VeryWellHealth , articles on Autism spectrum

[SimplyWandering]

Why It's So Hard to Function With "High Functioning" Autism

Symptoms of Autism Not Listed in Diagnostic Literature

Treatments Available for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

VeryWellHealth , articles on Autism spectrum, often medically reviewed. I found them informative And useful in doing research.


This may be helpful for people with Autism, kids with Autism, those who are in relationships with someone on the spectrum, maybe trying to understand how a friend or family members' mind works.

 

[Raggamuffin]

Function
verb
work or operate in a proper or particular way

I think that's rather apt for people who mask a lot. Realising what is considered the "proper" way to behave and adapting accordingly. Normal seems like a relative term - and yet, it's often normal people who readily point out what is abnormal.

In that article, the examples it that might cause issues or emotional meltdowns used to happen to me quite regularly as a child. As time went on, parents and teachers made it very clear that it was inappropriate to act that way - so I adapted. Because being told off left a deep imprint upon me.

Similarly my brother, and a guy in my class at school didn't hide their tics, traits and behaviours. They were bullied regularly over the years, and rather harshly by numerous students. On seeing this - I began mask my behaviours even further. Once again; realising what was expected as "proper" and adapting to suit the needs of others.

I get that practice can make perfect, and in time - you can become rather adept at masking in a bid to fit in. But at what cost? It still seems to have a heavy emotional cost involved. I liken it to when I was a functional alcoholic and stoner - I didn't want people to know the real me, and I felt ashamed to be different to those around me. As times has gone by, I feel a greater sense of pride in who I am, and what makes me different; but I still mask every single day. It's draining, and feels like I'm being deceitful. I'd love nothing more to have a job where I felt comfortable to be myself.

I experienced this twice, for brief periods. 2 people I worked with in different jobs, who I could just be myself around. It was non-stop silliness, weird noises, quotes, being childish and immature etc. Whilst people who witnessed this often thought we got no work done - we actually were highly productive in our roles. But again; anything considered abnormal was looked on negatively. As such we only showed our true selves when we were working weekend shifts in an empty office, or the evening shift once everyone had gone home. It felt like such a relief when everyone else had gone, so we could finally let out the colourful side to ourselves. If I were to pick a colour for the mask I choose - it would be a dull colour, nothing like who I really am underneath.

It feels so energising to be the real me. Whereas when I mask - I feel so repressed and emotionally drained.

Ed​

 

[GrownupGirl]

When the article has first-person use of autism I usually just stop reading and it was mainly about how why our lives suck and we need to be cured, anyway.

 

[menander]

Dang. I am a harsh critic of people talking about "us". But this was quite accurate. This made me actually uncomfortable because it was so accurate. I hate that it was so accurate.

You know, the whole idea that it surprises and upsets others to see people so smart and "normal" not able to walk into a restaurant or to see someone who can name every star and NOT BE ABLE to understand how to manage a meal in public-----it makes no sense.

So really, we make no sense. LFA makes sense. We HFAs make no sense to those who are "normal".

I made sense to myself before I KNEW I did not make sense. I found that out by getting bullied and hit and mocked, etc. Up till then, I liked my world. I liked my SI. I liked myself.

It is further made worse when we are TOLD it is ok to be like this when in reality it sure seems not to be the case

If it is OK, why is it so hard to get help, to find a partner, to find accommodations, to find understanding, to find ways to live in ways that are not hellish? Why are so many on the streets or shelters, alone and alienated and if not so yet, very much afraid of it?

For those of us with understanding family, it is such a gift. But even still, for most of us, I bet it's split. I bet some family just will never understand and don't even want to, while others defend you.

But no one blames LFA as well they should not.

 

[Fino]

Good article.

 

[Thinx]

Interesting articles here, although a bit generalising, as if we are all similar. Some good perceptions. Thanks!

 

[Rasputin]

Dang. I am a harsh critic of people talking about "us". But this was quite accurate. This made me actually uncomfortable because it was so accurate. I hate that it was so accurate.

You know, the whole idea that it surprises and upsets others to see people so smart and "normal" not able to walk into a restaurant or to see someone who can name every star and NOT BE ABLE to understand how to manage a meal in public-----it makes no sense.

So really, we make no sense. LFA makes sense. We HFAs make no sense to those who are "normal".

I made sense to myself before I KNEW I did not make sense. I found that out by getting bullied and hit and mocked, etc. Up till then, I liked my world. I liked my SI. I liked myself.

It is further made worse when we are TOLD it is ok to be like this when in reality it sure seems not to be the case

If it is OK, why is it so hard to get help, to find a partner, to find accommodations, to find understanding, to find ways to live in ways that are not hellish? Why are so many on the streets or shelters, alone and alienated and if not so yet, very much afraid of it?

For those of us with understanding family, it is such a gift. But even still, for most of us, I bet it's split. I bet some family just will never understand and don't even want to, while others defend you.

But no one blames LFA as well they should not.

I think most people feel uneasy, no matter what level of autism you have.

 

[SusanLR]

Found it to be quite accurate for myself.

 

[SDRSpark]

Great article. Spot on!!!

 

[SimplyWandering]

Interesting articles here, although a bit generalising, as if we are all similar. Some good perceptions. Thanks!

I think some people will be offended either way. A lot of these articles either generalize which will upset some or they will gloss over what affects certain individuals, which will also upset some. I like that these articles have some balance and are presented to board certified doctors for review, instead of just some rando representing items as "facts."