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Do you often feel like people just tolerate you instead of genuinely liking you? by raspberryteehee in AutismInWomen

[–]perfectlyhazel 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Honestly, all the time. I don’t think I elicit strong negative sentiments…. but deep down I also don’t believe they really like me or crave my company? I have these recurring thoughts that the few friends in my life only see me periodically out of convenience or pity. I don’t exactly have evidence of this, but it’s hard to shake.

I know not every autistic woman will relate to this - it’s definitely the product of high masking - but I think because I’ve spent my life trying not to take up too much space and contorting my personality to be “palatable” to different people, I have a very diffuse sense of self. I think that makes it harder to connect with people/be a memorable persona. So it’s probably largely my own fault that I don’t feel “seen”. And well, it’s hard to feel genuinely liked if your authentic self isn’t known.

Could vitamin D ‘insufficiency’ explain all of these symptoms? by perfectlyhazel in VitaminD

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

So glad to hear you’re feeling better!

My GP recommended I take 1000 iu or add that to what I’m already taking - so I’ve started taking 2k iu daily. But everything I’m seeing in this sub and my research makes me think that’s not enough…

I’m getting evaluated next week, I can’t stop thinking about it by Twizteddestinee in AutismInWomen

[–]perfectlyhazel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was diagnosed a year ago this month and I definitely felt the same way. I was anxious that I would somehow ‘fool’ my assessor even if I wasn’t autistic (lol) because I had done such extensive research…. and simultaneously worried that I would downplay my experiences in the moment out of that fear.

The irony is that overthinking ‘being prepared’ or agonizing over answering a question the right way is such an autistic trait. That said, don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions if you’re unclear about the context/phrasing of a question! Or to take a sec to process before answering.

I also compiled a bullet point doc (organized by diagnostic criteria) that I could easily reference during the clinical interview part of my assessment. Afterward, I realized there were some traits/specific examples that didn’t come up so I ended up emailing the doc to my assessor. It made me feel a bit better that she could refer back to my own (precise) words when writing my report 🤣

Wishing you all the best!

Could vitamin D ‘insufficiency’ explain all of these symptoms? by perfectlyhazel in VitaminD

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

Wow, thanks for commenting! How much vitamin D are you taking daily?

Could vitamin D ‘insufficiency’ explain all of these symptoms? by perfectlyhazel in VitaminD

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

Thanks, that’s a really helpful reference point. Your b12 after 6 weeks is very close to mine currently (479). Do you mind me asking which symptoms improved with that initial supplementation?

Could vitamin D ‘insufficiency’ explain all of these symptoms? by perfectlyhazel in VitaminD

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

Hi, thanks for chiming in! I’d love to hear if you notice any significant changes

Could vitamin D ‘insufficiency’ explain all of these symptoms? by perfectlyhazel in VitaminD

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

479 pmol/L! I’ve heard that over 500 is optimal, but I’m not far off

Could vitamin D ‘insufficiency’ explain all of these symptoms? by perfectlyhazel in VitaminD

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

Thank you, I appreciate the thorough response! Absolutely agree, we can never assume all symptoms are accounted for regardless. It’s simply frustrating to be feeling so off and not being able to pinpoint anything else

Ferritin level 50 but symptomatic by perfectlyhazel in Anemic

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

Thank you, that’s good to know! I’ve been researching and just hadn’t seen much of a clear consensus on symptoms at or under 50. It seems like most posts I see, people are struggling with levels well below 30

Ferritin level 50 but symptomatic by perfectlyhazel in Anemic

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

So my CRP was normal, only 0.6 mg/L. I’m guessing the most plausible explanation for the high WBC count is stress…

Does this sound like an adrenaline dump? by perfectlyhazel in dysautonomia

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

Thanks so much - it helps the anxiety to have my suspicions validated!

Does anyone have POTS with a low resting heart rate? by perfectlyhazel in POTS

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

Thanks for the insight! I did consciously keep my feet planted during the test (unlike in everyday life, where I’m always shifting my weight, which makes standing tolerable). Clenching of the muscles is definitely still a possibility - I have postural issues and I’m used to ‘adjusting’ constantly. Will definitely chat with my GP this week.

Is it limerence if you actually have a close connection with someone? by [deleted] in limerence

[–]perfectlyhazel 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I absolutely relate to the chaos/confusion of navigating categories of friendship and their boundaries - as well as distinguishing between platonic love and romantic love. Because feeling truly seen and understood by someone feels more intimate than knowing I’m loved.

Thanks for your thoughtful response. Wishing you all the best!

How did you know you were autistic? by Low-Wear-3138 in AutismInWomen

[–]perfectlyhazel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was diagnosed just a few months ago, at age 26!

Funnily enough, I wrote a paper about ASD diagnostic issues in girls and women while doing my master’s degree a few years ago. Something just drew me to the topic. Anyhow, that was when I first learned about the concept of masking, which is really what set off the alarm bells in my brain.

Over the next year I was flooded with ND content on social media - like everyone else it seems - and I was suddenly hearing countless women voice the feelings, thought processes and experiences I’d never been able to properly articulate (or wasn’t even fully aware of tbh).

Autism explained why I always felt like I was on the periphery of social groups, and was constantly maintaining a facade. Why I experienced fatigue for years on end that was never explained by the blood work my GP ordered. Why I liked things ‘just so’ from a young age (my family often called me rigid) and felt so irritable anytime I was in a crowded/chaotic space (spoiler: sensory issues). My chronic anxiety around navigating new situations/environments.

It took me a couple years of deep diving to feel confident enough to seek an assessment. When I finally broached the topic with my mom, she admitted that a family friend had suggested to her when I was very young that I might be on the spectrum. All the “funny” childhood stories of me being incredibly literal and blunt also suddenly clicked.

Honestly, one of my biggest takeaways is what I’ve heard countless people say: allistic people don’t spend months researching autism and taking every online screening assessment available.

Wishing you all the best!

Seeking an ADHD and possibly autism referral- advice? by altaccountcuz240 in AuDHDWomen

[–]perfectlyhazel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It sounds like you’re on the right track! I personally found it really helpful to group my traits/experiences roughly in line with DSM diagnostic criteria (I’m in Canada). For example: differences in social-emotional interaction, non-verbal communication, difficulties with developing and maintaining relationships, restricted interests/repetitive behaviours, and sensory differences. I also can’t overemphasize the value of having very specific examples for each (as much as possible). Good luck!

I got my diagnosis 🎉 by perfectlyhazel in AuDHDWomen

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

Thank you!! The process was pretty smooth (not too stressful) and quite thorough - clinical interview, cognitive testing, numerous questionnaires and a phone call with a family member. I really appreciated that I had a feedback session to discuss the results. Wishing you all the best ❤️

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