Sensory Overload

Hello again!

So what are sensory issues/ overloads?

Many people who have Autism and Aspergers can have a heightened sense of, taste, touch, sound, feel and sight.
A sensory overload is a common cause of a 'Meltdown'. This is typically a result of having to deal with a real dislike and discomfort of certain textures and the inability to function and process too many sounds and sights at once. Outbursts are common in such situations because processing becomes extremely difficult. Aspies can fall behind in class or misunderstand instructions due to these sensory issues. This results in further trauma as those who do not understand 'sensory issues/overloads' (teachers, class mates, authority figures) will deem the behaving Aspie as rude or misbehaving. When in fact their behaviour is a result of having a 'sensory overload' not an intention to misbehave.

My Experiences (may be different to other Aspies):

1. I can not process more then one sensory situation at one time.
For example: If two or more people are talking in the same room as me, while I try to watch the television. It deems as an impossible task for me to do.

2. I have experienced having my little sister make noises and crack silly jokes at me while I am on the phone to someone. In these situations I fail to interpret all of the information said by the person on the other end of the line.

3.Sudden and very unexpected noises will cause me to freak out physically. I have felt embarrassed on many occasions after my body has experienced jolts and spasm like movements. This is due to the arise of an unexpected loud noise, thus having no prior knowledge of needing to interpret.

4. Smell. I often smell things earlier or stronger then other people. My sense of smell is heightened. Example: If the fireplace had been lite and caused some smoking; even though my family believe the smell had dissipated, I can continue to smell its linger for days. Many times I have said 'I can smell....." And people would reply "I don't know what're you're on about".


5. Sight- I can not handle a sudden image or object coming in close proximity of my line of sight or from a blind sight. This is similar in the way of noises - unexpected or loud in movement.

6. Touch/Feel- Textures are a big issue for Aspies. Certain feelings are uncomfortable and make it difficult for to us to maintain a sense of comfort.
As a young girl (and still to this day), I removed tags and strings off clothing and could not handle the feel of thick wool jumper and oily feelings on my hands (finger food. I.e. chicken drumsticks).
These oily textures are unpleasant for me and other Aspies. Having to deal with these feelings are often avoided by using eating utensils, gloves or cleaning my hands straight after consuming.
I also could not stand handling fish bait with my hands as the feel and smell would be obvious to me on my hands for an extensive periods of time afterwards. I remember trying to get the smell out of my hands with vinegar after coming home from fishing, even when others would perceive your hands as being 'clean'.
Many times whilst road traveling, my mum had to stock up on wet wipes for me, or I would be irritable if I couldn't clean textures off my hands.
Also dish washing can be unpleasant for me too. As I get frustrated with not being able to get the oiliness out of dishes and then having to deal with the dry and funny feel of my hands afterwards , as a result of this and the soapy hot water.

Conclusion:
So basically sensory issues are a heightened sense of feel, and the difficulty of interpreting numerous noises/movements/instructions. Having these heightened senses, when an unexpected noise and sight occurs, it is in reason to be frightening and a struggle to deal with.
For these reasons many Aspies avoid big crowds, loud concerts, night clubs, 3D-Movies, shopping centers and public transport. Sensory overloads in these areas in particular are common for us. As well as avoiding over powering fragrances, certain clothing textures, certain foods, toiletries and products.

Thank you for reading!
Question: Do you have any sensory issues or sensory overload experiences to share?

x Molly

Importance of a Comfortable and Organised Environment

Hello !
Today I want to share with you the importance it is for me personally to have an orderly and pleasant environment to live, work and relax in.
Today after many months of having the same room arrangement, it began to clutter and accumulate dust under and behind furniture, as well the general system of my room beginning to slack. I also feel making a change like this is a good way of welcoming in new good and positive opportunities (mood, life, productivity, etc). As having the same room arrangement through troubled times and/or depressive periods. It generally keeps and preserves that negative mood set for me. So in order to change that mood set, I changed my room, the soul environment I wake up in and go to sleep at night. I feel so uplifted, motivated, relaxed and happy with my new space now.

Today I changed my room completely around and cleaned it up.
I cannot sleep or work in an environment that is not kept.
As well as the importance of cleanliness and organisation. I like to make my room my own special space and retreat to enjoy. Candles, ornaments, soft blankets, cute containers, pictures, posters, incense, and my fashion and stationary items kept neatly and niceness are what make an enjoyable space for me.

