Sensory matters

[Neia]

Here's another thing that just hit me.

I was listening to a YouTube video, because I can't comfortably be in silence, and was about to drink my morning coffee with milk.

Since the taste of things is very important to me, and I was using a brand of milk that I had never tried before, I muted the video so that I could properly taste the milk.

I do this a lot and now, with this new possible prospect of who I probably am in the back of my mind, I had to question this lifelong habit.

If I suspect that there is a funky smell invading my home, my first action is to turn off anything that I have playing in the background. Music, gaming video, interview, tennis match...

It's as if my sense of smell or taste won't work well enough if my ears are working.
The same goes the other way. If I suspect that there might be someone calling for me, or an alarm ringing, etc., I'll stop what I'm doing, close my eyes and "stretch" my ears.

Also... I can tell if food is salty just by smelling it my mom would often ask me to sniff the food to tell her if she'd added too much salt.

I'm sorry for asking so many questions. But I am really questioning everything about myself, and other people in my family, since I "discovered" autism.

Thank you.

 

[MNAus]

I'm not aware of that being an autism thing, or unusual, or common for that matter. I know quite a few people who will turn down volume to look at something properly. Guess it's just your way of focusing.

I'm enjoying your threads, but worth noting that confirmation bias is a thing. Also given the spread of experiences with the condition, the risk of confirmation bias is even higher, because for most these kinds of questions at least a few of the people here might say "Yes, I have that exactly". That certainly doesn't mean to stop, but do check yourself in case you draw conclusions that might not bear out. The best option, as always, is to try and speak to a professional if possible.

 

[Neia]

I'm not aware of that being an autism thing, or unusual, or common for that matter. I know quite a few people who will turn down volume to look at something properly. Guess it's just your way of focusing.

I'm enjoying your threads, but worth noting that confirmation bias is a thing. Also given the spread of experiences with the condition, the risk of confirmation bias is even higher, because for most these kinds of questions at least a few of the people here might say "Yes, I have that exactly". That certainly doesn't mean to stop, but do check yourself in case you draw conclusions that might not bear out. The best option, as always, is to try and speak to a professional if possible.

My main problem at the moment is even getting to see a specialist in autism.
I have to wait till the 11th to speak with my GP. Then convince her that it would be a good thing for me to be assessed, then also getting my psychologist to agree, and then... maybe... they'll both decide to recommend me to a specialist.

So, in the meantime, I ask people who actually live with the condition who probably know a bit more about it if I'm being honest about how I think.

 

[MNAus]

My main problem at the moment is even getting to see a specialist in autism.
I have to wait till the 11th to speak with my GP. Then convince her that it would be a good thing for me to be assessed, then also getting my psychologist to agree, and then... maybe... they'll both decide to recommend me to a specialist.

So, in the meantime, I ask people who actually live with the condition who probably know a bit more about it if I'm being honest about how I think.

Understood, I recall your GP and psychologist weren't exactly being helpful. And I don't blame you for asking questions in the absence of professionals that can give you proper help. Here's hoping you can clear a way to getting to see a specialist.

 

[AspieChris]

As human beings, our senses are all connected. Try holding your nose while tasting food. It mutes the flavor substantially.

As humans on the spectrum, some or all of our senses are typically amplified. It can reach a point of nearly having a sixth sense because we may be able to ‘tune’ ourselves into smelling or hearing things that others would miss.

It’s a fantastic gift to have except that it really cannot be turned off. That’s where the frustration comes into play for those on the spectrum. Everyone thinks it’s awesome you can smell or hear things that they can’t, but they think you’re just crazy when you have a meltdown at school because they served corndogs in the cafeteria.

 

[jsilver256]

My main problem at the moment is even getting to see a specialist in autism.
I have to wait till the 11th to speak with my GP. Then convince her that it would be a good thing for me to be assessed, then also getting my psychologist to agree, and then... maybe... they'll both decide to recommend me to a specialist.

