Autism

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I think I know the answer to this, at least reason tells me that I do, but since all is dead on this board and I won't see my doc for a little over a month and fear keeps mocking my reason, I'll ask it anyway.As most all know I revealed I'm a high functioning autistic in a post here a while back. (As a side note to anybody that happens to read that thread it did have more response's and I did reply to those that responded but all that got deleted during the A2A reboot.)The question is can autism get worse? My worsening stemming is what lead to that original post and since then it seems to be only getting worse, though in small measure. Not to mention that I think I'm even more withdrawn that usual, even with my wife to some degree.What I always thought was that stemming, at least for me, was a way of dealing with stress or more accurately frustration. If that is true I would deduce that my stress and frustration levels have been going up recently, thus the worsened stemming. At least that makes sense to me. Is that right, is that wrong, does anybody know?I feel like, and you probably think, that someone like me, being autistic, should know this stuff, but I don't. In all honesty I find anything to do with autism and asperger's uninteresting and mundane to the max and I've never read anything about them more than a pamphlet. To make matters worse when my doc starts talking to me about 'em I'm usually glazed over lost in the map that hangs on her wall. Not to mention that I usually just give her pat answers so I can get the hell out of there. My ignorance is my own fault I know but this is something I just can't make myself study.The reason I ask this is, as I said, I feel my stemming is getting worse. More honestly though, I fear, somewhere in the back of my mind, that I'll end up being one of those guys I see that has to were a football helmet all the time, so he doesn't injure himself. I've only gotten frustrated enough to start banging my head against the wall or my fist fewer than ten or so times in my life but three of those times where within the last year and that kinda scares me.Anyway if anybody knows anything I would appreciate some info., as I can't seem to make myself look into it.

Were you specifically diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome?

No. Though, from what little I've read, there is little difference between asperges and a high functioning autistic. That may be wrong, as I said I tend to glaze over when reading or talking about this stuff.

I really wish I knew more about it. Though what you said about stemming and stress would make sense.I guess though, that I am just trying to look at your personal experience. Did you notice before that stress caused your stemming to get worse until the pressure was gone?

You know, Ineligible may be able to help you answer that question. I think he replied to your original thread about this. He seemed to know a bit about Autism. But I think he is on vacation...isn't he? :scream_cat:

He should be back any day now!!!

he is back!!!

Originally Posted By: PepsiChaserDid you notice before that stress caused your stemming to get worse until the pressure was gone?I think so. It's just that it was a less noticeable form of stemming. I used to pace. But since ya can't do that and sit at a computer I started rocking. I can't remember what I did in class, though. But, regardless, the answer to your question is, probably so, but not positively so.I think part of it might be that before no one really noticed my stemming. Now I have co-workers and clients asking about it a lot (they don't know I'm autistic). Their questioning of it may be part of why I have become so conscious of it and about it. That and the fact that, though I've been rocking for quite a while now, rocking is still a little foreign to me, pacing is more comfortable.What do ya think, might that be it?

OOOHHH! That might be it! It is not as comfortable to you, but since it is your only outlet, your doing it more, just not getting the relief that you get from pacing.Do you pace at home? Or in other places where the pacing is acceptable?I also bet that everyone questioning you makes it worse.

What exactly is "stemming"?

Stemming is a repetitive action or vocalization. If you've ever seen the movie Rainman, when Dustin Hoffman's character starts rocking back and forth or repeating "Who's on first", that's stemming.Some autistics will injure themselves by banging their heads on walls, tables, or just hitting themselves with their fists. I'm not sure that's actually stemming but it comes form the same place in my head. This is usually done out of frustration, at least for me. Though for me it is an extremely, extremely rare event. Like I said I've done that probably less than ten times in my life but my concern is that three of those were within the last year._______________________________________________________________ Pepsi >>>"Do you pace at home? Or in other places where the pacing is acceptable?"Yes, there is a retaining wall behind our house and I could spend literally all day walking back and forth on it, or along the edge of sidewalk or curb or anything like that. That's what I used to do at mom's and dad's, or for that matter anywhere, when I was a kid.

Maybe you're dealing with more stress and frustration nowadays, or are just having more trouble dealing with it lately, rather than the autism, per se, getting worse?

That's my theory. It makes sense, though I don't feel like I have more frustration. Quite the opposite really, which is what is leading to my confusion.I've never read of autism getting worse but I haven't read anywhere that it remains static throughout life either, thus the question.

Well, of course I know nothing about Autism, but I couldn't help but google and read a little about it. Anyway I found this: Quote: Anxiety can also increase the rigidity in thought processes and insistence upon routines. (I was thinking this may be your Stemming) Thus, the more anxious the person, the greater the expression of Asperger syndrome. When happy and relaxed, it may not be anything like as apparent.Howlin also stresses the need to practice whichever method of relaxation is chosen at frequent and regular intervals in order for it to be of any practical use when anxieties actually arise. To me it sounds like the Autism itself is not getting worse, just more apparent due to the extra anxiety. Maybe??? I'm sorry, I am just trying to help. It does mention in the article ways to reduce the anxiety. Here is the link:http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1049&a=3346

Here is the thought I had,(great find Lisa) but that the rocking isn't the comfort you need. And that you aren't really into talking about it (I assume) that all the questioning is leading to the anxiety that leads to more rocking, which ISN"T your comfort stemming...If you take a break and do what is comfortable(the pacing) does it help with the rocking?

Did that make a bit of sense?

Asperger's is a mild form of high-functioning autism. The term "high-functioning autism" is most often used when it's stronger than typical Asperger's.It's generally considered that autism is a brain wiring problem that doesn't get worse; but the way it expresses itself can change, including in response to stress; though also by learning or unlearning behaviours. I don't know if that helps much.

Thanks to everybody who answered. Your answers pretty much confirm what I thought. Everyone once in a while I get kinda panicy thinking that I may somehow end up like those people that have to wear helmets, however unrealistic that scenario is. I have issues with people knowing I'm autistic and how most of them treat me once they find out. Advertising it with a helmet just mortifies me. Though, rationally I know that I have no reason to worry about that.

i know this isnt much help, but its just a matter of interest; theres a kid in my school with no friends who has very violent behavior, stabs people with compasses/biro pens, punches people and throws objects around. Yet hes very intelligent. He recently got suspended but theyre never kicking him out because apparently hes autistic. Im just not sure what to make of it, and didnt want to start another topic.PS- im in his english class and hes stabbed me before with a thumb tack...