Aspies either thrive in an orderly environment or need not attend to keep an orderly environment at all to feel comfortable in.

However this is my preference and organisation is the best way for me to stay motivated and relaxed.

Here are the pictures of the finished result! Including my new water fountain (relaxation purposes), dream catcher, candles and my new jewellery storage cupboard :)
You can also see my feature wall of my 'works'. Including my Drawings and Photography and Digital Productions.

I would love to know whether you 'require your environment to be clean and pleasant" or 'you don't mind it to be not kept'

Hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Bye for now,

x Miss Molly

When an Aspie is made to feel Annoying

As an Aspergers girl I have experienced many times over, the feeling of being a nuisance because of  my actions and responses which are not considered normal social behavior.

The worst thing for an Aspie to experience is when a person struggles to understand us and our behaviour.  

The person instead of learning why we are different, they excluded us and  treat us like a nuisance.

It is uttermost heartbreaking for the Aspie to feel like they annoy everyone. 

Yet many do not see how deeply it affects the Aspie. Many Aspies end up experiencing depression because of this. I often think how can I change so people like me and not think I am annoying? But at the end of the day you can't help but be yourself especially if you have Aspergers.

I have a younger sister who is very capable at normal social behaviour. A person often finds it easier to interact and socialize with her rather then myself.

Then the cycle begins, I am left excluded and they continue to enjoy each others company while I am made to occupy myself.

What can you do differently when you meet an Aspie (how you can make them feel understood):

1. Accept them as they are

2. Tolerate them (they can't help the way they are, just as you can't help but be the person you are!)

3. Treat them the way you treat everyone else

4. Include them (don't exclude them) 

5. Return their efforts to be friendly.

We want to make friends just like everyone.

Take note of this quote: don't criticize what you don't understand.

~ Molly xo

A Poem about Aspergers - written by me

Hello again. :)
Today I'm sharing with you my poem I have written about my Aspergers :)

Enjoy :)

I am different in many ways.
Some of those ways,
Affect the way I behave.
I can be crazy,
I can be clever,
But then there are days I'm under the weather.

I can be awkward, I can be shy,
Someday I'm really sad,
and I want to cry.
This is when, it gets to much,
feeling alone, when it all gets too tough.
Being misunderstood, affects us very much.

I use up a lot of energy everyday.
Trying to learn and communicate effectively.
With neuro typical people in society.

Another thing is,
I have trouble with eye contact,
It's not that I'm rude.
It's just a hard thing for me to do.

Jokes and pranks, make me very vulnerable,
Because I take things literally.
But it doesn't mean I'm dumb,
It just means I think your serious.
When you tell me something,
But you just joking for fun.

I have special interests,
One or two.
I'm actually very good at,
What I choose to do.

Look at famous people with Aspergers!
Such as Bill Gates and our history's scientists!

I may talk a little too much at times,
But I am interesting so that's a plus!
So don't be put off!
I am good company,
I'm fun to be around,
And I have many good qualities.

You need to know!
Aspergers is not a weakness.
It is an amazing personality!
I wouldn't have it any other way,
If I did, I wouldn't be who I am today!

My Recent Thoughts - Maybe You Can Relate?

Today I feel alone. My only true friend is not here at school today. So I have taken this opportunity to write about how Aspies can feel alone while surrounded by people.

Having Aspergers makes it difficult for us to develop socially. It's hard for us to make friends, and it's rare (particularly in my case) to find someone I truly click with and have them accept me and tolerate my differences.

Our differences aren't a bad thing, they make us who we are. But many cannot tolerate the way we are. Our awkwardness in conversations, our lack of or too much eye contact, our shyness, literalness and sometimes inappropriate responses in conversations.

My particular issue is I ask too many questions; clarifying, I'm always trying to prevent making mistakes (particularly in the work environment). I don't like to make mistakes.

By asking and clarifying I feel I'm making a mistake in its self and I worry about how people feel about my excessive question asking. This is something I can't really help especially because the people around me are so critical of me when I do make a mistake.

