Storms and chickens

[soapdragon]

For those of you interested this looks to be a very insightful programme. Not actually being a Packham fan (despite having Asperger's myself) I do think he has been a bit of a trailblazer. I have mixed feelings about watching but can't not (if you see what I mean!)

 

It could be that, watching this, more people will recognise the traits and there will be a bit more understanding - she types hopefully

[Cat tails]

Thanks for the tip! Will watch it!

 

If you have Netflix, Atypical is a lovely show to watch! It's about a kid in his late teens with autism, who decides he wants a girlfriend.

[Valkyrie]

I'll have to earmark that and see if it comes on the internet. My niece is borderline, but as far as I can tell most of her symptoms pretty much describe my mother and myself! It would be interesting to watch in any case.

[soapdragon]

It was 'insightful' if that is actually a word! It did make me wonder how many undiagnosed adults there are out there struggling.

[Cat tails]

I don't think being diagnosed put an end to the struggle, but it will help with the understanding at least. I found it very intriguing and indeed insightful!

[soapdragon]

Spot on, CT! But a diagnosis helps you to understand your behaviour and sometimes gives access to further help - I was offered 'follow up' after my diagnosis three years ago but declined on the basis that I had, at that stage, managed for 50 years without so didn't want to waste precious resources .

 

When dealing with people who don't know me very well I find that it helps me to have a mental checklist before I go into a 'situation' so that I make a mental note to look people in the eye, smile, ask questions (how is so and so getting on etc) and at least try to appear interested in the answers . If its more of a formal thing then I sort of set up a script in my head and rehe"Ooops, word censored!" how things might go and what I maybe need to make sure that I say, which helps.

 

Problems often occur when I find myself in an unplanned scenario and then I can agonise for hours and hours afterwards as to whether I said/did the right things and what the other people thought....had I behaved in the 'appropriate' manner and said the 'right' things? However, a few times since formal diagnosis I have found myself really floundering and then have felt able to say something like 'you'll have to excuse me, I have Asperger's and am finding this a bit of a struggle'. Each time it has been fine! Equally, I have told some people that know me quite well that I have Asperger's and they seem quite taken aback - or maybe they are just good actors

[Valkyrie]

My niece is allowed to wear ear muffs to reduce loud sounds, as she often sits with her hands over her ears. One of the reasons I don't go to the cinema - the sound is too loud and I have my fingers in my ears - as for ice hockey - love it, but sheer torture! I wince so I can only imagine what she is going through. Yet always thought oh that's just me. When I really get absorbed in something I shut out normal sounds - DD is rather good at that too. Seems to be a family trait! Although my niece has no problems with conversation, although she is happier with adult company (only child so perhaps that's why).

 

Just wondered Soapy if you have sound issues too?

[Cat tails]

I wear earplugs to the cinema and theatre, because of my tinnitus. My right ear starts to produce its own sound, when other sounds are too loud.

[soapdragon]

Oh goodness, sound issues; absolutely! Cannot bear the TV above a certain volume and ES's Asperger's means that he is often giving a running commentary on whatever he is doing very loudly which I just cannot cope with I havn't been to the cinema for years and years and find being in big public spaces 'ouchy' from an aural point of view. Oddly enough the dehumidifyer rumbling away on the landing outside the bedroom door all night is fine; rather soothing and comforting actually!

 

Loud, thumpy music and dogs barking (or rather yapping) sets my teeth on edge too... I totally get why Chris Packham lives in that lovely, isolated cottage My idea of Heaven;peace and quiet and no neighbours

 

Edited to add; I have a VERY acute sense of smell too.........that is sometimes helpful/sometimes not! All makes it sound as though I am somewhat odd and 'its' all a bit of a trial; maybe I am but 'its' not really...that's what life is like and I know no different

[chickencam]

I have this saved to watch this week whilst recovering from round 2 of chemo which gives me heightened sensitivity to sound taste and smell which are already pretty high. I think there are quite a few undiagnosed people in my family possibly me included. I read an article about the program and how Chris wasn’t sure that if after all this time he got treatment it would help her hinder and I think he decided that he would prefer to carry on as he is and raise awareness

[Valkyrie]

Smell too - and taste! Although I do like rock music and I will turn it up loud - but then it's not quite as bad as people talking or shouting on a tannoy - that metallic sharp sound that isn't heavy metal!!! I also have issues when people whinge that I'm deaf - possibly a little in my old age - but some of that is tuned out like DH going through the finances and then it's oooh squirrel! Actually that happens a lot - especially when there are squirrels outside. Any distraction be it cloud or leaf is good enough to distract me then! And then you think well it's crazy - why does it hurt my ears otherwise (and in my opinion distorts the sound!)

 

Can't wait to move - we will definitely be putting the house on the market in the new year. Oh for the wide open spaces!