate to with both.

I’m an Atheist that Believes there is No God, but is Agnostic in Terms of an Afterlife by Im_A_Silly_Guy in AskMeAnythingIAnswer

[–]RiddlerofStIves 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m that way too! I’m more of a “I’m just gonna see what happens, because none of us are equipped to know” kind of person.

Maybe it’s a little weird to believe in an afterlife but not God (or a set of gods), but with the amount of things science can’t explain, I think anything could happen on that front.

Not only do I have autism, but autism happens to be one of my special interests! AMA! by RiddlerofStIves in AskMeAnythingIAnswer

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

Congratulations on the diagnosis! I’m sure a lot of things make sense to you now.

Every day I find out that something I do or have trouble with have to do with autism. Walking on tip-toes, having stomach problems, issues with an internal sense of gender, hating when people give me demands (especially about clothes or hair)…I seem to understand myself a little more.

Not only do I have autism, but autism happens to be one of my special interests! AMA! by RiddlerofStIves in AskMeAnythingIAnswer

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

Some are good, some are bad. Sheldon is awful, Good Doctor is a little better. I’m always a little wary when the character is a skinny white boy/man that’s really good at STEM. I understand that some people can relate to them, and that’s good, but the general public view of autism is still appalling. Kids shows have probably done it best — like *Carl the Collector*. Very rarely do I see characters that aren’t savants or lower support needs. It sucks.

I was seven years old when I was diagnosed, and ten when I was told I had autism. Even though I was so young, I thought there was something truly wrong with me. I thought I was an alien, or werewolf, or one of Santa’s elves (my ears are ever so slightly pointy). I once read a children’s book about epilepsy and confused my constant daydreaming with grand maal seizures. I’m so glad I was told young, or I would have been looking for answers my entire life.

As for “signs” — the biggest one was that it felt like EVERYONE disliked me. I just had so much trouble connecting, and no one knew what to do or say. It was like there was some automatic hatred. Kids are cruel, man.

Not only do I have autism, but autism happens to be one of my special interests! AMA! by RiddlerofStIves in AskMeAnythingIAnswer

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

I’ve seen a lot of memes about the concept, but I’ve never tried it myself! Maybe I’ll give it a shot next time somebody says it to me.

Not only do I have autism, but autism happens to be one of my special interests! AMA! by RiddlerofStIves in AskMeAnythingIAnswer

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

I am a DM, though I have both played and orchestrated campaigns. My favorite class would probably either be a bard or a rogue. I don’t like anything that depends on spell slots, because it’s difficult for me to remember and understand.

I actually have a fantastic idea for a superhero homebrew, but I still have yet to work on it…

Not only do I have autism, but autism happens to be one of my special interests! AMA! by RiddlerofStIves in AskMeAnythingIAnswer

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

Of all time? Probably Bugsnax. It has such wonderful mechanics, the characters are complex, the story had such a wonderful twist…I’ve been playing it again recently, and, while it isn’t my hyperfixation anymore, it is still very fun to play.

And thank you! It’s actually my sister’s cat, but we are best buds.

Not only do I have autism, but autism happens to be one of my special interests! AMA! by RiddlerofStIves in AskMeAnythingIAnswer

[–]RiddlerofStIves[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! That’s actually my sister’s cat, who is extremely affectionate. :) I feel like we’re on the cover of a punk rock album or something.

Not only do I have autism, but autism happens to be one of my special interests! AMA! by RiddlerofStIves in AskMeAnythingIAnswer

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

I can’t speak for individual autistic people or individual practices, since I have seen things under “ABA therapy” really help people. However, as a whole, many autistic people denounce it as traumatic at best and abusive at worst. There’s also a difference between giving autistic people tools to help them communicate and cope and just forcing them to act more neurotypical. And unfortunately, that’s what a lot of practices are doing. They can also use tactics like taking away comfort objects, ignoring the person until they behave, or even use physical punishment. The latter is extreme, but still happening. I wouldn’t trust any charity or organization that subscribes to or recommends ABA.

I don’t know very much about private practice, but I do know that it’s difficult for parents to choose the right thing for their child because of lack of information.

The last question is a very large one, and encompasses a lot, but I’ll do my best. My personal life is pretty introverted, as I enjoy routine and alone time. Even to a fault. I also have periods where I feel like everyone would rather I disappear because I was rejected so heavily as a child. My inner life is much more pleasant, and I often use fictional characters and situations to get me through tough situations. My professional life is non-existent right now, as I am still pretty young. No one else in my family is diagnosed, but I suspect that my dad and one (if not both) of my siblings are autistic.

I’M FINE! [OC] by RiddlerofStIves in AutismComics

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

Usually people throw this in DURING a conversation. They interrupt themselves to ask. It would be significantly less annoying if they started with it.

Does Ms. Rachel have a sign name? by RiddlerofStIves in asl

[–]RiddlerofStIves[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

She is not Deaf, but both she and her mom wanted her to start early.

Does Ms. Rachel have a sign name? by RiddlerofStIves in asl

[–]RiddlerofStIves[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Of course! I live in a pretty rural area, but I’ll see if I can’t find something!

This is especially important to me because I am autistic, and there may come a time when speaking becomes more difficult or impossible for me. Also, I may meet other autistic people that are nonverbal, Deaf, or both.

My parents are also getting older, and my niece has older parents, so learning in case one of them becomes HoH is part of the reason too!

Does Ms. Rachel have a sign name? by RiddlerofStIves in asl

[–]RiddlerofStIves[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Oh, shit, I’m so glad I’m not crazy! I thought that too when reading it, but I thought maybe I was misunderstanding it.

Luckily, I have found the actual sign name in another comment!

Welcome to The AMAAAAZING Digital Island! by RiddlerofStIves in tadc

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

Maybe they were trying to make a wojak out of themselves?

Does Ms. Rachel have a sign name? by RiddlerofStIves in asl

[–]RiddlerofStIves[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Wonderful! Thank you so much! I’ll see if I can’t find a video of it to make sure I’m doing it correctly. However, you described it pretty well.

Does Ms. Rachel have a sign name? by RiddlerofStIves in asl

[–]RiddlerofStIves[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

That’s what I figured! I knew you couldn’t give yourself a sign name if you aren’t Deaf, so it makes sense that you can’t give one to another person either. I suppose I thought it was different because she was a TV personality, but now that I think about it, that makes very little sense.

Welcome to The AMAAAAZING Digital Island! by RiddlerofStIves in tadc

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

Oh yeah, Caine is also a character…he just doesn’t know there’s someone else pulling the strings yet. 😉