Hi all,
Apologies for being absent for so long. This was due to a medical issue.
It turns out, after 30 years, that I have Autism Spectrum Disorder. I am on the high-functioning end, formerly known as Asperger’s Syndrome, and this has thrown me for a loop. 2 Years since I got diagnosed, and I have finally accepted my condition to the point where I can discuss it with random strangers and explain it.
So here goes…
Autism is caused by the brain being wired differently, and is from birth. All this talk about it being caused by vaccines is absolute rubbish. There is a vast spectrum of traits that can vary from person to person. However there are a few key ones that seem to crop up most often.
- Sensory issues – either too aware and easily overwhelmed OR the exact opposite
- An inability to make eye contact
- Trouble interacting with peers
- A need for their own space/plenty of alone time
- Stimming – a repetitive motion used to calm anxiety
- A need to keep the hands active
- Extreme/laser focus
There are many others, and as I said they can vary dramatically from a non-verbal kid such as in the film Mercury Rising, to someone with Asperger’s who is able to interact with ‘neurotypical’ people far more easily. Satoshi Tajiri – the creator of Pokemon, and Anthony Hopkins are classic examples.
One thing to bear in mind is that males and females have different symptoms, and females are far better at masking them in society at large. When a man has a meltdown, he might start yelling and rocking. With a female, it may be as simple as fiddling with a necklace to the point of causing rashes and sores, such as I had all through my childhood.
If any of you want to know more about this check out the National Autistic Society at: https://www.autism.org.uk/
As for writing news… watch this space!
Updates from the past year to be updated soon.
Maria V A Johnson 