Archive for November, 2009
I don’t like waiting but then I don’t know anyone who does.
I am waiting for:
- My unit grades from university. Then I can choose my unit subjects for next year.
- To get paid so I can buy my mum a cool birthday present.
- To get paid so I can buy new glasses frames for my Irlen lenses.
- To get paid so I can do a tiny amount of Christmas shopping.
- For Christmas to come so I can get over it quicker. Am I the only adult that feels very meltdownish because of the changes that happen over the Christmas period?
- For my husband to decide what he wants in life. A whole other story…
Here is a nice sparkly picture I found:
I had this list on my old blog and thought it only fair that it should be on my new one as well. Many people have seen this list already but for those who haven’t, here it is:
If you’re sick of hearing about all the “deficits” challenging people on the autism spectrum, join the club. But for every down side to autism, there seems to be a positive — an unusual trait that rarely appears among the “typical” community, but shines out among autistic folk. These plusses are well worth celebrating.
1. Autistic People Rarely Lie
We all claim to value the truth, but almost all of us tell little white lies. All, that is, except people on the autism spectrum. To them, truth is truth — and a good word from a person on the spectrum is the real deal.
2. People on the Autism Spectrum Live in the Moment
How often do typical people fail to notice what’s in front of their eyes because they’re distracted by social cues or random chitchat? People on the autism spectrum truely attend to the sensory input that surrounds them. Many have achieved the ideal of mindfulness.
3. People with Autism Rarely Judge Others
Who’s fatter? Richer? Smarter? For people on the autism spectrum, these distinctions hold much less importance than for typical folks. In fact, people on the spectrum often see through such surface appearances to discover the real person.
4. Autistic People are Passionate
Of course, not all autistic people are alike. But many are truly passionate about the things, ideas and people in their lives. How many “typical” people can say the same?
5. People with Autism Are Not Tied to Social Expectations
If you’ve ever bought a car, played a game or joined a club to fit in, you know how hard it is to be true to yourself. But for people with autism, social expectations can be honestly irrelevant. What matters is true liking, interest and passion — not keeping up with the Joneses.
6. People with Autism Have Terrific Memories
How often do typical people forget directions, or fail to take note of colors, names, and other details? People on the autism spectrum are often much more tuned in to details. They may have a much better memory than their typical peers for all kind of critical details.
7. Autistic People Are Less Materialistic
Of course, this is not universally true — but in general, people with autism are far less concerned with outward appearance than their typical peers. As a result, they worry less about brand names, hairstyles and other expensive but unimportant externals than most people do.
8. Autistic People Play Fewer Head Games
Who was that woman, and why were you looking at her? I know I TOLD you I didn’t mind if you went out, but why did you believe me? Most autistic people don’t play games like these — and they assume that you won’t either. It’s a refreshing and wonderful change from the Peyton Place emotional roller coaster that mars too many typical relationships!
9. Autistic People Have Fewer Hidden Agendas
Most of the time, if a person on the autism spectrum tells you what he wants — he is telling you what he wants. No need to beat around the bush, second guess, and hope you’re reading between the lines!
10. People with Autism Open New Doors for Neurotypicals
For some of us neurotypicals, having an autistic person in our lives has had a profound positive impact on our perceptions, beliefs and expectations.
Top Ten Terrific Traits of Autistic People by Lisa Jo Rudy.
Yes indeed. I had to see a psychiatrist for continuation of ADHD medication (dexamphetamine). I expected it to be a short visit – I have already been diagnosed and needed co-prescriber authorisation for my GP. Maybe a 10 minute visit. I was wrong, it lasted over an hour and I had a reassessment for ADHD. I had to answer a lot of questions, as did my husband (about me) and the psychiatrist looked through my school reports that I had brought along. It was very strange as I had not expected this to happen.
In the end, I got a prescription for two months of medication and another appointment was made for December. I don’t know exactly what that one will be about so I will update on it later.
I have read about people that have been diagnosed with ADHD and then later on (years later) with autism and they discount the ADHD diagnosis because the autism one fits better. I was diagnosed with ADHD two years before I was diagnosed with HFA and I have found that ADHD fits right alongside the HFA.
I remember when I first took ADHD medication that it had a really cool effect. Suddenly I found it easier to talk! It was as if my brain was sending what I wanted to say straight to my mouth instead of messing around with it a bit first to make sure I got confused and frustrated. The messages were clear, not full of interference. So of course I took advantage of this and started talking and talking and talking to anyone I could talk to! This included my family and what I was doing scared them and they blamed the medication. Well, they blamed right but not for the right reason, I think. It wasn’t as if I couldn’t stop myself from talking – I could, easily – but it was like I had been given a gift and I was behaving as if I only had it temporarily, getting as much use out of it as I could.
I guess I was just so excited about this new ability and I went a bit overboard in talking. Mainly by talking rubbish! Gradually the novelty of this wore off but I am still aware that talking is easier when I take my medication. It definitely helps when I have to take part in a class discussion or meet new people. When I don’t take the ADHD medication I really can’t be bothered talking a lot of the time, it is just too hard and I get frustrated and angry with myself. Especially so when my words come out all muddled and garbled. I used to be made fun of for it sometimes so I am still a bit self-conscious about it now when it happens.
I am not completely sure if this effect (the difficulty talking) is due to autism or ADHD. I have a feeling it is both because they are somewhat spliced together for me. I am truly glad that there is something that helps to make talking and other things a little easier in life.