I do make an effort to talk and be friendly, but it just seems too hard to try and establish new friendships. I retreat and find it easier to sit on my own and do my own thing (When I don't have my best friend with me).

Today's blog post is just about my recent thoughts to let you all know how I'm feeling at this moment. I can summaries this in one sentence: I feel alone in an environment of people who cannot tolerate me.

Can you relate?

Get to know me! Facts about me!

16 Facts About Me!
Not many of you know much about me and I really don't want to be known as Anonymous!
So.. I thought it would be a great idea to share some facts about me! I would really like to get to know you too! So feel free to leave some facts about you in the comments! :)

Fact 1: I am a huge animal lover! I love cats and frogs especially!
Fact 2: I love to photograph
Fact 3: I've lived in QLD, WA, NT, NSW and TAS! And visted everywhere else in Australia.
Fact 4: I'm probably one of the nicest people you will ever met.
Fact 5: I actually like school work.
Fact 6: One you all know: I have Aspergers and I am proud of it.
Fact 7: I've lived on an Aboriginal community and I learned part of their language.
Fact 8: I am 16 years old!
Fact 9: I find happiness in the simplest things
Fact 10: I am super shy when you first met me, but I am fun and crazy when I'm comfortable around you.
Fact 11: I am always honest to my friends, and they can trust me with anything.
Fact 12: My mum is my hero. ♥
Fact 13: I want to become a proffessional Jeweller
Fact 14: I appeciate my family and friends very much <3
Fact 15: I have the weirdest sense of humor! But my close friends love it!
Fact 16: I like to make jewellery in my spare time... Made from buttons!

Below is a picture of a necklace I made, and a picture I took of a rose from our garden.

Hand-dyed Rainbow Button Necklace

Most Common Cause Aspie's are Bullied

A majority of teens and children with Aspergers can be accurately described as being socially naive, meaning that they are not street smart and they are unquestioning of peers. This naivety and their great need to belong often leaves Aspies open to being set up or manipulated by peers.

Aspies are often targeted and manipulated by bullies. They are susceptible to pranks and easy to fool. This leaves them open to being misled and forced into situations where they may exhibit reactions and or emotions uncharacteristic of neurotypical people.

"Aspies have limited social understanding, they do not recognize social meaning, context, cues and consequences." (Tony Attwoods, 2008)
The targeted Aspie is left feeling humiliated and wounded when the social consequences set in.
Adults or peers who were not witness to the situation take for granted the Aspie’s ability to negotiate social situations.

Can you relate?

~ Molly xo

The Mental Health System

Last week my mum contacted Mental Health here to see if I could go back. I was dissmissed from seeing a physiatrist there after they assumed I didn't need anymore help and because I was too old to be seen.

That was last year. I have faced apon new struggles. I have been hit with Depression again after sometime and my anxiety is unbearable.
I am struggling to see positives, all I do is dwell on the negatives. I have lost all interest in my hobbies that entertained and kept me happy.
It is very common for children and adults on the Autism Spectrum to have low serotonin levels in their brain. Therefore mum and I think I should have my medication reviewed and have alternative Antidepressants introduced.

The medication I am taking is: 20mg Lexapro (Maximum dosage) and 1.5mg of Rispirodol.
I feel the Lexapro is doing nothing at all. I was previously taking 10mg. 

2 years ago it was increased to 20mg. It is unsafe to increase it passed the maximum dosage requirement. Its time I had it changed.
Mum recieved a phone call yesterday from the head of Mental Health after my issues were taken to the board to be assessed. He simply said. The medications fine. Its appropiate. There is no need for us to see Molly.

That is the biggest thing that ticks me off! After all the issues and troubles I explained to the lady on the phone last week. he thinks its fine!? He hasn't even met me, how would he know!
That brings me back to an experience last year.
I was seen by a physiatrist for a medication review and he refused to change anything, because in the first five minutes he met me, he observed, that I was simply, just painfully shy!
I am very disappointed because I feel like the system doesn't care. they are suppose to help people, not shoo them away when they defiantly need help!

I am seeing a psychologist however through a private practice. This lady I see has no control over my medication. She costs over $150 a session which it is hard for my mum to afford. Therefore I can only see her every 2-3 weeks. There also is limited amount of sessions you can have with her a year. About 10-12.

Please share your stories.

