High Functioning Autism Aspergers Symptoms

[BIGMACHAMBURGER1]

Sorry, I meant, i have to read more than once to understand.

[BIGMACHAMBURGER1]

Hi, thanks for posting your thoughts. I haven't been diagnosed yet, but I am gathering more and more clues that I have aspergers. I share 90% of what you list. I personally can't wear jeans and restricted clothing too. I have had problems at work following verbal instructions, with written instructions I more than once to understand. But, I have exactly the same problem with not being able to process the first sentence. And I really feel the same about 'this big secret' and I can't do small talk

[rainforestangel]

about the human race in general...how do you feel about being human and other humans? It's quite an open question I know but I did not want to simplify it. So I am sorry if I have tread upon anyone's toes, and thanks for reading :) peace

[adultswithautism]

@rainforestangel

Hi Thanks for your message. I really like your name by the way. I don't really understand how to relate to most humans. Although I usually feel more comfortable around other high functioning autistic people than around the neuro typicals I meet. I tend to feel that too many neuro typical humans are selfish greedy and unfair. And that they are screwing up the world! But then there are many that are really nice gentle caring people. How do you feel about humans? best wishes

[rainforestangel]

but for now, I need to learn how to adapt. I don't think any of my friends would call me autistic but they all would call me weird, and I do have a registered disability NOS I have wondered about being on the spectrum though as I feel like I can understand the way of thinking that some people on the spectrum experience. But if I am, then I can tell you we are sensitive and kind special people who care quite deeply for the human race/condition. I would love to know how those on the spectrum feel

[rainforestangel]

my decision, because I had made a couple of friends who were standing next to me and they made me laugh. They made me feel love for them, and I remember thinking, 'they aren't very bright, as in their intelligence doesn't seem to 'stretch' far as in it doesn't look towards the future or encompass the past, but they are very funny and very sweet. So from there on I just boom decided I would leave my the safety of 'my world' and adapt to this one. I thought I can retreat into 'mine' whenever

[rainforestangel]

I have no qualifications on this opinion, but when I was a younger person I was much more 'like this' I distinctly remember standing in the lunch queue running my fingers over my hand in a repeating pattern, which I did because it was calming, and I thought, I could 'live' in this world if I chose to, I could just cut off from all of the 'harsh tones' of this world around me, by living in my own one, where I just 'switch off' to the 'loud clutter noise' of other people's minds, and anyway I made

[DARKWun1984]

Just have to say, brilliant video, very informative. What I find interesting is how people like me with just OCD and those with Aspergers still have a couple of things in common. It makes me wonder where the blend ends with the two being intrinsically linked, but I know not all Aspies have OCD. Interesting! I too have executive function problems with verbal instructions, but due to 'memory hoarding' rather than cognitive processing & also have 2 create a picture of my words, but am gettin better

[augi124]

Neurotypical, normal, whatever you want to call it, people a are sneaky, duplicitous and untrustworthy. There is no secret. The only secret is in logic and enjoying the present. "Normal" people smile when they're not happy and they complain when they have nothing to complain about.

[adultswithautism]

@augi124

Hi there, I think that trying to understand people's intentions has probably been my downfall so many times. I think I have been much to trusting and naive over the years. It makes me sad when I see other Autistic people struggling to understand social situations and getting confused as I did today on my film workshop. Many Autistic people I've met can be to trusting and can get taken advantage of to easily. There is not enough compassion in the world.

Regards

[DARKWun1984]

@augi124

Probably a bit strong ang generalised, but totally understandable from your point of view. I'm no neurotypical, I have OCD, but the addition of empathy gives me a view which perhaps you don't. This is no way an insult, more of an agreement on the uploader's statement of the 'big secret.' My ex girlfriend is an Aspie, and to this day, two years after our breakup, we remain best friends and I am the only person whom she has total trust in due to my insistence on honesty.

