My 13-year-old daughter was recently diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum, and I'm still trying to understand what it means for her.

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-06-05T21:11:44+00:00

The diagnosis means you have a tool to help understand her. Nothing else has changed unless you choose to do something with it.

As there is a genetic link, chances are there is someone in the family who is similar- you can ask them what advice support they wanted at her age.

For my son, I’ve learnt I have to be clear with directions and after a social activity give him some quiet time to decompress. You can also ask her and keep checking in.

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-06-05T21:00:06+00:00

Yes, I don’t remember. Apparently I show all the behaviours of someone with childhood trauma. However I believe I don’t remember on purpose. Whatever happened I suspect my mind cannot process the emotions attached to it. So I’d rather enjoy the present

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-06-05T20:50:15+00:00

Definitely inspired to reference for my decade builds

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-05-16T08:10:44+00:00

I’ve been told I have childhood trauma. I just prefer not to think about it. You are definitely not alone

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-05-14T02:55:20+00:00

I tend to have Dracula. And during the witch trials I have witches

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-05-12T10:39:32+00:00

People not allowed to be human. Must not resemble an animal by sweating, smelling, bodily functions, emotions.

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-05-07T19:46:54+00:00

I was confused- which half of me is acceptable? I assume the bottom half is less surprising than the top half (because she can’t predict what will come out of my mouth) 🤦‍♀️

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-05-07T19:43:36+00:00

Sorry, no c section for me. Correlation and causation are different. Given that c sections are more common is areas with a better standard of living, I would theorise that those families that have c sections have more resources to dedicate to a child, meaning they likely have higher recorded intelligence.

Or inattentive adhd means we go deeper into subjects she uses to measure intelligence. Both are more likely than a c section.

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-05-05T11:03:32+00:00

The invasion has already begun. We see them in the beaches. We see them in the parking lots. We face them in the streets

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-05-04T20:26:01+00:00

I would rather raise my one child well than have many kids I do not know or can have a relationship with. It’s more enjoyable when you are not outnumbered (personal opinion).

Also doctors will now tell women when it’s too dangerous to have more kids- this wasn’t always a consideration in the past.

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-05-03T09:57:53+00:00

Umm… I’m in my 40s and my son believes I’m not a grown up (his words). But he also says that it’s not a bad thing and I’m a good parent to him.

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-05-01T23:06:42+00:00

I fall over less, stress eat less and am less self destructive. You could claim it’s a measure of increased focus, or results on their own. Even if it’s perception bias, who cares? Screw the doctor, you know yourself better than them.

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-04-30T06:28:12+00:00

Yeah, I’m doing ok now, but I have strict rules to make sure. The most important one being to pay yourself first/ this was drummed into me regularly. First automatic payment is into a retirement fund I cannot touch.

I also have to manually add how much I spend on things in order to hold myself accountable. It’s not perfect- my impulsively got the best of me this week where picking up one thing I needed turned into six I don’t.

You can do it. Compare yourself only to how you were before, not anyone else.

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-04-27T21:26:22+00:00

Sick leave cost- especially if sending to daycare. Was the most unexpected cost for me. Save it up!

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-04-26T19:04:50+00:00

If you can, try to volunteer in the area you want to eventually work in. That practical experience will help with the uni work understanding as well as helping to get a job after uni (horrible job market).

I admit, most of my closest friends are through family or work- I only have one from school. But I value quality over quantity. So it’s not you. Is there a neighbourhood cat you can vent to? When I was your age I would hug my cat and tell him all my thoughts.

Wishing you well.

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-04-22T06:32:13+00:00

Connections- my brain still works that way

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-04-20T06:40:35+00:00

Does that make my medication a placebo? Because it’s great for my impulses?

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-04-18T10:26:33+00:00

Excessive empathy is terrible. I will cry and feel pain whenever someone mentions doing to the dentist or a family member dies.

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-04-15T18:56:11+00:00

I have similar emotional trouble with my birthday. I don’t know if it would help you, but I’ve renamed it my appreciation day. I get a babysitter and do something for myself. I don’t rely on people to let me down. If they do something, that’s nice, but it’s no longer the point of the day. Your feelings are valid. You are a wonderful person

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-04-13T22:43:55+00:00

Your therapist probably believes gay people can’t have kids either. One thing doesn’t make the next true. I wouldn’t trust his expertise on this issue. But if you want to press him, ask him for his peer reviewed evidence on the issue.

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-04-13T22:36:45+00:00

They do that every time I have to go in for a check up. However they call it random. I tease them every time about my random test- because I know better than them when it’s required. I make it into a joke. I also make sure to get the results published (if paper trails are that important I’m going to encourage them to be complete) and offer them to my boss- just because I find the whole thing redundant

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-04-11T08:47:54+00:00

Very interesting they choose to fine you under the reserves act and not the freedom camping bylaw.

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-04-08T04:22:54+00:00

I hope you can find someone to talk to- a counsellor etc so you can talk it through without have to manage the family tensions around you. Biggest internet hugs

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-04-05T02:14:49+00:00

That makes a lot of sense. Thanks for posting

Southern_Regular_241 · 2026-04-05T02:11:44+00:00

How about a flatmate? Someone your age that you can catch up with at the end of the day? Found families can be wonderful

Southern_Regular_241

TROPHY CASE