I took this from another site, it helps people understand autism. As you probably know, I am challenged by a hidden disability called Autism or what some people refer to as a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). Autism/PDD is a neurological disorder which makes it hard for me to understand the environment around me. I have barriers in my brain that you cant see but which make it difficult for me to adapt to my surroundings. Sometimes I may seem rude and abrupt, but it is only because I have to try so hard to understand people and at the same time, make myself understood. People with autism have different abilities: some may not speak, some write beautiful poetry, some can hardly hold a pencil, others are whizzes in math or have difficulty making friends. We are all different and need various degrees of support. Sometimes when I am touched unexpectedly, it might feel painful and make me want to run away. I get easily frustrated, too. Being with lots of other people is like standing next to a moving freight train and trying to decide how and when to jump aboard. I feel frightened and confused a lot of the time, like you would if you landed on an alien planet and didnt understand how the inhabitants communicated. This is why I need to have things the same as much as possible. Once I learn how things happen, I can get by okay. But if something, anything changes, then I have to relearn the situation all over again! It is very hard. When you try to talk to me, I often cant understand what you say because there is a lot of distraction around. I have to concentrate very hard to hear and understand one thing at a time. You might think I am ignoring you, I am not. Rather, I am hearing everything and not knowing what is most important to respond to. Holidays are exceptionally hard because there are so many different people, places and things going on that are out of my ordinary realm. This may be fun and adventurous for most people, but for me, its very hard work and can be extremely stressful. I often have to get away from all the commotion to calm down. It would be great if you had a private place set up to where I could retreat. If I cannot sit at the meal table, do not think I am misbehaved or that my parents have no control over me. Sitting in one place for even 5 minutes is often impossible for me. I feel so antsy and overwhelmed by all the smells, sounds, and people--I just have to get up and move about. Please dont hold up your meal for me, go on without me and my parents will handle the situation the best way they know. Eating in general is hard for me. If you understand that autism is a sensory processing disorder, its no wonder eating is a problem! Think of all the senses involved with eating: sight, smell, taste, touch AND all the complicated mechanics that are involved with chewing and swallowing that a lot of people with autism have trouble with. I am not being picky. I literally cannot eat certain foods as my sensory system and/or oral motor coordination are impai red. Also, I have a hard time eating neatly, calling me pig just confuses me!
Posted on: Sun, 20 Apr 2014 19:10:42 +0000
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