[DARKWun1984]

Between me and her mom I found ways to convey an understanding of people that she could understand. People do lie. Sometimes for harmful reasons. But sometimes people lie for themselves. We smile to make ourselves feel better when we are sad. It's not to decieve others, it's to fight what we feel inside. We complain about things because complaining is catharsis. Getting rid of the stress and finding common ground in others with the things we complain about is just social interaction

[paulmac2012]

snap, I take great solice knowing that some of the most successful and greatest people in the world past and present were afflicted with the same social dispositions, dont get hung up on matters, focus on your strengths, apparantly the ocd element means aspies have an insatiable appetite to solve problems and or pursue answers, in there concentrated areas of discipline.

[adultswithautism]

@paulmac2012

I like your positive approach. I am actually about to do a video about turning "special interests" that many of us have on the spectrum into careers. And as opportunities to use obsessions to become very skilled in a particular subject. I like the idea that perhaps we can lever our intense interest in something to become a world class expert in that field. I suppose we could think of people on the autistic spectrum such as Einstein, Mark Zuckerberg, Temple Grandin

regards

[adultswithautism]

@Ruthlessbunnies

I know at someone else that is having trouble getting tested for autism. I've found many GPs do not know very much about autism and even the majority of psychologists and psychiatrists I've had over the years only have a very basic understanding at best. In the UK you can get advice from the National Autistic Society or maybe you can look at their website. Keep pushing for a test or mention it at your LD test as they may understand more. Stay in touch regards

[adultswithautism]

@Ruthlessbunnies

There could be various reasons for this but a common autistic symptom is having difficulty processing information. I'm like you in that understanding mathematical concepts/charts and also understanding verbal instructions is very difficult. You may need to explain this difficulty with your teachers or parent. Are they aware that you are struggling with maths and maybe other things in your life ? They may not know about all of your difficulties.

[adultswithautism]

@Ruthlessbunnies

Could it be that you just began to notice your symptoms more or do you think they did just get worse? I think that symptoms can change over time from what what I've seen in others and myself

[adultswithautism]

@Ruthlessbunnies

Hi Ruthlessbunnies good to hear from you. I am really glad you contacted me. You sound to me as though you could be on the autistic spectrum. Everything you've said points to it and I also have nearly all of those problems you have described so well. Did you have any speech problems as a child? Is there anyone you could speak to that could help you get tested? feeling disconnected from the world is just how I also feel most of the time. best wishes

[pumaunicorn]

Hi, I'm 36, a mom, and I am not diagnosed with Autism or any spectrum disorder. However, I HAVE been previously diagnosed with everything ranging from ADHD, OCD, depression, anxiety, etc. I dislike being touched, I am a bit obsessed with orderliness, and I cannot stand crowds or having to meet someone at a public place (being there first terrifies me). Sometimes I wonder if I have HFA or something. The reaction to touch bothers me the very most, since I have a loving family.

[adultswithautism]

@pumaunicorn

Hi Sorry I was unable to get back to you earlier in the week but I have been a little unwell. It is possible you are on the autistic spectrum your symptoms sound familiar. There are 2 tests you can do online AQ and EQ these are proper autism tests I also did them as part of my official diagnosis. I was also told during my diagnosis that they are now diagnosing many 30,40 and 50 yr olds that went through life wondering what was wrong. Could you speak to your doctor? best wishes

[hiswife2002]

Hi there adultswithautism:

I'm not an adult with autism, but I am the mom of a little boy who has a tentative diagnosis of high functioning autism. I'm also a speech therapist, so I'm aware of, and have dealt professionally with, many of the things you have mentioned. I love the previous comment about social skills being intuitive...I work A LOT (with children right now) on social skills and there IS a very intuitive aspect to it. I am really interested to see what else you have to say!

[adultswithautism]

@hiswife2002

Hi thanks for your comments. It may also be of interest to you that I was diagnosed with HFA as opposed to AS because I had speech developmental problems as a child. Even now talking can feel like very hard work. If you like I could try to explain some of the problems I had as a child so you can see if your little boy has similar difficulties. We could do this using the personal message option if wish.I look forward to hearing your views.

best wishes

[naomiwiebe]

Hey there, I am so glad that you posted this vid,

When I was a kid, I had horrible separation anxiety. Even when my parents would leave me with my auntie and uncle to go out for dinner, I apparently sat at a window, just waiting for them to come get me.

