Signs of Austism?

[feywon]

Very true. I was diagnosed as ADHD when my twin sons were diagnosed at age 11 (one ADHD, one ADD and dyslexic). I was in my early forties by then and had developed reasonably good coping skills.

Even so, it was useful to know - the diagnosis sure explained a lot. I'd go into it further but can see something shiny out of the corner of my e

When my grandson lost verbal skills he'd previously displayed at age 2, was diagnosed and being evaluated for them to get help with therapy the interviewer also asked lots of questions of his parents about their experiences. She suggested my son Owen was also on the spectrum (since he and his twin had similar histories we knew it likely applied to Seth as well, tho Seth at that point had done 15 yrs in US Navy quite well). Owen had recently completed a college level training course so both my Gen X boys clearly high functioning.

Now i had known they were neuro-atypical in some ways. H***, i knew my brain was too. But i always worked, have a BA in psychology, and raised 3 kids to be rational, ethical, compassionate adults. Then in last couple of years in part to learn all i can because grandson officially diagnosed i've been watching YouTube videos made by folks on the spectrum.

The first checklist of potential signs i went thru i had experienced some 16 of 20. Months later one by a Guy in Australia on the spectrum who runs support group for those on spectrum (and has offered to help people in other countries set them up) did a list, compiled from traits and experiences of people in his group and others on spectrum he's met, of 63 traits.

He rightly points out hat few people will display all and only having a few might just mean you're quirky but having many is highly suggestive of being on spectrum. I had some 60 of them, including sensory anomalies.

Until i got past 70 my hearing was exceptionally good--even having lost higher ranges i'm extra sensitive tone/pitch even lower volume some still shrill enough to hurt my ears, the voices on some YT vids do uncomfortable for me i have to mute them. Because of my volume issues i use Captions on most anyway. I also have high pain threshold but low tolerance for things like clothing tags, especially at nape of neck.

While i do think early diagnosis helpful for autism, ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, at this stage of my life not sure it would contribute to my quality of life to be officially diagnosed.

 

[feywon]

Wanted to add, i have said for years that 'normal' is overrated. It is defined differently in different cultures and societies. i suspect that in reality more people are 'divergent' in various ways than are 'normal' by their society's definition.

Our brains are hardwired to classify, categorize damn near everything and civilizations at this time tend to value conformity because most people do not recognize that one can be highly 'abnormal' but still be ethical and a good citizen. That in fact for some societies it is crucial to have individuals willing to question trends, social customs that may be harmful to significant portions of that society.

 

[StarSong]

While i do think early diagnosis helpful for autism, ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, at this stage of my life not sure it would contribute to my quality of life to be officially diagnosed.

A very interesting post. Thanks for taking the time to type it all out.

While it hasn't exactly contributed to my quality of life to be diagnosed, it's definitely added context and some explanations for my less typical behaviors and preferences.

Even as a small child, I didn't particularly like being touched or hugged and can clearly recall stiffening up while having to tolerate it. I wasn't one to seek out physical affection. I eventually became comfortable with touch, but only because my very touchy-feely family and extended family had been so persistent.

My twin sister helped shore up some of what I was missing. For instance, she was very social, I was not. She tangentially included me in her friendships and I'd hang around for as long as it was interesting or tolerable, then wander away with no harm done. By watching her, eventually I figured out how to make and keep friendships on my own.

She was also far more interested in fashion, appearance, hairdos, etc., and made it her business to keep me reasonably current. Believe me, it's hugely ironic that I wound up working in a fashion industry.

I'm so sorry to learn that about your grandson. How old is he now and how is he doing?

 

[feywon]

@StarSong said: "I'm so sorry to learn that about your grandson. How old is he now and how is he doing?"

By 4-5 yrs old he was talking again, tho not close to age level till 12-13 yrs. He's very bright. Gets fascinated with science and history. He'll read articles on the internet but books not so much. That's our real sadness because my kids were 3rd generation of avid readers. He sometimes will talk about ideas out loud, so much so my son admits unless he says 'Mom/Dad' they tend to ignore. The one week a year he visits i've been working with him to let us know if wanting a response by Making eye contact and addressing us.

 

[StarSong]

@StarSong said: "I'm so sorry to learn that about your grandson. How old is he now and how is he doing?"

By 4-5 yrs old he was talking again, tho not close to age level till 12-13 yrs. He's very bright. Gets fascinated with science and history. He'll read articles on the internet but books not so much. That's our real sadness because my kids were 3rd generation of avid readers. He sometimes will talk about ideas out loud, so much so my son admits unless he says 'Mom/Dad' they tend to ignore. The one week a year he visits i've been working with him to let us know if wanting a response by Making eye contact and addressing us.

How wonderful that he's made so much progress and that he's got such a supportive family.

 

[EmptyCup]

Autism (Level 1, at least) might be a superpower? Through my experiences at a couple of tech startups, a government research lab, and academia, I have known many quite brilliant (and quirky) individuals who exhibited many characteristics of high functioning autism. Of course, this is all anecdotal. My PhD work is in a social science, but NOT psychology. But I think I am right! It might be one of the next steps in evolution.

 

[feywon]

How wonderful that he's made so much progress and that he's got such a supportive family.

I have been fascinated with both neurobiology and psychology since my teens. Read a great deal about both and attended a lecture by Temple Grandin when i worked at University of Wyoming, before my grandson was even born. First learned about her reading Oliver Sacks.

 

[feywon]

Autism (Level 1, at least) might be a superpower? Through my experiences at a couple of tech startups, a government research lab, and academia, I have known many quite brilliant (and quirky) individuals who exhibited many characteristics of high functioning autism. Of course, this is all anecdotal. My PhD work is in a social science, but NOT psychology. But I think I am right! It might be one of the next steps in evolution.

If the day comes when mainstream scientists begin to consider that i hope i'm still alive. I'd have a good laugh at knowing the Mom's of high functioning People on the spectrum who believed that were validated.