DianeF
New Member
I am 63 y/o recently diagnosed highly functional autistic woman. When I received the diagnosis it was as if, all of a sudden my whole life made sense. I spent 10 years in the Army (loved the regiment) made it to Staff Sergeant, 1st honor grad at the NCO academy, was an aviation platoon sergeant and secretly spinning in my barracks room in Korea, every single day for hrs. at a time. When stateside all stimming was done in the privacy of my home, even during lunch sometimes. It began when I was 2 years old. Yes, I do remember. I was spinning as soon as I was able to walk. I believe it started on a swing in the back yard. It was wonderful; and then to music, the first time with Roy Rogers and the Red River Valley, over and over and over. Then I'd hear another song and literally wear it out; often times I'd buy two of a "good song" because I knew one would never last. Remember, back then I was "spinning" 45's before there was anything else. I stayed in my room in my own world where I was happy and safe. Most kids didn't care for me, nor I for them. That was ok. My Mom knew something was wrong with me, but autism was virtually unknown in the 1950's. So very happy to be here with you all!
Don't spin but I do many other things that serve the same purpose.