So, in the meantime, I ask people who actually live with the condition who probably know a bit more about it if I'm being honest about how I think.

imo, worth seeing a therapist specializing in autism regularly. Mine has been very helpful in providing insights and tools to manage day-to-day life.

 

[Neia]

As human beings, our senses are all connected. Try holding your nose while tasting food. It mutes the flavor substantially.

As humans on the spectrum, some or all of our senses are typically amplified. It can reach a point of nearly having a sixth sense because we may be able to ‘tune’ ourselves into smelling or hearing things that others would miss.

It’s a fantastic gift to have except that it really cannot be turned off. That’s where the frustration comes into play for those on the spectrum. Everyone thinks it’s awesome you can smell or hear things that they can’t, but they think you’re just crazy when you have a meltdown at school because they served corndogs in the cafeteria.

I had a neighbour who was a smoker. His house is about 25 yards away from mine, but when he decided to smoke in his yard, and my bedroom or living room windows were open, I could smell it.

Immediately my anger would spike, as cigarette smoke is one of those things I absolutely can't stand. It makes me choke, cough and cry.
So I'd go out into my yard and glare towards the poor old man

People always laugh at my"good nose".

 

[Neia]

imo, worth seeing a therapist specializing in autism regularly. Mine has been very helpful in providing insights and tools to manage day-to-day life.

I'm trying to get there.

I do have a therapist that has given me great advice. But she is encouraging me to get specialised help, since she isn't.

Here in Portugal, I have to go through the NHS if I want help, or get nothing. Clinics won't accept people who hasn't been referred by their doctor.

 

[AuroraBorealis]

I had that for my whole life, in the way that if I watched or read something simultaneously to eating, I wouldn't taste it (or barely). So, if I'm eating something I really want to enjoy, I don't watch or read anything during it. I can use it intentionally if I don't feel hungry but still should eat, to distract myself and trick my brain into finishing my plate without realizing it. Interestingly, that applies way less to only listening, so I can listen to an audio-book while eating and still taste it. It seems that visual stimuli suppress the rest very efficiently. Reading a book I enjoy is a way for me to actually tune out noises for a period of time, even in public transport, in the way that I'll look up at some point and realize I haven't heard anything in the meantime.

I never thought about it or connected it to autism. It's just something I experience and which is part of me as a person, I guess. I have no idea if others experience this too since I never asked.

 

[jsilver256]

I'm trying to get there.

I do have a therapist that has given me great advice. But she is encouraging me to get specialised help, since she isn't.

Maybe doesn't even have to be specialized. The reason I got diagnosed in the first place is that the office rotated to me one of their therapists who coincidentally had experience working with autism.

 

[Neia]

I had that for my whole life, in the way that if I watched or read something simultaneously to eating, I wouldn't taste it (or barely). So, if I'm eating something I really want to enjoy, I don't watch or read anything during it. I can use it intentionally if I don't feel hungry but still should eat, to distract myself and trick my brain into finishing my plate without realizing it. Interestingly, that applies way less to only listening, so I can listen to an audio-book while eating and still taste it. It seems that visual stimuli suppress the rest very efficiently. Reading a book I enjoy is a way for me to actually tune out noises for a period of time, even in public transport, in the way that I'll look up at some point and realize I haven't heard anything in the meantime.

I never thought about it or connected it to autism. It's just something I experience and which is part of me as a person, I guess. I have no idea if others experience this too since I never asked.

My earing and touch senses surpass others. Usually.

I can't concentrate in anything if some sound is disturbing me. It's bad to the point of me breaking down crying in despair.

And if I'm having something touch my skin that is bothering me, a piece of rough clothing, something that is "too rough", my first thought is "where are the scissors" I've ruined perfectly serviceable clothing because it "felt wrong".

