High functioning ASD

[Charlie17]

I found the neurodivergent workbook my first step towards accepting myself and creating a toolbox to support myself that worked for me. It's based on DBT skills. Unfortunately, many cognitive therapies don't work for us as our Interoception (internal awareness) and Alyxithymia (unable to label emotions) are quite different. So we need techniques that are called body up as opposed to top bottom. So things like tapping, movement, etc rather than "how do you feel when...", "what do you think about when". Hope that makes sense. 

I also have aphantasia, which makes it difficult to use therapies based on imaging things.

https://www.livedexperienceeducator.com/store/p/neurodivergent-friendly-workbook-of-dbt-skills

[Charlie17]

I also believe that language is very important on how we refer to ourselves. Am I disordered? Or do I have a neurodifference? How we refer to ourselves is important in the process of acceptance. 

"High functioning" is a medical term. It unfortunately dismisses all of us that have low support needs because HF aka we don't need support, when in reality all our hurdles are mostly internal. So we prefer I am autistic and have los supporters or I am autistic non- speaking and have high Or very high support needs. We speak of the supports being provided. The person is simply a person. 😉

All of this helps us to accept ourselves and work to navigate a world that is often too much for us. 

https://reframingautism.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Neuro-affirming-Language-Letter-for-Autist...

[Charlie17]

Self-identified is absolutely 💯 welcomed and accepted. 😉

[Charlie17]

Not really. Austism is a different way of interacting with the world. Most people need supports with the anxiety, depression, etc that comes from that interaction. Or if you require speech therapy or if you have learning disabilities or are a child, unfortunately it's needed at schools.

[Shaz51]

Hello @Jynx , @Appleblossom , @Blackcloud , @SomeRando , @Charlie17 , @tyme 

anyone know much about ASD shutdowns / Burnouts ?

@rav3n , @Ru-bee 

[rav3n]

hey @Shaz51 unfortunately i don't know too much about it, but i'll tag a few members too and see if anyone can shed some more light on ASD shutdowns/burnouts

@Captain24 @0ddsidian @puppydoglover @Kris_stars1 @Tazzie27 

[Shaz51]

Thanks @rav3n 

I nearly thought hubby was going to take himself to hospital this morning 

Can't get to see a doctor until December so see how he goes 

@Jynx @Ruby26 

[rav3n]

oh gosh, sounds like it's been a really rough day for Mr Shaz! @Shaz51 that's quite a long wait hey! i wonder if they could fit him in earlier if there's any cancellations?

while we wait for others to share, i saw this site: Autistic burnout and recovery | Autism Awareness Australia and it sounds like managing his sensory input (getting rid of things that might be overstimulating such as reducing noise, adjusting lights, etc), relaxation tools, taking breaks, staying hydrated, etc can be helpful? 

[0ddsidian]

Hey @Shaz51! I know a bit. I'm an AuDHDer, and I know a couple of people going through Autistic burnout at the moment. I don't think I've personally experience Autistic burnout myself but I can try to help (I am finishing my shift in like 20 minutes though. I can get back to you if I'm not around). Is there anything specific that you wanted to talk about / know?

Hope hubby is okay ♥️

[Shaz51]

Mostly how me ( wife and carer ) help and support him through this would be great @0ddsidian 😍

Hubby not sleeping well at night, 

And I think with us having the flu for the last week has not helped at all 

Thanks ❤️ @rav3n for the link