These are just a few examples of things I deal with on a daily basis, and have chatted with my therapist(s) about at some point over this ten year process.
Late Bloomer: I've always been known as a late bloomer. Many autistic individuals might reach developmental milestones at a different pace than their neurotypical peers, leading to varied timelines for skills like walking or talking.
Awkward: Social interactions can be challenging for autistic individuals, often leading to moments of perceived awkwardness or misunderstanding.
Hate Perfume: I don't wear it. I don't like. I don't want you to smell like it either. Sensory sensitivities can make certain smells, like perfumes, particularly overwhelming or unpleasant, making daily interactions or outings difficult.
No Shoelaces: Avoided at all costs. Some autistic people have sensory aversions that make tasks like tying shoes particularly challenging or uncomfortable.
Few Friends: Also lost friends along the way. Social challenges, like understanding social cues, can result in a smaller, more intimate social circle. It can also lead to misunderstandings and arguments which make a relationship feel like too much to deal with.
Anxiety: I take an SSRI. Many on the spectrum experience heightened anxiety, stemming from various sensory, social, or personal factors.
Control Issues: A strong desire for routine and predictability can lead to a heightened desire for control in various situations.
Rocking: Rocking back and forth can be a self-soothing stimming behavior, especially during moments of stress or overwhelm.
Songs on Repeat: The repetitive action of listening to the same song repeatedly can be calming and provide a sense of order.
Panic Attacks: When overwhelmed, autistic individuals might experience panic attacks, a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort.
Vertigo: Differences in sensory processing can occasionally manifest as vertigo or other balance-related issues.
Introvert: Many autistic individuals lean towards introversion, often preferring solitary activities or interactions with a trusted few.
Direct: They often communicate in a straightforward manner, avoiding ambiguities, which can come off as very direct.
Weighted Blankets: This is the one thing I'd take to a desert island. The sensation of deep pressure from weighted blankets can provide comfort and help manage sensory overstimulation.
Plan Conversations: If it involves small talk I need a mental list. To navigate unpredictable social interactions, some autistic individuals find it helpful to pre-plan conversations or rehearse dialogues.
Poor Eye Contact: Constantly asked why I'm looking at people's foreheads. Engaging in direct eye contact can be sensory overwhelming or feel invasive to some on the spectrum.
Literal: They have a tendency to understand statements exactly as they're stated, often missing implied meanings.
Repeating Words: Echolalia. Repeating words or phrases, either aloud or internally, can be a way of processing information or self-stimulating.
Gifted: Some autistic individuals display remarkable abilities in specific areas, ranging from arts to sciences.
Shy: Social situations, especially unfamiliar ones, can be daunting, leading to shyness or hesitance.
Fabric Aversions: Textures of certain fabrics can be unbearable due to sensory sensitivities, influencing clothing choices.
Inflexible: Adapting to sudden changes or unfamiliar situations can be hard, leading to a preference for known routines.
Small Spoons: This isn't about the spoon itself. It's about the way I cannot stand to eat with a big spoon. I hate the feeling of it. I have specific needs and requirements. This technically fits into the routines category.
Loud: Limited voice modulation. Without realizing, some autistic individuals may speak louder than necessary, not always gauging their volume in relation to their environment.
RBF (Resting B Face): Constantly told I should smile more. Facial expressions might not always match internal emotions, leading to potential misinterpretations.
Detail-oriented: Makes me pretty good at my job. They can hyper-focus on specific details, often noticing nuances that others might overlook.
Rigid Routines: See small spoons. The comfort of predictability can manifest as a reliance on rigid routines and patterns.
Talks Too Much: Often monopolize a convo if I'm interested. A deep passion for specific interests can lead to extensive monologues or oversharing.
Blunt: A tendency towards straightforward communication can come off as bluntness, with less emphasis on softening statements.
Poor Executive Function: This can manifest as difficulty organizing, planning, initiating, and executing tasks in daily life.
Sleep Issues: Some face irregular sleep patterns, often struggling with either insomnia or hypersomnia.
Obsessive: Intense interests or repetitive behaviors can sometimes take an obsessive form, dominating thoughts or actions.
Meltdowns: Sensory or emotional overload can lead to meltdowns, where emotions become uncontrollable.
Resistance to Touch: Unexpected or undesired touch can be deeply uncomfortable, leading to a strong aversion or resistance.
Alone Time: Regular intervals of alone time can be crucial for sensory regulation and mental recharge.
GI Issues: Gastrointestinal problems, ranging from food sensitivities to IBS, can be more common.
Dependent: A consistent routine or reliance on specific support structures can sometimes be perceived as dependence.
Burnout: Constantly adapting to a neurotypical world can lead to a specific form of exhaustion known as autistic burnout.
Trouble Transitioning: Sitting in the car for an hour after arriving home. Moving from one task or setting to another can be jarring and require additional mental effort.
Poor Spatial Awareness: I'm a corner cutter. Judging distances or spatial relationships can sometimes be challenging, leading to potential misjudgments.
Not Getting Jokes: (or maybe your joke just didn't make sense, here, i'll fix it for you.) Due to their literal thinking, they might not always grasp implied humor or sarcasm.
Auditory Stimming: Making or seeking specific sounds, like tapping or humming, can be a form of self-soothing.
Rejection Sensitivity: Perceived slights or rejections can evoke heightened emotional responses.
Clumsy: Motor coordination can sometimes be a challenge, leading to moments of clumsiness.
Nonverbal Periods: AKA Selective Mutism During times of extreme stress or overload, some might go through periods where they prefer not to speak.
Asking Why: Likely the cause of my divorce. A deep-seated need for clarity or understanding can lead to frequently asking "why".
Procrastination: Challenges with initiation, part of executive function, can lead to procrastination.
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