I also had skin sensitivities when I was a kid... I had to wear my socks inside out so the seams weren't as bothersome, and I always needed to have tags removed.

[adultswithautism]

@naomiwiebe

Hi there naomiwiebe thanks for your message. What you describe is exactly the same as me! seperation anxiety was a very big problem as a child resulting in extreme stress/crying. Sensitivity to clothes - even now I wear my socks inside out! and can't wear tight or itchy clothes with seams and tags.

I am really happy that you have told me these things as I think it's helps to be able to understand ourselves. Did you have also problems with speech as a child?

best wishes

[TheLoveOfTheCattle]

oh god i use to have real bad sensory problems as a kid it's not so bad these days

[adultswithautism]

@TheLoveOfTheCattle

Hi there good to hear from you. Did you/do you have problems with noise, bright lights and being touched or getting bumped into? It's good that your sensory problems are not as bad at the moment. Actually soon I am going to do a video about how autistic symptoms change as we get older. I will let you know when I have done it. Best wishes

[TheLoveOfTheCattle]

@adultswithautism i have had all kinds of problems in my life you name it i've had it like said before it's not so bad these days

[adultswithautism]

@TheLoveOfTheCattle

Hi it's really good that your sensory issues have got better over the years. It seems that sensory problems change for the better with age in some people but not in others. I work with some older people on the autistic spectrum that still have big problems with noise and light and crowded places.

[arepasheat]

I feel like I can relate to a lot of these traits... and I spent much of my college years doing my very best to learn how to function in society. I feel like now because of all the work I've done on mylots of jobs that require intense socialization, I have learned the rules of the psyche in a new way... this almost intuitive and empathic way that perhaps was innate within me all along...but I just wasn't accessing it.

[adultswithautism]

@arepasheat

Hi arepasheat you make some really interesting comments and I like the fact you use the terms "intuitive and empathetic" as this shows that some people on the autistic spectrum are capable of this. It sounds as though you have done some very good work on understanding yourself and gaining "self awareness". I'm still learning that its ok not to have to be like everyone else whilst still being able to socialize when I need to. Best wishes 

[adultswithautism]

@goduniverse

Hi goduniverse thanks for your message. Its great to know that others can relate to the video.The thing that has helped me is trying to understand High functioning autism/Aspergers as much as possible and by getting as much self-awareness as I can. There are many people like you and I that have spent many years wondering what was wrong with them before they got a diagnosis. But even then there is not much help/support from professionals. I'll do another vid this week. best wishes

[JoHnNiEGuNnS]

I must say u seem like the average every day male

[adultswithautism]

Hi JoHnNiEGuNnS. thanks for your message. When I'm in my little workspace at home and do not have to interact with the world I sort of get by. The problems really start when I have to leave the house and interact with life and people. 

[goduniverse]

@adultswithautism

Thank you, I'm going to use this video to explain to ppl how I feel. I can't believe how ridiculously spot on you were. When you talked about the "secrets" thing I almost shivered it was so unbelievably like me. I swear this is just amazing and the best part is you're actually making me REALIZE things about myself that I didn't even know! I fond myself thinking "ahhh, so THAT explains why I do this..." on what particular occasion. Thank you.

[goduniverse]

@goduniverse

*one particular occasion

[adultswithautism]

To mrfitness2008. When you say "naughty" you may have just not known how to react to your surroundings and not quite understood the social "rules" I was the opposite of a naughty child and was terrified of everything! It's great that you are now taking control of your life. It may take a while but don't give up. Try to find a life style that really works for you and please remember that you don't have to be like everyone else, Its easier said than done but it is what I am trying to do

[adultswithautism]

To mrfitness2008 Also google 'executive dysfunction' 'theory of mind' and 'auditory processing disorder' and how these things relate to being on the autistic spectrum.

Please tell your girlfriend that it can be frightening but also liberating to finally get some understanding of these life long problems and you can begin to live in a way that you can be happier and not have to be like everyone else

If I can be any help with further info please let me know.

