Welcome to my new mini-series Autism Profiles, where a few Neurodivergent adults share some information about what it’s really like to be an Autistic/ND person. I sent them a range of personal questions and have compiled the answers below. I know that most people would assume all Autistic people are the same, and that misguided thinking is what has inspired me to start this series. As you will see in my previous blog, the basic criteria are what ties us together in that we are on the Autism Spectrum, but the ways in which these things are expressed can vary a lot!
Thank you very much to the participants who help make these projects possible.
Hi everyone, :) My name is Anastasia Renee, I am 22 years old. I live in Pottstown (Pennsylvania) with my boyfriend, his Mom, and our zoo of pets.
I self-diagnosed as Autistic the summer of 2019. I talked with a specialist and got my official diagnosis early this year (2020). I felt the need to talk with someone since there isn’t a whole lot of information about girls on the spectrum, but I don’t believe getting a diagnosis is absolutely necessary.
I don’t really have a preference, or care what others choose to say in terms of labels. I am okay with Autistic person or Apsie.
Some of my special interests include movie effects/movies in general, animals, autism, music, and nature. My favourite way to spend a day is lying in bed with my pup Stella, watching Adventure Time The biggest struggle I have as an Autistic person (with a late diagnosis) is that most people don’t believe what I’m going through, or others think I am changing who I am for attention. Getting the support I need has been the hardest thing I think.
I am a sensory seeker and I do stim! My favourite stims are hand flapping, humming/singing, running in place (when excited), and snapping.
My favourite part of being Autistic is that I feel that I’m part of something. I love that finally; I don’t feel alone in the world. I love that my mind is unique!
My co-morbid conditions: I have had severe depression/panic disorder since I was about 9 or 10. I also have mild scoliosis with chronic back and hip pain.
The Autistic stereotypes that I don’t connect to are that I Lack Empathy: I am EXTREMELY empathetic, and this actually allows me to be very spiritual and help heal others.
“You don’t look Autistic!”: There is literally NO WAY to “look” Autistic.
The Autistic stereotype that I relate to the most are Social Anxiety/Uncomfortable Eye Contact: Something as small as answering or even making a phone call triggers panic attacks for me. Also, I find it hard to process what anyone could be saying to me if I am forced to make eye contact.
Especially with my family members, I wish people understood how overwhelming and exhausting it is to do just about anything. But also, that, just because I do need more rest and time for myself, it doesn’t mean I don’t care or want to be included. I think NTs just need to be more understanding in general.
Even though I am still struggling with my depression, finding out about my Autism was literally the best thing that happened to me! I have learned so much about myself and I am accepting the life I deserve. So, to anyone in the same boat...just have patience with yourself!
My name is T. Liebelt. I am 24 and identify as non-binary. I live in Melbourne, Australia. I currently teach instrumental music lessons in various primary schools.
I was diagnosed Autistic at 23, coinciding with my ADHD diagnosis. I prefer to identify as ‘autistic ADHDer’ or ‘neurodivergent’.
My special interests include the creative process, artistic experimentation, creative constraints, linguistics/dialects, literary theory, narrative structure, word play/word games, puzzles, Absurdism, Dadaism, surrealism etc. I struggle most with developing/maintaining relationships. I am both sensory adverse and sensory seeking. My favourite stims include percussive tapping, vocal noises, echolalia/palilalia, moving my tongue and lips in different ways etc.
I’m most sensory adverse to unbalanced light and sound, sticky or soggy textures. One of my strengths is that I’m a fast learner. I also get compliments about being honest/straightforward with people.
I have comorbid ADHD, depression and anxiety.
The Autistic stereotypes that I don’t connect to are that I don’t relate to the idea that we’re overly neat or orderly. I’m also very sarcastic. My most stereotyped trait would relate to sometimes being quite pedantic or literal. Certainly had a few ‘um, actually’ moments in my youth. I’ve often been described as stubborn.
I wish people understood that Neurodivergent struggles have more to do with how the world treats us than how our conditions affect us.
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Follow me on @autie.alien where I share ASD from my perspective.
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