autism101

autism101, 8 months ago (edited 8 months ago) to actuallyautistic

Some autistic people find making phone calls extremely stressful and unpleasant and will avoid them at all costs.

Please don’t try and force your communication preferences on others.

image: https://shreyadoodles.com
#ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD @actuallyautistic

autism101, 9 months ago to actuallyautistic

Most of the time when asked “How are you doing?” I actually tell them, because I forget I’m supposed to always say, “I’m fine” even if I’m not.

You think as an older adult I would have learned by now…but nope.

Do you?

#AskingAutistics #ActuallyAutistic @actuallyautistic

autism101, 6 months ago to actuallyautistic

Autistic people may be dealing with many other issues, dubbed comorbidities by the medical community. I've listed some of them in the mind map below. Many can’t be seen by others.

#ActuallyAutistic @actuallyautistic

autism101, 10 months ago to actuallyautistic

It can be difficult to get through a burnout. I’m in the midst of one now.

Any helpful suggestions that worked for you?

image: @autistic_callum_

#AskingAutistics #ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD @actuallyautistic

autism101, 6 months ago to actuallyautistic

Autistic masking behaviors vary from person to person. What are some of your masking characteristics?

image: @alittlepuddins.ie

#AskingAutistics #ActuallyAutistic @actuallyautistic

autism101, 2 months ago to actuallyautistic

Let’s talk tags on clothing. I hate them and they annoy me to no end. And even if I cut them off, the tiny bit remaining always manages to touch me and I hate it. 😩

Do tags bother you?

#AskingAutistics #ActuallyAutistic @actuallyautistic

image: unknown

autism101, 9 months ago to actuallyautistic

The autistic community is vastly underemployed, and even if you are fortunate enough to find work, there be dragons.

Disclosing your disability doesn’t always end well. Instead of getting reasonable accommodations, you might get let go…for “reasons”.

image: anon
#ActuallyAutistic @actuallyautistic

autism101, 6 months ago to actuallyautistic

Autism and Sensory Issues:

Our microwave oven is a sensory nightmare for me. I always try to stop it before it reaches zero and begins beeping. I get extremely anxious over this.

What do you avoid?

#AskingAutistics #ActuallyAutistic
@actuallyautistic

autism101, 6 months ago to actuallyautistic

• Autistic traits are just human traits.
• All traits lie on a spectrum
• Every autistic person is different

Think of the spectrum as an audio mixer with sliders set to different levels. Autistic people may have sliders all the way on or off.

image: u/MelodyForetells

#ActuallyAutistic @actuallyautistic

autism101, 10 months ago to actuallyautistic

I’m barefoot most of the time. If I need more protection I wear my flip flops.

I used to get made fun of in school for wearing them all the time. I can wear socks and shoes but prefer not to.

Does it bother you to wear things on your feet?

#AskingAutistics #ActuallyAutistic @actuallyautistic

autism101, 4 months ago to actuallyautistic

Did you get labeled as a “picky eater” when you were growing up?

#AskingAutistics @actuallyautistic

autism101, 1 month ago to actuallyautistic

Were you always more sensitive to sounds than others growing up?

#AskingAutistics #ActuallyAutistic @actuallyautistic

autism101, 3 months ago to actuallyautistic

Watching the same show over-and-over again is one way I regulate the autistic side of my brain. But the ADHD side sure gets bored sometimes.

Do you watch any shows on repeat?

#AskingAutistics #AskADHD #ActuallyAutistic @actuallyautistic

image: @NoNonsenseND

autism101, 9 months ago to actuallyautistic

After a professional diagnosis of autism some autistic people can doubt their diagnosis. Years of internalized ableism and doubts from others can contribute to a feeling of being an imposter.

Imposter syndrome isn’t discussed as much in the community but is something many struggle with.

image: Very Helpful Chats

#ActuallyAutistic @actuallyautistic

autism101, 10 months ago (edited 10 months ago) to actuallyautistic

Representation matters.

And that goes for autistic people too.

Image: @autball1

#ActuallyAutistic #Ableism #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs @actuallyautistic

autism101, 7 months ago to actuallyautistic

It is often hard for me to switch tasks. Especially when I get into a hyperfocus state. 🧘

I've always struggled to explain to others why it is so difficult. 🤔

“Tendril theory" by Erin Human explains it really well.

image: @theeisforerin

#AskADHD #AskingAutistics #AuDHD #ActuallyAutistic @actuallyautistic

autism101, 2 months ago to actuallyautistic

I frequently have to re-read the same paragraph over and over again before it sinks in. It is really frustrating, and makes reading a book take forever. It even happens when I’m listening to an audio book.

Do you struggle with this?

#AskingAutistics #AskADHD #AuDHD #ActuallyAutistic @actuallyautistic

autism101, 11 months ago to random

Autistic people may notice things other people miss.

Do you see patterns or observe/sense things around you that others don’t?

image: Ben Usher-Barrass

#ActuallyAutistic #AskingAutistics

autism101, 3 months ago to actuallyautistic

Small talk and conversations can be really hard for autistic people.

#ActuallyAutistic @actuallyautistic

image: Izzy@autieselfcare

autism101, 2 months ago to actuallyautistic

Some autistic people experience meltdowns or shutdowns.

When I get overstimulated I tend to shutdown.

If you experience either of these, or both, which is more prevalent for you?

#AskingAutistics #ActuallyAutistic @actuallyautistic

image: @introvertdoodles
info: Kate Gaster

autism101, 11 months ago to actuallyautistic

Anxiety is common amongst autistic people. It can build up over time and lead to a meltdown or shutdown.

Do you deal with anxiety? Share any helpful tips that work for you.

image: @Autism1o1

#AskingAutistics #ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD @actuallyautistic

autism101, 6 months ago to actuallyautistic

Do you find most social interactions to be stressful and energy draining?

image: u/Lady/Johanna

#AskingAutistics #ActuallyAutistic @actuallyautistic

autism101, 3 months ago to actuallyautistic

It’s ridiculous that SSI in the U.S. isn’t enough to even cover basic housing anywhere.

#ActuallyAutistic @actuallyautistic

https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/02/05/ssi-recipients-cant-afford-housing-anywhere-in-the-us/30731/

autism101, 3 months ago to actuallyautistic

Anxiety is my constant companion. I’m always anxious and it only varies in degrees. It’s been this way my entire life. Nothing really changes that fact.

Do you deal with anxiety?

#AskingAutistics #ActuallyAutistic @actuallyautistic

image: @worrywellbeing

autism101, 1 month ago to actuallyautistic

Do you need routines but actually dislike them at the same time?

image: unknown
#AuDHD #AskingAutistics #AskADHD #ActuallyAutistic @actuallyautistic