If You Don't Understand My Responses to Sensory Triggers
If my attention suddenly wanders…
If I blurt out a word, phrase or sound when nothing apparent to you is taking place…
If I should burst into song…
If I fidget, shake or shiver…
If focusing is especially difficult for me…
If I overreact (especially to a loud, sudden sound)..
If I cry when I should be laughing (or vise-versa)…
When I stim (flap my hands, rock, flail my fingers…)
When I wish to be alone…
Think of it this way.
I have sensory processing disorder, and I am on the autism spectrum. In my brain, there are billions of huge pipelines filled with information trying to cram through a narrow portal with no filter. Though I will experience detours, I will find my way with support and love.
If you don’t understand someone, talk to them, listen to them, validate them. It is a living nightmare for people to shut me out and declare me “spoiled” or otherwise judge me. This includes police, medical professionals (both inpatient and outpatient) and family.
I feel disconnected and apart from others with autism spectrum disorder due to my specific limitations and sensory triggers. Life with autism is hard for me. It isn’t all bad, but it isn’t all wonderful either. It is a real disorder with real challenges for me. Only with support that includes inclusion on an individual level can people with autism like me thrive.
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My name is Allison. I'm in my late 30's and diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (formerly Asperger syndrome), OCD, chronic migraines, general anxiety disorder and sensory processing disorder. From personal experiences to world views I find myself alone on the spectrum. Though I can’t support myself independently, I enjoy nature photography and making stretch jewelry. I hope something I share will be of benefit to those on the spectrum as well as non-spectrum people who want to know more about autism spectrum disorder.
allison-kramer