How do I explain to people that for me masking is talking/speaking. That is literally breaks my brain every time I open my mouth and have to speak. It’s not that I don’t want to talk, it’s that it is so draining to do so. Tone, volume, how clearly I’m speaking, actually thinking of stuff to say is all too much. But it is literally almost impossible to navigate the world without talking.
Next semester I’m taking 5 classes and working and somewhat concerned about it all. If you work and do school do you find it doable? How many hours per week outside of class do you spend on school work? Any tips? Do I just not sleep? Should I just aim to pass each class and move on?
Most people, even those who claim to be supportive of autism, are awful to high masking women. They give zero grace to a women who breaks typical conventions (being blunt, not making eye contact, etc), despite those so called “rude behaviors” being really just symptoms of autism.
I’m an incoming transfer student, and am autistic. Kinda worried about it all, how’s the student life for autistic people here? If you are autistic have you met anyone that is autistic?
I wish I could wander into a forest with a bunch of autistic people, do parallel play where we all engage in our special interests, and live in a quiet cottage. But alas real life exists I guess… Is anyone actually doing ok out there? I know autism is a disability but like sometimes I’m like this just seems like a trap. Going anywhere with sensory problems makes me feel like death, staying at home makes me feel depressed, and let’s not even discuss the chaos of working with autism. I wish we could create a sanctuary for us somewhere, filled with fidget toys and weighted blankets.
I’m attending orientation soon and was wondering if you need to bring a computer to register for classes? Thanks!
After getting an official diagnosis of autism, I now am so in support for self-identification (especially if you are not necessarily seeking accommodation).
Before I was assessed I did thorough research and was pretty sure I was autistic, but honestly really felt like I wanted to get the validation. I got to say not sure almost getting scammed $1,500 dollars (by a therapist who claimed they could do assessments, luckily I realized their assessment wouldn’t be valid in the eyes of the government/for accommodations), weeks of searching and calls to find an adult assessor, and then the assessment itself, was worth it. Although I have a formal diagnosis now, it really made me be like damn, if you do thorough research/carefully look at the dsm5 criteria and are honestly reflective with yourself, I am totally in support of self diagnosis. The fact that people are often so invalidating to people who are self diagnosed is truly so frustrating. The process to even get a diagnosis appointment, especially as an adult, is difficult in itself.
I work at a grocery store in SF and am mixed, and I have come to realize frequently customers think I can speak Cantonese and Spanish. I would like to be able to hold conversations, so am interested in learning! However I know the CCSF classes for this summer are full. Do you have any other places/people where I could learn either language? Thanks!
I spent thousands of dollars for a clinical psychologist from a top university to just use a couple of clinical questionnaires (that frankly seemed outdated) that were all scaled/numerically determined. That’s it. He added up the totals and determined from there. I literally could have done that.
I was having a conversation with someone and they brought up the point that most people actually look forward/enjoy therapy?? Like is that how I should be feeling?? Not like every session is positive etc, I just mean not generally dreading it.
Looking for a hotel preferably near stores/walkable food near Chapman. Any recommendations? Thanks!
This is a super generic question but every time I go on instagram I have to wonder why I even am. Seeing everyone’s post just lead to a comparison spiral. I don’t know I guess has anyone given up completely using instagram?
So I autistic woman am in my early 20s, and have never had a partner. I’m starting to be more interested in finding a partner but am worried I will be taken advantage of/miss the red flags. And it’s at the point that especially men in the wild/irl are increasingly sexualizing me, which tbh makes me scared.
I have other mental health issues/trauma so I’m concerned I’ll be naive/would like to approach dating in a safe manner. I also understand that statistically autistic women experience SA at higher rates. So what tips do you have to stay safe? How should I approach dating differently compared to NTs? Any advice would be appreciated.
Growing up I was criticized for my looks due to being neglected (looking disheveled, overweight, hair, the list goes on). However as an adult I learned how to take care of myself, but have come to the realization that I just come off as a bitch now. Before people would straight up tell me I was creepy to my face. Now my seriousness/lack of facial expressions + appearance make people assume I’m cold. And when I try to be kind people think I’m flirting with them (especially guys, despite being a lesbian). :/ i fear there is no winning.
They just make me feel like I’m dying and physically like shit. I shake uncontrollably, feel like I’m having a heart attack, can’t stand up, dissociate, my arms go completely numb. I’ve been experiencing waves of them, and they happen multiple times throughout the day.
What has actually helped you lessen/manage/stop them? I have tried talk therapy, deep breathing, distraction, and trying to think it will pass. But it just hasn’t worked.
I am autistic and have a host of physical/other mental health problems. My whole life I’ve been lonely. I feel really embarrassed but I have spent the majority of my life not talking to anybody, it use to be worse in elementary school I could go all school year basically saying nothing (I was undiagnosed going to a kinda shit school so they didn’t care). In college it was no better and I spent weeks alone not speaking. One break I spent all week by myself not talking to anyone/having 0 human contact.
I recently went all out and heavily masked for a couple months, and behold I did make friends, but I got so burnout and totally crashed. Plus I was masking so hard I wasn’t even enjoying it. Relationship with family is its own mess at this point. I just want someone to understand and spend time with. I’m just scared I’ll be lonely for the rest of my life. I have always been so deeply ashamed and embarrassed I don’t have any friends. I don’t know, how do you guys keep going.
For me it was starting therapy as an adult and coming to realize I was autistic with my therapist, then seeking formal diagnosis. But I’m curious is that most late-diagnosed peoples experience? Like realizing it via therapy? Or did you know before starting therapy/not even in therapy/another way?
I have tried living independently but ended up not being able to meet my basic needs at all. I feel so much better living with my parents, although I’m kinda ashamed to admit it I guess due to societal expectations of being a “grownup.” But living alone socially isolated me + made me physically unwell. Plus admittedly like everything is just so expensive, living at home makes it less stressful. I guess I’m just wondering if you still live with family? Do you feel judged for it? What are your thoughts on living with family indefinitely?