~ Molly xo

Bullying

Bullying is a major concern for Aspies
It is common for us to be bullied, humiliated and harassed. Simply because many people do not understand us or want to understand us.

In my experience even when I have explain to a person my different behaviors and reasons I act this way.
Most of the adolescences (even adults) who have bullied me have chosen not to understand.
I believe this is because they are scared of the unknown and are close-minded. 
Instead of learning about Aspergers they find it easier to ignore the information we provide.
Bullying occurs as a result. This is because they haven't learn how certain things we do are not to annoy them or irritates them. They do not understand it is who we are, we cannot help but be ourselves.

This year I am facing a new school for the first time.
So far I have told my new peers about my Aspergers. I thought (as I mentioned in my very first blog post);
I was bullied and mistreated in primary school because I never told anyone I had Aspergers. Therefore they didn't understand the way I did and perceived things.
So I this is why I decide to tell the people I meet. I told all of my peers I socialized with; I have Aspergers.
I've let them all know I am literal, and that I can misunderstand unclear or unspecific instructions.
Yet it is just as it was back in primary school.
It has worked out no better then if they didn't know at all I have Aspergers.
Reason being they won't take the time to listen to me or interpret the information I have told them.

I have tried sharing these posts on Facebook. However there are people who just do not care.
You can spread awareness as much as you like. However you cannot possibly make them understand unless they actually want to listen or read the information.

I have figured this:
Those who matter will listen and read because they care about you, and how being misunderstood affects you.
I see it this way: If someone hasn't taken the time to read or listen to the information you provided for them. Yet they continue to play pranks on you and tell you confusing jokes, even when you've told them hundreds of times, you are literal.
They are not worth anything to you. because this proves they simply DO NOT CARE.

What do you do about people who do not care about you? You do not care about them back!


In my experience. I like people to like me. Therefore I am nice to absolutely everyone at my own expense.
Constantly I find myself letting people get away with trampling all over me like I'm a door mat.

I worry about what people would do and say if I stood up to them. I never want the peace being disturbed and people not liking me.
So I let everyone get away with everything they do to me. This is when I am lucky to have my amazing mum.
Even when I say: No! do not intervene, just let it go!
She will ignore what I have said and go ahead with getting authority involved. This is because she knows I will keep getting treated badly until I have stood up for myself.
I never did this because I have always worried I will get someone in trouble.

I understand what I HEAR. Usually I cannot pick the MEANING behind what I hear.
If someone is being nice and encouraging me to do things, I will think it is because they are being genuine and are excited by what I can do.
However time after time it turns out it was a plan to humiliate and embarrass me.

MY ADVICE:
Let your parents intervene!
If they don't, because you want everything to be calm, and want to be liked.
People will think they can do anything to you and they won't ever stop! So stand up for yourself! 
If you cannot do it on your own, please let your parents, guardians or a trusted relation help.

REMEMBER:
Do not worry what others say, they don't matter to you.
You will not be in school your whole life!
There is a huge world out there beyond the school yard and classroom.
So do the best you can in school. Achieve at what you are good at!
You will be able to succeed in life, look back and be grateful you spent more time worrying about your future beyond school instead of trying to fit in and be liked.

I can also tell you now. Yes there are many people out there who do not want to understand you. However that is not to say there isn't!
There are many people, just as many out there who are open-minded, caring, understanding, accepting, tolerant and appreciative.
Be yourself! The right people, these people, will come to you in time. Continue to be your amazing self who has so many brilliant qualities. You will attract these people. Just as I have done.

I have had bad experiences with many bullies, close-minded and nasty people. However I have just as many if not more people who love me for who I am and appreciate my Aspergers qualities. There is hope for you too!

I better finish this post now, before it gets any longer. Hehe.

- Molly xo

My experience with school work

Hello everyone, today I would like to share my experiences with school work, as maybe you might be able to relate yourself or your children to what I have to share.

Being an Aspie I have a pretty cluey mind, I am great at Maths, and I put a lot of detail into my school work, also this detailing habit almost always means I go over the word limit by hundreds in my assignments and essays.

I have a lot of trouble getting all my work done in class time, as I like to perfect what I am doing, I am also very sensitive to noise and discussions between students in class as this can make it difficult for me to concentrate on the task in front of me.

