I am a parent on the spectrum, I'm high functioning, which means that a lot of the time, people don't even realize I'm on the spectrum. Not until they get to know me, and learn about my many "quirks". I have had this cause many challenges in my life, to include multiple misdiagnosis such as Bi-Polar disorder, Apathetic, Narcissistic, Sadistic, and even just a generalized personality disorder. Apparently many medical professionals out there don't realize that someone on the spectrum can go undetected for many many years. I also grew up in a generation that very little was known about autism (who can believe THAT right??) and it was thought if you weren't severely low functioning with many autistic "traits" then you couldn't be autistic.
I have also had a very difficult time maintaining employment, which of course, leads to many life stressors, that only exacerbate my symptoms. So I've been stuck in a downward spiral for some time. However, now that we have a diagnosis, and a medication regimen that is actually helping, (surprise surprise that Bi-Polar meds only made the situation worse) things are starting to look up. It is due to these challenges that I don't feel comfortable posting names, or unaltered photos to this blog, I'm hoping that as readers, you can understand.
I too have sensory issues, I guess I fall under the classification of hyPERsensitive. Certain textures, and noises will send me emotionally through the roof, while physically to the floor. I have learned to control it to a degree, but there is still certain things I can't tolerate no matter how hard I try. I personally think this gives me a special insight into my children's world of sensory issues. Things I can't handle would be the feel of glass. I can't touch it, some super glossy ceramics are intolerable to me. dry skin, specifically mine. Which means I always have moisturizer and has in the past led to a diagnosis of OCD. the treatment for that? to force the person to deal with whatever it is they are obsessive about. Let me tell you this. That is probably the WORST thing you could do to someone on the spectrum, it only made the issue worse. silverware scraping on a plate will also send me through the roof, and for whatever reason, I'm downright petrified of new foods. I've never in my life had rhubarb, I recently had an opportunity to try it, and it scared me to the bone. I couldn't get near it. I can't for the life of me tell you why. I can't touch raw meat, or eggs, and I refuse. if I didn't have someone else around to do it for me, I'd go strictly vegan, not because I have any moral objections to eating animals, I can't handle to touch it. Even with gloves. With thick kitchen gloves, I can somewhat stomach it, but I have to wash my hands 100 times in the amount of time it would take someone else to crack 4 eggs. But not only do I have a latex allergy, but the texture of latex is another intolerable. So finding thick kitchen gloves is a challenge. Folds in my clothes, or tears, I can't handle. I will throw out any clothing that has holes in it, even if it is repaired, I will never wear it again, or put it on any of my children.
I hope this gives you a little insight into me, and my world, and the way I think.
I do assure you I am a real person, with real feelings, and although I may have a rough time showing, or properly expressing that, rest assured, they are there, and I am doing my best to fit in with everyone else. So please, have some understanding and compassion, and I hope you enjoy my blog :)