Good luck with your diagnosis

[adultswithautism]

To mrfitness2008, you're welcome. I could never find youtube videos that I could relate to so I started to make my own. I wanted to reach people like you and me that were really trying to find out what was "wrong" with them.Even world experts on autism/aspergers miss the mark sometimes when compared to how we really feel. Also google Weak Central Coherance and Auditory processing disorder. Please also understand how our "autistic" symptoms often lead to depression. Let me know how you get on

[adultswithautism]

To mrfitness2008 thanks for your message.I was in my mid 40's when diagnosed with high functioning autism (as opposed to aspergers) the difference being that I had major speech problems as a child this is apparently not the case in aspergers although many other symptoms are very similar. Back in the 60's/ 70's I along many other kids that displayed what would now be seen as autistic symptoms were diagnosed with "childhood schizophrenia" Try to make sure your psychiatrist knows about autism

[AllTheAspects]

And the faucets dripping or whatever it is but as I have sat in what I thought was a quite room all of a sudden my stress is up, my OCD kicked in, and I'm overloaded by all the small sounds. OCD is tied into the stress factor.. 99% of the time so if you manage that part the OCD is not as bad. "AS BAD" not fixed. And i believe thats why we control our environments, and have rules, and rituals. it helps to limit the unknowns that stress us.

[adultswithautism]

Hi AllTheAspects, thanks for your detailed message. You seem to have a very good understanding/self awareness. Some psychologists have told me that I would not have been given an OCD diagnosis if I had been given the Autism diagnosis first. Other psychs have said that one can have both conditions. What is your understanding of this? I am going to try to get my head around the important points you have raised, thanks

[AllTheAspects]

As for crowds all you can do is make you own path and go.. I feel like people don't see me and I 'm a big guy. I think I have learned to accept a lot of this about myself. Accessing thoughts can be hard.. my processing is like yours, get stuck on the first thing. I don't think there is a "fix" per se' just being aware of yourself more helps. But im still learning too. OCD, noises, even low noises get to me I will get anxiety and not know why then realize the fan, the tv, the computer, are all on

[adultswithautism]

It's good to know that other people can relate to and understand the issues I raised in the video.

One problem seems to be that most psychologists I have met do not have more that a very basic/laymans knowledge of Autism and are mostly unable to distinguish between OCD symptoms and Autism. Because of this it seems that trying to find "holistic professional" help for the problems we are describing is not available (in my experience).

[adultswithautism]

@AllTheAspects "As for crowds all you can do is make you own path and go for it" I have tried this approach but I get angry when if other people don't move aside and I'm not sure if I should move or they should and I feel the anxiety going up!

[AllTheAspects]

Although I have learned to mostly manage my anger.. Only by way of being through hell and back in life and melt downs. So I now can deal with more stress than most. I was only diagnosed 1 year ago. But before I knew i was an aspie. I just had to realize who I was. Learning to recognize when my anger or stress was coming on really helped to manage it, same with anxiety.

[adultswithautism]

Many of us on the spectrum have to go down the medication route to help with the depression/anxiety and Ocd when is becomes overwhelming. You seem more able than I to control and understand your symptoms.

[adultswithautism]

It is quite common for people on the Autism Spectrum to have difficulty processing information given verbally and when I'm working as a tutor for the National Autistic Society we quite often use pictures as well as verbal instructions.

[ghodium]

i experience the same with verbal instruction, or following others in conversation, if there is me and two other people i will be excluded from the conversation if they get conversational momentum going

[adultswithautism]

@ghodium I used to pretend that I understood everything that people said to me I just nodded my head and tried to look intelligent ! I don't usually do that now I feel more true to myself by asking for the information to be given in a simpler way

[adultswithautism]

Hello everyone, I have more videos that I will be posting over the next 2 days concerning adults on the autistic spectrum

[adultswithautism]

Hi ghodium, Yes these things can really hold us back in life. People sometimes say how can you be autistic you seem so "normal" and you can do so many things. Well we are not all Rainman ! Sometimes I find it very to explain how High Functioning Autism feels.

[ghodium]

@adultswithautism yes very hard to explain it in such a way that anybody who doesn't have it can appreciate it, alien mental frameworks

[ghodium]

i can see a lot of myself in this