Then comes smell.
It can drive me nuts... but I've learnt to tuck my nose inside my t-shirt when that happens, and usually carry a citrus scented perfume spray with me. Citrus scents make me feel like I'm floating

 

[jsilver256]

I had a neighbour who was a smoker. His house is about 25 yards away from mine, but when he decided to smoke in his yard, and my bedroom or living room windows were open, I could smell it.

Immediately my anger would spike, as cigarette smoke is one of those things I absolutely can't stand. It makes me choke, cough and cry.
So I'd go out into my yard and glare towards the poor old man

People always laugh at my"good nose".

I used to have a "good nose" too but COVID took it (had the OG strain, spring 2020, first in my county to get diagnosed).

Visual motions are by and far my number one trigger, followed by lights. Have yet to see another autistic complain about motions. I wonder if that's a consequence of deafness.

 

[Neia]

Maybe doesn't even have to be specialized. The reason I got diagnosed in the first place is that the office rotated to me one of their therapists who coincidentally had experience working with autism.

My therapist does help me a lot there have been times where I asked for help, without an appointment, and she always finds time, even if it's just a text chat to help me calm down while I wait for the next available free hour so we can talk.

 

[AspieChris]

My earing and touch senses surpass others. Usually.

I can't concentrate in anything if some sound is disturbing me. It's bad to the point of me breaking down crying in despair.

And if I'm having something touch my skin that is bothering me, a piece of rough clothing, something that is "too rough", my first thought is "where are the scissors" I've ruined perfectly serviceable clothing because it "felt wrong".

Then comes smell.
It can drive me nuts... but I've learnt to tuck my nose inside my t-shirt when that happens, and usually carry a citrus scented perfume spray with me. Citrus scents make me feel like I'm floating

I have the same issues with clothing, and I absolutely hate when anyone touches my skin (except my wife).

Most Autistics have huge problems with noises. I got really good at washing dishes because that puts me in a corner of the house, away from the party, with the sound of running water to drown out the sound of any conversations. My wife’s friends are all jealous that her husband washes the dishes without being asked, but I’m actually doing it so my head doesn’t explode at the birthday party!!

 

[Neia]

I used to have a "good nose" too but COVID took it (had the OG strain, spring 2020, first in my county to get diagnosed).

Visual motions are by and far my number one trigger, followed by lights. Have yet to see another autistic complain about motions. I wonder if that's a consequence of deafness.

Our ears are part of our balancing system... I know that when I get an ear infection, my balance is gone.

 

[vergil96]

Visual motions are by and far my number one trigger, followed by lights. Have yet to see another autistic complain about motions. I wonder if that's a consequence of deafness.

In which way do motions bother you?

 

[AspieChris]

Our ears are part of our balancing system... I know that when I get an ear infection, my balance is gone.

That’s the inner ear. There’s a tiny bone inside that is suspended like a pendulum. It tells your brain which way is up. A good ear infection can cause the cavity it sits in to swell and send confused signals to your brain. It’s not really a ‘sound’ thing. It just happens to be part of your ear.

The apparatus that holds that little bone in place can fall apart, letting that bone in one ear fall and causing the patient to lose the ability to sense which way is up. It happened to a friend of mine and he would just fall over for no reason.

 

[Misty Avich]

I know people who turn the car radio down when trying to find a street they're not familiar with.

But it's okay to ask questions. I like your threads because it invites discussion and sharing experiences, which is what I enjoy.

 

[Neia]

I know people who turn the car radio down when trying to find a street they're not familiar with.

But it's okay to ask questions. I like your threads because it invites discussion and sharing experiences, which is what I enjoy.

Who would have known that my annoying habit of asking questions would ever be useful

 

[jsilver256]

Our ears are part of our balancing system... I know that when I get an ear infection, my balance is gone.

I have zero vestibular function. Vestibular compensation is possible in everyone, but works best in those who became deaf from infanthood on (such as was in my case) so the brain wires itself without needing a sense of balance.

I have met a few people who had vestibular dysfunction as an adult and they lived with constant nausea and wobbliness. That is awful.