I find, particularly during Maths class, I have to process the question in my own way. If I get distracted I just have to re work out the sum even if I have written half of it already.

I have struggles interpreting questions but once I know what it means and I understand what I have to do, it just clicks in my brain and I can work it all out really well.

Maths is my favourite subject by the way, all I can say is I find everything just fits together, unlike English where there is so many variations to one question, and theories I struggle upon the most. Theories are particuly challenging for Aspies, because we are very factual and literal. Thats why maths is great its all facts and figures..which means there is a straight answer.

I end up taking a lot of my work home to finish in my own time where I can concentrate better and work while not under pressure.

The hardest thing for me with school work is when we have to take notes from videos, I don't get enough time to process what is happening on the screen therefore I cannot drop down a note on it in time. And also because the one screen is being viewed by the whole class it is very impracticable for the other students and teacher for me to ask for it to be re-winded and paused in between doting down notes. Distance Education was a great advantage for me through out my time with Brisbane School of Distance Education, I had only myself to worry about and I could have as much time as I need and the free will to pause and rewind.

I would like to aware that, having a mind that processes slower by all means does not make you dumb, I get B's and A's when I allow myself time to work at my own pace by taking my assignments home to do. Aspies can be very intelligent people they just need to have adjusted working conditions to feel comfortable, and then they can really shine and produce some magnificent work.


What are your or your childrens experiences with school work? Please feel free to reply below I am always egar to here others experiences with Aspergers Syndrome. :)


- Molly

Aspies struggle to think before acting/speaking - please read this to understand

I would like to share this experience of mine.

I have found after settling into my new school, my first mainstream high school after 4 years of Distance Education, I have a habit that has resurfaced.

I mention in my first post that I had taught myself to "think before I act".

However I am finding I am starting to increasingly slip things out with out thinking.
This is a detrimental Aspergers trait.

Many Aspergers kids have this trouble which can cause them to be bullied and looked down upon.

There are things we will say or do in the present. Only after will we realize it was the wrong thing to have done and that's when we suffer consequences. Wether that be punishment for a wrong doing or conflict from peers.

We do this because we say what ever comes to top of our thoughts. It is to do with how we process information.
This can cause us to say things we mean a different way to how others interpret it.
Once said we are left with the struggle to convince the others what we were actual meant to say. Which can easily back fire as they get confused and we easily stumble over words.

We will speak what our brain have processed from the present social situations and surroundings. This is a way of release for us. This can be an issue when we think things through differently to what is actually going on.

There are Aspies that will not acknowledge their wrong doing.
For those who do; we will spend a lot of time and energy dwelling on our mistakes.

I ask for those of you supporting, living, working and socializing with an Aspie:
 To tell us when we do or say something wrong whilst giving us understanding.

If we known the difference between the wrong and right things we do and say. We can acknowledge our mistakes and learn from them.

Please recognize it is very hard to train our minds to "think before we act". 
We can improve this and may eventually train ourselves to do this completely. However sometimes through difficult situations our speaking/doing before we think can again become prevalent.

If you can understand this is a hard thing for us to do and to accept the odd thing we will say. Things will be much more pleasant for all in the situation.

~ Molly xo

Difference between OCD and Aspergers Obsessions

Aspergers people can have a tendency to have obsessions.

When I was four I was initially diagnosed with OCD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
I always wash my hands too much, and get easily upset when things were out of place.
The main reason I washed my hands too much was because I did not like the feeling of food, dirt, etc on my them. (hypersensitive symptom of Aspergers)
I apparently had an obsession over germs. I acknowledge I have a bit of OCD. However the little OCD obsessions I had were confused with my Apspergers obsessions.
This is when treatment for OCD didn't work.

Psychologists tried treating me for OCD only.
A person with OCD most of the time can be reassured which helps them stop what they are obsessing over. From my experience as a child with ASD I would meltdown and get highly upset when I was made to stop what I was doing.

Unlike a person with OCD, who does not enjoy their compulsive behavior.
An Aspie usually enjoys their obsession: Ie: An online game, school work, music, collecting, sport. cleaning etc. (Yes some of us do enjoy cleaning)
At times one obsession will become the full focus of an Aspies mind.
This will be all they want to do and concentrate on. This can be frustrating for their family members and friends.

