Your Experiences Living With Autism/Neurodivergence

[Cobi]

I find that having a diagnosis has been immensely liberating.

All the things that were difficult about living in a neurotypical-centric world still are difficult but I am totally unapologetic about being who I am and articulating my needs.

I used to feel the need to try and be like other people and meet their expectations but now life is on my terms. I know I am lucky in that I work in an environment where this is easier and I live in a country where there is support but I would encourage other autistic people to always bear in mind that “this isn’t designed for me” or “this doesn’t apply to me” especially when comparing yourself negatively to others or struggling with expectations of others.

 

[Enzo]

I can relate to this in Spain, and even the UK as well in terms of football in particular. I have received my far share of teasing for those reasons among peers of my age, and while it isn't something incredibly hindering in my experience, it is far from pleasant and can be a bit denegrating. It depends on the person, but learning how to understand implicit signals can be done with a bit of practice, but nobody's perfect, and I still struggle at times to see some hints and signals, either to others' amusement or occasionally at my expense.

As far as physical touch goes, I definitely can relate to it being uncomfortable, but have learnt to tolerate and accept it for the most part, while I absolutely cannot stand anything going near the insides of my elbow, for example, which is minor and normally never a problem (until you need to go to a doctor's for a blood test!)

I do understand physical touch is sometimes necessary. I do enjoy hugs and handshakes and have no problem when going to the doctor's. My main issue is with unexpected physical touch (e.g. being hugged from behind or someone holding your arm). I'm going way deeper in this topic because something among these lines has happened to me very recently.

Have you thought about moving to a more socially progressive country?

I surely have! That's why my major at college is International Relations. I want to become a diplomat so I can leave this country. I love Brazil but my country's culture is not my cup of tea.

 

[Moorhunhe]

Does anyone have some advice or tricks on how to cope with change?
My most autistic trait is being absolutely awful with change, I just hate it.

And in the past 2 months, I have had to quit my job, and the boyfriend has a new job after doing a very steady job for 18 years, he wanted a change, but will now work in shifts (mornings and evenings/nights) and never the same day off every week, so a few very big changes.
As someone who loves to be quite structured with many things, this is not going well for me at all, and I don't know what I can tell myself for it to be alright, and it'll be fine, it's a good change for the both of us really so why can't I just except it and get on with it

 

[steveroberts]

Does anyone have some advice or tricks on how to cope with change?
My most autistic trait is being absolutely awful with change, I just hate it.

And in the past 2 months, I have had to quit my job, and the boyfriend has a new job after doing a very steady job for 18 years, he wanted a change, but will now work in shifts (mornings and evenings/nights) and never the same day off every week, so a few very big changes.
As someone who loves to be quite structured with many things, this is not going well for me at all, and I don't know what I can tell myself for it to be alright, and it'll be fine, it's a good change for the both of us really so why can't I just except it and get on with it

Wish had better advice for you than that it does get easier with time the changes but personally relate with finding changes especially big ones extremely hard to deal with. One thing have worked on is importance of routine, however that being an ultimate form of structure in itself when its compromised or changed can be really really tough to deal with.

There is something really therepeutic about sharing about though and its can most of the time be the biggest step in the healing and dealing with in a less painful and ardous way of feeling while having to move through and keeping going. Am really sorry you have had to go through all that, it will get better and things will feel easier even when it doesnt feel like it in moments during and just after. Try fill your days with as many activities or things you enjoy and try share the days coming up with some of favourite peope if possible. Sometimes just playing some of favourite music or reading favourite books or watching favourite shows or movies, going to see friends as much as can, and also just going to favourite places like zoos, galleries, the cinema, playing favourite sport or arts and crafts. Sorry if seems like very basic advice, but from very similar personal experiences, after doing a lot of the above was some of the most helpful and healing things that really seemed to make each new day after just seem a bit better as time went on.

 

[Moorhunhe]

Wish had better advice for you than that it does get easier with time the changes but personally relate with finding changes especially big ones extremely hard to deal with. One thing have worked on is importance of routine, however that being an ultimate form of structure in itself when its compromised or changed can be really really tough to deal with.

There is something really therepeutic about sharing about though and its can most of the time be the biggest step in the healing and dealing with in a less painful and ardous way of feeling while having to move through and keeping going. Am really sorry you have had to go through all that, it will get better and things will feel easier even when it doesnt feel like it in moments during and just after. Try fill your days with as many activities or things you enjoy and try share the days coming up with some of favourite peope if possible. Sometimes just playing some of favourite music or reading favourite books or watching favourite shows or movies, going to see friends as much as can, and also just going to favourite places like zoos, galleries, the cinema, playing favourite sport or arts and crafts. Sorry if seems like very basic advice, but from very similar personal experiences, after doing a lot of the above was some of the most helpful and healing things that really seemed to make each new day after just seem a bit better as time went on.

Thanks for your reply

I don't have any friends here (I'm not from England originally, moved 6 years ago and it's been very difficult to get in touch with people and make new friends), and I don't drive. So that limits me quite a bit.
I try to find new projects around the house, or things on my laptop I can keep myself busy with, like labeling all my animal pictures.
I love going to musicals/plays, but the money at the moment isn't there for that (I am looking for a new job, not going very well either).

I do some cat-sitting though, love cats, and I have a job starting tomorrow for the next 13 days, 2 visits a day, so that will give a bit of routine again as I need to be at the house at certain times.
I did get a new Dudley Zoo membership 2 weeks ago, so after the cat sitting is done, I do have that I'm able to go to on my own.

I think maybe when I can find a job again, and get a bit more routine back for myself, it will already help a great deal with a few other things.