Question for autistics: What did you do to celebrate or mark the occasion when you found out you’re autistic?
Context:
Many people find the discovery that they’re autistic is very helpful for them, even liberating, as they can now learn more about themselves and their needs, etc. Feelings toward it are usually quite complex, not simple, but lots of people have said they celebrated when they discovered they’re autistic because overall, it is a positive thing. Some autistic people mark the anniversary and have a mini celebration in their own way each year.
My answer to the question:
Although cakes are popular, I decided to do something longer lasting and more special to me. There is an artist who paints nature scenes with animals and I saw a beautiful limited edition print by her up for sale. I rarely ever buy pictures like this as I simply don’t have the spare cash, but the picture reminds me of myself and my love of nature and animals, and reminds me of the parts of myself I kept hidden for so long. It now hangs on my wall at home for me to see every day. I may not be openly autistic (yet) but I do want to be openly myself in other ways like being open about what brings me joy - and this painting keeps reminding me of that.
My self realisation happened relatively quickly, but still over several weeks, so I don't have a definite date that I can celebrate. "More or less in August /September" is the closest I can get.
But I like the idea of finding a way to express this particular joy.
Any tips for making lots of small tasks easier for a monotrophic mind? Much of my work consists of long term projects which need a little bit of attention periodically, often in the form of follow-up emails. I currently alternate between replying to what's come in and reviewing my calendar to check what's coming up, but there's very little job satisfaction. Turning off email notifications and dealing with them all at once isn't enough. What else could I try? #AskingAutistics@actuallyautistic
@Autisticaurochs@actuallyautistic visualizing progress in a way that gives more satisfaction. Putting every tiny small thing on a to do list to be crossed off would be my instinct.
@bananamangodog I had a similar thought when toying around with my Vikunja installation and just clicked on the Gantt chart.
I'm also trying to fire up PM software for my home use (Redmine), but I'm having trouble due to exec-impariment (and a lot of tasks backed up (as in “clogged”, not “backup” .) in Taskwarrior. @Autisticaurochs@actuallyautistic
Had a gf who was stunned to discover that, and when she performed the experiment it turned out that a couple of days later she developed a sharp, not entirely pleasant, scent. She went back to soap+deodorant at that point.
That was educational for both of us. In the "people like Moz really exist" sense.
@nddev@hlangeveld@moz@Zumbador@autism101@actuallyautistic Ewwww. I've never used fabric softener just on the basis that the fewer chemicals touching my skin the better but I had no idea they were this awful. Thanks for the info!
@RoseThorndyke@autism101@actuallyautistic There have been maybe 2 or 3 times total in my life where I have had absolutely zero anxiety and they felt surreal. It felt like an out of body experience to have so much joy.
The deficit model of autism in DSM-5 dehumanizes us by focusing on external traits rather than internal experiences. It's also based in Nazi race science.
How can we push for more relevant diagnostic criteria?
Sean, well said.
I would like everyone to have the benefits of knowing whether or not they are autistic, without autism being medicalised and pathologised.
@Zumbador@actuallyautistic@theautisticcoach right? But I’d never suggest screening until we completely change our (their) entire view of it. It would need to be positive, affirming, and strengths-based. Our systems can’t do that 😢
@theautisticcoach@actuallyautistic my wife tells me I am pacing around (when I am not waiting for someone, as I do that then too) or clenching my hands really right
@theautisticcoach@actuallyautistic ya same as everyone else. I keep things were they are most efficient and I absolutely hate it when they get taken and not put back, to the point I have to get doubles of things and hide one of everything
that we all have to have special interests and special talents ("thanks Rainman")
that we have to act and to behave in a certain way to "be autistic" (and what way would that be?🤔)
after more than 50 years of intensive training and thanks to being gifted, I've almost perfected my "manual for humans". So now I am able to react appropriately in almost every situation. But that does not make me less autistic.
@theautisticcoach@actuallyautistic
that any sort of brain damage by any sort of agent should be called, "Autism," by whoever is testing whatever bloody drug and who can't bloody know their mice are "Autistic," and they probably don't know what Autism is themselves - it just SOUNDS smarter that "brain damage."
.
This cheap editor's trick is very bad news. 😈
@actuallyautistic@theautisticcoach I can look normal or I can be functional. I have finite energy, can’t choose both. For now, I need to ignore normal expectations and figure out what my actual pace and rhythm are to be functional on a daily and long-term basis. Then I can bring back in what still serves me in the looking normal category. Thanks for asking.
@sebwhatever@actuallyautistic "I have a bit of a long to-do list before I can leave the house this morning, I'll text you when I'm done. Hopefully it doesn't get any longer before it gets shorter."