High Functioning Autism and Sensory Issues - Diana's World

[Roachtrix]

I have anxiety certain noises are becoming more bothersom am I developing autism?

[anecann]

@Roachtrix We born being autistic, no one develops autism. You're anxious thats all. Maybe will help you ask that question to a proffesional.

[maryuby]

Thank you so much for sharing. I also have a teenager with pdd-nos and has varios sensory issues. God Bless you Diana you are a beautiful young woman..

[violinist881]

I make those finger movements as I talk too! it's my way of focusing

[ToniBoucher]

@violinist881 Thanks for sharing!  It's important for people to understand.

[violinist881]

@ToniBoucher don't worry, I know just how she feels:) she's a wonderful person and I believe she'll be a successful person someday! cheers!

[ToniBoucher]

@violinist881 I know. Anyone who learns to deal with the challenges that you both deal with every day is already a success in my mind! Thanks-

[violinist881]

@ToniBoucher thank you for those kinds words:) it gives me a strong sense of encouragement!;)

[mibrahem3000]

hi i have autistic son 4years old i dont know how to help him he stemming to much and sometimes cry plz tell me how to help him

[ToniBoucher]

@mibrahem3000 This is very hard to deal with. Stims help a child deal with anxiety and or concentrate. There could be many reasons for crying- an unidentified medical condition (headaches, GI issues, seizures), inability to communicate needs, anxiety or a painful sensory issue.

[ToniBoucher]

Diana is traveling right now so I'll do my best to answer the "replay" question as her mom and she can add her thoughts about this and your other questions when she is available in a few days. "Replay" (if I understand your question) does two major things. 1- It helps the person understand information that is unclear due to processing problems and 2- it "feels safe" because it is one of the few predictable things in the life of a person with autism and therefore eases anxiety!

[richmanpoman1]

Please explain (I have an autistic daughter) the "replay" thing. My girl with want to hear a portion of a dvd or a portion of a cd or tape, if I try to deviate from the replay, she gets thoroughly upset. Also, eating...do you have eating rituals? My daughter also takes the "right" or "perfect" rock before leaving a place. This is really fascinating. Can you also help me to understand your experience with sleep and bathing etc. Do you have sensory with materials?

[ToniBoucher]

@richmanpoman1 Some clothing and foods really irritate me. For example, okra. I can't stand the slimy taste of it. Usually when I eat, I eat all of one thing on my plate, then move to the next. It's sort of rare when I can eat everything at the same time. Plus, I eat with my left hand, and I'm not even left handed. It gives me a sort of pleasure that allows to feel like I can do more than what I am restrained to do, if that makes sense. (message 1 of 4)

[richmanpoman1]

@ToniBoucher Hi again. Wow, thanks for those answers. Very enlightening, and makes me hit my head and say, "Why didn't I think of that?" It seems so obvious once stated. It is a big help, to be able to ask you as someone living with "sensory issues" and "autism" it makes me feel hopeful that some of my child's issues are possibly only temporary or they are mostly innocuous. I was wondering if you understand any "mouthing" issues, and what can cause them? My girl is a lefty, but also uses right.

[aspietrait101]

@ToniBoucher Did you ever do an eye dominance test? If you are left eye dominant, there is a good chance that you may be a closet lefty, since you are living now as a righty.

Did your daughter inherit the autism from her mother or father's side?

[ToniBoucher]

@richmanpoman1 Sleeping. Takes forever unless I've got my iPod or a movie playing. I prefer the iPod though when trying to fall asleep because it blocks out the other noises better-the headphones. I prefer showers over baths because I feel like I'm restrained in a bath, like I don't have enough room to move around freely. I know that when I was younger, I preferred baths because they gave me more of a sense of security. (message 2 of 4)

[ToniBoucher]

@richmanpoman1 Replaying of songs and sentences by the way, don't worry too much about that. It's very normal for people like us. When we replay songs, it helps to relax, or at least it does that to me. If I hear a song, like it, and replay, it is securing. It's a noise that I know, and I can remember. If you don't want your daughter to replay songs quiet as much, I'd recommend making a compromise. Try to do other things with her that might get her mind off of the song. (message 3 0f 4)

[ToniBoucher]

@richmanpoman1 . I hope this helps somewhat. If you need me to elaborate a little more on some stuff, let me know, and I'll be glad to. (message 4 of 4).

[Zyyglo]

This is a nice video. I relate to some of the things you talked about. Especially the part about having something in your pocket for comfort or as a friend who would not leave. I did the same thing. For me, I had a hard time, and still have a hard time relating to other people. It does not come natural. There seems to be a vibe between people when they talk that I just can't tap into. I feel off beat if that makes any sense.

[thautcast]

Fantastic video-- will be featured with an excerpt from Diana's blog at my site thAutcast. Please make more videos.

[ToniBoucher]

@thautcast Thanks for featuring us! We do plan to make more videos soon.