So, here I am, safe ND forum, and I'm panicking about what to write and how to say it and forgetting who I am
I was diagnosed last year after a lifetime of thinking everyone else was weird! I'm a mum of 3 (1 as of yet undiagnosed but definitely Autistic teen girl, a suspected ADHD teen boy, and a little dude who seems normal enough to me so is probably diagnosable in some way ). I have an incredibly patient fiance who gets almost as worn out by socialising as I do so we're happy in our bubble! I'm currently halfway through my Ph.D. (evolutionary psychology of sexual harassment). We're all huge anime fans, animal lovers, foodies, and geeks. Actually, I don't know what qualifies as being a "foodie". I like food. I can cook. I like to try new foods and learn how to make them myself. That's my version of a foodie!
I have a rabbit, a cat, and 2 turtles.
I used to work one-to-one with children with Autism, it was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. Yes, I did ABA, no, I didn't torture any kids, yes, I know many people have trauma from past crappy ABA experiences and I'm so so sorry that happened to you if it did, it's never supposed to be like that - no, those kids I worked with don't hate me and haven't ended up with trauma of their own. My kiddos adored me and I adored them! And I've used the teaching techniques on my own children. The methods we were taught gave me a real insight into understanding and considering why someone is acting the way they are before reacting to that behaviour so I could figure out how best to help. I could go on and on attempting to defend good, caring ABA therapists who work with the children and parents (not against them) but... I'd rather not have to. I respect your opinions either way. I could have just not mentioned it too, but I hate always hiding that part of myself just to keep the peace even within "safe" communities!
Ooh also, I love music (most kinds, but especially rock) but forgot to put it in my interests, way too important to miss out altogether though!
I stim-sing. Luckily I can hold a tune. My superpower (and kryptonite) is my super hearing.
Anyway. Umm. That was a bit blah blah blah so I guess that'll do! Hi, fellow oddities, pleased to meet you