I'm only half way through this and had to share. Already what's being articulated is SO ON POINT that I've been laughing and crying simultaneously ..read more

Hi, I'm new to the forum and haven't been diagnosed yet, but I'm in the process of gathering all the necessary information to get started. However that's not the thing I want to address in this thread. I've always felt like I need to control everyone and everything in the enviroment surrounding me, which sometimes pisses people off and makes me feel bad about myself afterwards. I don't know why am I doing it and how to stop this behavior, however as I'm extremely sensitive I find situations... Read more ..read more

Any potential opportunites for holiday get-togethers with people aware of adults of the Autism Spectrum - who are laregly indepdendent? By the very nature of the Autism Spectrum, the get-togethers would at most involve five people - that is the dynamics of large get-togethers might very-well be overwhelming. If these are get-toghethers of a few people at a local coffee-place, than muster that courage, and participate...or GO ..read more

Hi I'm a 30 year old woman. I joined this forum. Because I posted on the selective mutism subreddit and someone asked if I've ever been checked for autism. I haven't so I joined this forum..Are there any websites or youtube channels that I can check out to learn about autism? I really want to get a diagnosis. What happens during an autism diagnosis? In elementary school, middle school, high school, college I never spoke to anyone. I never speak in public. I feel unable to speak but I... Read more ..read more

I was showing people some official NHS guidance on autism which mentioned an interesting trait of "seeing others as an audience." So I came up with this analogy to expand my take on that: Sometimes being forced to mask makes me feel like little more than a character in someone else's production, forced to perform. I could be any character, main character, extra in the background, or anyone in between. Sometimes I just get up, perform for the audience, then go back to bed. Get up, smile... Read more ..read more

I'm thinking about getting one. Has anyone used one before? Are they beneficial? Himalayan Salt Lamps: Benefits and Myths ..read more

Even as a kid I hated Christmas because of the social obligations. Later as a single adult I looked forward to it because it was the one day of the year where everyone would be busy with their families and I was guaranteed to be left in peace. These days most of my life is that peaceful and it's just a day like any other to me, slightly annoying when I forget it's Christmas and discover that all the shops are shut ..read more

This is sad, but I want a new trash can. I know some people can’t relate to wanting a trash can lol. I just want one because I’m always crafting and using the trash can. I feel silly ..read more

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Any specific favorites that are not too overplayed every holiday season? My holiday choice expereinces popularity during the holiday season, the 1980s song 'Last Christmas' by the band WHAM. Somehow, 'Last Christmas' is one of those rare songs that doesn't start sounding too old - unlike too many overplayed holiday favorites ..read more