Living with Autism as an adult

Introduction

Living with autism as an adult means life often feels overwhelming. A person living with autism needs more time to process and absorb information; more space and quiet to decide how to respond.

Direct and continuous eye contact could feel intrusive, light stroking touch may irritate rather than sooth; hyper sensitivity may drive you around the bend when your clothes are scratchy or too tight.

Other people always seem to communicate easily, expressing thoughts and emotions accurately and satisfactorily. If you’re on the spectrum ‘you live life from within a box.’ One misses cues; speak out of turn or bore others with your interests; may find difficulty in understanding and laughing at jokes.

Socially you may seem to be awkward; concerned what others think of you, you may withdraw, isolate yourself, suffer anxiety. Lies, double standards and deceit can trigger you into absolute fury.

Still you may be the brilliant one, the one who could ‘see this coming’. Your attention to detail and ability to think for yourself more often than not enables you to think independently, clearly.

How to live with autism?

Autism, Autism spectrum disorder, ASD, High-functioning autism, Aspergers is a developmental spectrum disorder. I’m not comfortable with the word ‘disorder’ and prefer ‘challenge.’ Its a challenge mainly because 1/100 people in the UK lives with this disorder – most people don’t. Someone with Autism is therefore always called upon to adapt to the way the 99% ‘neuro-typicals’ think. We are only starting to understand that women living with autism face different challenges to men. It is indeed a case of ‘neuro-diversity’. Each individual experiences this developmental challenge in a unique way. It’s a challenge because there is no cure; a diagnosis can’t cure you.

Therefore, approaching a therapist who is autism informed is the best place to start. You need a place and space where you can explore your instincts and thoughts around your unique behavioural challenges.

Feel at home in your skin.

In our sessions we will work on your coping skills to better manage all the situations which cause you anxiety. I want you to feel at home in your skin.

I will assist you in identifying indicators which may point to the necessity for a formal diagnosis. We’ll discuss your options. Please don’t hesitate to contact me for autism support.