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Hi, I joined a while back. Not sure how I lost track. But when my therapist asked if I knew of any groups for autistics, I remembered this place.

I was diagnosed at age 50 with ADHD and Autism, level 1. I'm still learning what that means for me. The diagnosis allowed me to continue university. I am going for a Bachelor's in Art.

I don't know any other aspie's in person. There aren't any real-life groups near me, I keep checking. It's been a long, lonely summer. I'm looking forward to Fall semester where I can be with people.

Hi Tia and welcome back

Yeah it's been a wierd summer so far. Its nice that you are looking forward to being around people, would you say that you're more extroverted than introverted?

Welcome back to Wrong Planet!

Welcome back to Wrong Planet. I'm glad you are here. I'm happy to hear you are able to continue your education after your autism diagnosis. I am guessing this is because you got some accommodations? Good for you.

Hi Tia.

Amity, I'm definitely an introvert.

Yes, I was able to get some accommodations. It's still a struggle, though. Especially communication with my teachers. Somehow I get confused, and when I go to them for help and I still don't get it, my brain starts to shut down and I just want to crawl into a hole.

you've dealt with being un-diagnosed for so long, you need support and reassurance which hopefully you will get here AND in regular life.

in anything don't be afraid to ask several times as much as it takes, to clarify-

or write things / use diagrams/doodles instead of speaking.


you can say 'sorry, i feel slow today' or another, better phrased thing, to help them understand you're not
trying to annoy them (NTs often seem to jump to this conclusion - which makes no sense) or
'thank you for your time'
'thank you for your patience'
etc (thanking someone for
what THEY did- instead of apologizing for YOURSELF ---instills respect for you --so i've read)

maybe over time, with familiarity,
they will realize that there's a specific way to phrase things..
that fits your style of thinking..

thus they can adjust their answers to be more tailored to you.


i don't know what else to say about that--

but it's amazing what you are doing.

Good idea. I can say 'my brain is really foggy today'.

I do thank them for their help, and/or remind them of my diagnosis. Both of my teachers needed reminding last semester. They called me out, one for not paying attention (in front of the entire class, I was mortified ) and one said something about me not being willing to try. (this was after me getting scared of the band saw and telling him, I didn't want to use that machine again.)

I did conquer my fear later and used the band saw for a different project.

Oh goodness you must be starved of company so, how much have you been by yourself since March?
I've been fortunate to have some quiet Autistic company and last month I caught up with my family.

I kept busy with spring semester but didn't have any classes to take this summer. So I've been home alone a lot. I am married, so that's helped. I don't have any close friends or relatives. Just a few friends we hang out with from time to time, except during Covid.

Hi Tia and glad you made it back to us . All the best with your Art Degree and can’t say I blame you over the band saw! My father was a carpenter who had 2 band saws, and lost a thumb and the tips of his fingers on one hand from a single lapse in focus when distracted by two of my brothers, many years ago. They’re pretty loud, so sensory issues can be a problem, that’s for sure. What you’re doing is so great though ... and aside from some of the negative encounters you’ve had(being called out ... having to remind teachers of your issues), you’re managing to achieve something that not everyone can, so kudos to you.

I loved Uni, and missed it when on Summer breaks, and even short breaks, in spite of weekly Human Biology testing. I’ve had 2 family members study for Arts Degrees and they went on to study for other degrees on top of that(things like Psychology, Science, Maths Degrees, Nursing, Masters etc). Keeps the adrenaline flowing and that thirst for knowledge and that motivation to achieve and be the best you can possibly be in your chosen field.

Great to have you with us.

Hi, Tia.
I envy you both that you're going through university and you live in WV. For those who don't know, if one loves mountain scenery and old (mining) towns then West Virginia is a must-visit. I've driven through it a couple times and saw "clouds" (not just fog) below me in the valleys. It's incredibly beautiful.
BTW, "tia" means "aunt" in Spanish ("tio" is uncle).