Comorbidity City

Unmasking Autism: Adult Diagnosis and the Journey to Understanding

There are many adults with autism, but they just don't know it yet. Part of the reason is what we're going to bring out in the next few minutes. I was diagnosed as autistic as an adult, and there were reasons it was missed in my childhood. Let's talk about that.According to the DSM-5-TR, the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder include persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts. These can be misconstrued. For example, I don't have problems having conversations; I just hate small talk. During testing, I realized I prefer direct communication and can talk for ages about topics of keen interest.Deficits in non-verbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction is another criterion. This ranges from poorly integrated verbal and non-verbal communication to abnormalities in eye contact and body language. For instance, I'm not a big fan of eye contact; it feels like a threat. People who know me understand I'm listening even if I'm not making direct eye contact.Maintaining and understanding relationships can also be challenging. I don't have many friends, and I often don't maintain relationships because they don't align with my interests. It's not about being adverse to relationships but rather not wanting to engage in activities that don't interest me.Restricted repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities are also part of the diagnostic criteria. This can include stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects or speech, insistence on sameness, highly restricted interests, and hyper or hypo activity to sensory input.Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period but may not become fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities. This means you might have had symptoms as a child, but they weren't noticeable until social pressures increased.Autism can exist without intellectual or language impairments. It's important to understand that you can be highly intellectual and still be autistic. The severity levels range from requiring support to substantial support.If you think you might be autistic, it's okay to get checked out. Advocate for yourself and bring your concerns to your doctor. Remember, it's not about just feeling different; it's about understanding and managing your unique experiences.

OCD Insiders Edition

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a mental monster. When combined with other illnesses it can be a disaster. Here, I am freely sharing what goes on inside the mind of the mentally ill, often but not always, while experiencing an emotional episode. Here I am recovering from a hypo manic episode that is morphing into a cyclical OCD. Don’t bother looking it up. However it is what is going on. A stream of consciousness obsessed with obsession. 

Psychophysiological Trauma from OCD episode.

Attempting to record while refocusing and recovering from psychophysiological tension wrecking my body the last few weeks. Last year I was in the ER 3 times trying to recover and not fully understanding what was going on. Now I know. It’s time to share. The episode is current and unedited. Except of course some light compression. This is to honor my late psychologist who recommended I speak and communicate during episodes if possible. This is in late recovery but still under the influence

First Battle with Thorazine.

I was once diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder. In lieu of such I was given Thorazine to combat the symptoms. Ironically the Thorazine had other plans. This is my true encounter with Thorazine Medication. 

Does Psychology Work?

After studying psychology for over 3 decades and seeing psychologist for about two decades, I was asked the question…”Does psychology actually work?” Coming from the mind of an Autistic adult with ADHD, we finally get to an answer after some rambling of course. I was told not to edit so that those who wish to study can assess my mental state as I communicate. Due to some severe OCD tendencies some things had to be edited. The rest is from an episode free commentary.