My experience when I was a child, when I had friends I would constantly want to do this one thing.
I would spend hours doing it if I could. When they didn't want to, I would nag and wing and get upset and meltdown. This is one reasons I could never keep friends.

Overtime these obsessions will change or may never change.

Aspies have the abilitiy to concentrate and spend so much time and energy on one obsession. Aspies can become very successful people because of this. Look at Bill Gates and the scientists of humanities history.

This can be seen as an advantage. However if an Aspie becomes fixated on a negative obsession, things can become difficult and upsetting.
Examples of this are dangers, a risk to their safety/health and/or if an Aspie becomes interested in fashion or their appearance.
When an Aspie becomes aware of their physical appearance negative behaviours can become prevalent. This is because we are perfectionists. When we feel we cannot perfect, our self esteem becomes in jeopardy.

Parents can help prevent these negative obsessions by encouraging positive ones. By encouraging Aspies to concentrate on a positive obsession, positive behaviours come to place.
When we are concernating or becoming obbessive with our obbsessions it is highly important to introduce other priorities politely (Not by yelling or demanding). 
Keep watch and give Aspies guidance. Ask for help if they begin focusing on negative obsessions.

~ Molly xo

Introduction - Aspergers Me

My name is Molly.


For as long as I can remember I have always been different. I have had a battle with fitting in for my whole life.


My family and I have moved around so much.

I have been to so many schools and every time I went to begin a new school.

I would say to myself;

"this is a fresh start Molly. If you you change the way you act. Think before you do or say anything. You will be accepted. You will make friends at this new school".

This never worked. I always spoke what I thought. I didn't know then. This was something you were not suppose to do. 
I got bullied at every primary school I went to, because they didn't understand me.


In 2008 I left mainstream school. I began homeschooling through distance education.
I really gave my mum some hell. However we pushed through the struggles and I managed to completed year 10 of high school.

I am now in year 11. I have made an integration into TAFE to complete my last two years of high school.


Somehow I changed through my duration of Distance Education.
I taught myself 'the think before you act' rule. I use to be a crazy kid. Now I have turned myself into this quiet, shy, mature person. This however only applies around people who are not my family, lol.


I am a teenage girl with Aspergers Syndrome.
Aspergers is an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).


I now realise I made a mistake. I never told anyone in primary school I had Aspergers. 
I was always concerned when my mum mentioned it to someone. 
Maybe if I said something then they would know why I behaved that way. 
However I was young and so were and they. They would not have really known what Aspergers was, nor did I really. 


People with Aspergers (Not all these traits will apply to every Aspie):

• Can be hypersensitive: ie; sensitive to loud noises, can get emotional easily

• Find it hard to make and keep friends

• Find it hard to hold and keep eye contact, read and understand facial expressions and body language.

• Have an absence feeling of empathy or a prevalence of too much empathy. (Certain triggers set of our empathy. For example when I found an old picture of my cat. I never grieved until then. I broke down and cried for days when I found this)

• Do not get hints and social cues.

• Can have great intellectual capabilities

• Have good memories and ability to retain knowledge

• Can be very literal; such as with jokes and pranks

• Develop special interests which Aspies have great ability to have a full focus of. (Aspies can be very successful because of this capability because of their obsessiveness over one hobby/interest).

• Begin speaking at early age or usual age (Unlike Autism as Autistic children usually beginning speaking at a later age).

• Can have rigid and inflexible thinking: Can not get Aspie to change their idea or thoughts on a situation.

I have created this blog with intention to help other people and teenagers with Aspergers like me. I want you to know there are more people out there then you know.


I understand what it is like to:

• Not be accepted or understood by your peers

• Be made fun of and bullied because you see things differently to others

• Feel like you have a label which will be with you all your life (You need to bring it up as an excuse for the way you may have behaved in a situation).

• Feel like you have to do things a certain way no matter how silly it appears to others.
• Be pushed around from one psychologist to another, a never ending battle to find stability in the Mental Heath System.

• Feel embarrassed after meltdowns which you feel like you can not control them.
• Feel frustrated when you cannot get people to understand how you see a situation

I have so much more to share, but for now this will be my introduction. Please follow and feel free to leave a comment. I would love to hear from you! :)