shivermetimbers
13-04-2012 19:00:35
As a kid I was constantly told to make eye contact, smile, and say hello because I never did. It wasn't until I was 16 that I was diagnosed with high functioning autism.
I originally posted a topic on April 2nd (Autism Awareness Day), but I deleted it, thinking it to be too personal and depressing for discussion. I regret that decision, however, as I feel that it explained a lot of who I am and why I act the way I do. I will however make a topic celebrating autism awareness day and I will go into a shot background of my situation, though it won't explain everything like the topic on April 2nd did.
Through perseverance I have made a few friendships and even gotten one close relationship at one point. Though these days I still find myself with no strong relationships to speak of. Most of the friends I have are just nice acquaintances who I don't really spend time with or chat to that often.
Bottom line: I don't communicate well, I don't plan well, I don't write well, but I don't let what I can't or can do well effect who I am. Thus is the way of an autistic/bipolar/Choreoathetosis/executive functioning deficit kid.
Nevertheless, if you know someone with autism, give them a call, or a hug, or something. :wink:
Peace out,
shivermetimbers
David Leemhuis
15-04-2012 18:34:18
Very brave of you, Tom D., though you may not think so yourself. I'm not sure I could be as forthcoming about personal details, and as you've no doubt noticed, I haven't said much about my life outside TSoN. I don't really know anyone who's been diagnosed with autism but I've probably known folks who would be diagnosed as such in this century. )
shivermetimbers
19-04-2012 19:14:52
Back when I was a youngling (4-16), I really didn't have any friendships. I spent most of my time alone when I was young. It wasn't until very recently when I joined a social group that I realized I was lonely all that time. I didn't really know what loneliness was in my mind, I mean I did, but I always dismissed the thought of being lonely and needing friendships despite what my family was telling me.
Dealing with panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, and destructive behavior has told me that I need friends to help bail me out of bad situations. I needed someone there to help. Even if I no longer speak with those people who were there during my "down period" I will never forget what it means to truly have someone there to help and it's that motivation that is allowing me to get more serious with my relationships.