How do I explain Schizophrenia and Autism to relatives?

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I feel embarrassed at family gatherings. My younger relatives dont really understand. They are 16 and 18. My older cousin understands though. She hangs out with me the most. My younger cousins seem scared of me. I can understand why though. I have done some weird things around them. They dont know I have Autism and Schizophrenia. I feel like I should tell them. I'm around them a lot.

I find it weird that they dont know because once a person I barely know asked me if I had Schizophrenia. I awkwardly said yes. I blushed to be honest. Anyways how do I explain why I spin or rock? I feel like I should tell them it's for sensory reasons and to slow my thoughts down. I started rocking more after the SZ diagnosis. I barely did it before. How do I explain why I sometimes feel the need to fiddle with my clothes and take them off and then put them back on? I have done that in front of them. People usually stop me though. I think it's because of sensory overload. I also feel distorted sometimes and am not quite sure what I need to do. That's hard to explain.

How do I explain why I sat in a corner and started mumbling about Lucifer, Jesus, and Angels? That's embarrassing. That was when I was hanging out with them. They act weird around me now. How do I explain why I need a support worker and why I cant get my driver's license?

My younger cousins want to know why I need more alone time at family gatherings. I'm not sure how to explain all of this stuff but I will try.

I believe acceptance may be, and in many cases should be, independent of understanding.

Hi Crystal1414

I find structure helps. Maybe summarise your autism traits into a few short bite sized terms, just a few main ones and do the same with sz and write them down. Of course a persons autism or sz is typically way more complex than a few overall traits, however, beginning with simple terms may enable your younger cousins to ask a follow up question or so. Perhaps explain to your older cousin what you propose to do and get their support.

For example, sometimes...

Autism;
makes it hard to understand the way others act (give example)
makes communication difficult (give example)
things get overwhelming (give example)
feel lots of anxiety around people (give example)

Schizophrenia;
hallucinations like hearing or seeing things that do not exist outside of the mind (give example)
delusions like unusual beliefs not based on reality (give example)
confused thoughts based upon hallucinations and delusions (give example)
can feel socially awkward (give example)

you could then go on to say something like. .
Otherwise, like you I eat pizza, watch films and laugh at good jokes


The above could be summarised even more. If you think this might work, have a play around with the words and practice with your older cousin to see how it sounds.

kuze

Hi Crystal1414,
I am curious.
Are you concerned/apprehensive that you are not understood?
Or are you concerned/apprehensive about the need to explain?
I am not suggesting that you would necessarily answer yes to either. I am normally an early riser and it is late, nearly 7am late two hours after i wake. I have read your post but i am finding it very difficult to concentrate. I still think that I may be able to help.

I am sorry I am very tired and you might already have made this clear. I have a lot of issues, functional , not just social , communication challenges. It is rare for me to follow my own advice but i make myself very sick from continuously clarifying to compensate but motivated by the fact that false accusations are levelled against me as my communication challenges are not understood. My own advice to myself in the same situation (which I would almost certainly not follow!) would be.. You don't need to explain yourself, if you're not accepted or believed then its not important. A friend of mine tells me that it's none of my business what others think whether they have expressed it or not. Meaning that if that is always a concern then I will go mad.
I apologise if none of this is relevant or if i have been inappropriate in any way though if it is relevant then I would say save yourself stress by building confidence in who you are ... if you're not accepted then that will not be catastrophic?

Apologies once more if this post is completely off track. I would like to be helpful as i am concerned that you may be under a lot of stress and i don't wish to add to it... who can explain autism and schizophrenia anyway! They are both very complex and continuously under review!

Take care and sincere best wishes.
Jim from Jimberry and the Couscous (small Youtuber)

ps I have been diagnosed with both. I only agree with the latter (autism). (3 PICU sections)

Hey, just remembered another piece of advice I was given but would struggle to follow....

Just say (rather than the stress of trying to explain or 'do the right thing')... ''It is what it is''

A kind man from Bali taught me that and i should follow it now and bid you good night.

Take care of yourself,

I hope you find some inner peace.

Best wishes,

Sincerely,

Jim
Jimberry and the Couscous (small Youtuber)