I've done an online course on 'Women and Girls with autism', and suspect that I'm autistic.
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The course is on the National Autistic Society's website, and talks about autism often presenting different symptoms in females, such as:
-learning how to act in social situations by copying others' behaviour (I used to research this a lot)
-1 or 2 very intense friendships
-rich and elaborate fantasy world
-interest in trying to understand how people work
As well as the classic:
-difficulty in maintaining relationships
-obsessions/extremely intense interests
-perfectionism
-needing a lot of time alone
I have all of these. I can't remember a time when I wasn't absolutely obsessed with something (I've read the first 3 Harry Potter books over 100 times for example), and although I value the few close friends I have I don't feel the need to meet more than every few months. I've never been in a romantic relationship. I struggle to understand when people are flirting, and have felt extremely stressed and guilty when it's become obvious.
I am an extreme perfectionist to the extent that I often struggle to finish projects, and throw away anything I've done because it doesn't meet my standards.
As I've grown older (I'm now 24) I've gained more control over my temper and emotions, but still had a lot of trouble finding work that didn't give me a breakdown/panic attacks. Luckily I'm now in a job I enjoy, and get on with most people that I meet. I've learnt a lot about people's emotions from various courses I've taken, and no longer pretend to be someone I'm not. I do like people - I just need a lot of time alone!
I also have IBS - my current obsession is controlling it, and I continuously research potential sensitivities (e.g. amines, lectins) and any symptoms I have had/foods I've eaten.
Does this sound like autism? I know it doesn't change anything, but I'm just curious!
0 likes, 1 reply
justine41424 connie81586
Posted
Hi Connie,
I too have very similar symptoms to you. In particular I find human connection/emotion a difficult one to gauge. I am managing better recently due to paying a lot of attention to people and studying their behaviours, also reading books about socialising. For me, these are things that don't come naturally and require a lot of thought and effort which also makes it very tiring.
Similarly to you have I been struggling with IBS also for the past couple of years, which has made me more anxious in social situations. However, I am coping slightly better now