Where am I
To start off, I'm not diagnosed. Did have people tell me including a therapist that I "act autistic" (thanks therapist very helpful).
I have a question...I really struggle with orienting in space, like ridiculously. It's embarassing to the core. I was wondering if this was a case for some of you folks here. It doesn't matter that much if it's specifically a tism trait, just wanna feel less alone 👉👈. Can't drive, get lost in places I've been in and only get saved by the grace of google maps etc. There are some other things I'm curious about, for another time.
Apologise if this is disrespectful or long, haven't got a feel for etiquette here. 🙃
OMG YES!!! I get so lost, even in my own hometown that I've lived in for years. I depend heavily upon Google maps. In fact, I become so easily disoriented that I go to a clinic for a shot every so-often and the nurses know they need to guide me to the exit. I also struggle with identifying directions, such as right, left, north, south, etc. I can't even pass my driving test because 1. Driving is far too stimulating for me and 2. I keep turning the direction opposite of what I'm told!
Do you also have trouble telling distance? I'm always running into things because I can't tell their proximity to me! It is embarrassing and causes me to bruise up. Sometimes I run into people and they get really offended, but I swear I'm trying my hardest. Do you experience similar?
Also, do you have problems "sensing" changes in your environment. Like when someone creeps up behind you. I run into people a lot this way. They walk behind me and I turn around and BANG! Apparently other people get this "sense" when people or things move just outside their vision. Do you struggle with this, too?
I know many people aren't understanding to this sort of problem, so keep strong. If you're made fun of like me, I'm so sorry. Please know that you don't deserve it!
@courteousCoconut2519
Is it possible?
This is a thing?
Oh the times I too got lost in hospital complexes. I don't believe people are capable to navigate them, it's a conspiracy theory against us. 🤪
Luckily I got lost in a mental hospital, fit in SOMEWHERE.
But seriously, my thing is to "casually" look in phone and my head is that blonde hair math meme, intensly calculating where I came from and surprise surprise, I guessed wrong. After walking through every corner trice, you bet next time it's a replay.
I tell people I freshly moved into the city I've been living in for 5 years.
So we both failed. My poor instructor. I was also mixing up gas and break in beginning, and then on occasion to spice it up. I don't think he was able to grasp my level of dumb so he got mad and even asked me if everything's okay in my life.
What is distance? I can't even estimate how far I should extend my leg when getting off sidewalk. Idk how I still haven't broken a bone, probably because I don't go out much.
Yeah sensing, oversensing. I'm sensitive with my personal space, maybe due to some experiences. If you crash into a hot guy/girl, make sure to drop your papers. I can't relate to bumping into people, but daily bump into objects🪑🩷.
How are you with math? Not to brag, I was a cashier for two days. I guess they didn't have the budget to train me 🦄. I am baffled at how much I mess up and am not even aware of it. It's honestly really hard to keep a job because it seems like I suck at everything.
Do you tell people about this phenomenon? Are you by chance diagnosed with something? Why are we like this?
I um...wrote a lot. I appreciate you so much for responding.
I joke, but it's completely devastating, isolating, humiliating, frustrating. Feel like a complete unworthy idiot, idk if it's worse when people think I'm stupid or lazy. This comes so easy to other people. Again, from the bottom of my corazon, thank you for joining me here. I'm sorry you get bullied, as if realisation alone wasn't enough. 🙄
@blueShip93 Hi, I'm Celine :) I don't have autism so I can't personally relate, but it sounds really challenging. Feeling lost in familiar places and struggling with spatial orientation can indeed be challenging. Creating routines and sticking to familiar paths can provide a sense of stability and predictability, reducing the anxiety associated with unfamiliar spaces. Also, pay attention to landmarks and visual cues that can help you navigate. Consider using GPS or map applications on your phone to assist with directions when you're in new places.
@matchaLover89
Hey celine, I'm aria,
I have to say that I use all of your tips, this is despite 🙂. Luckily I live in a safe country...Thank you for responding!
@blueShip93 hi I don't suspect I'm autistic nor do I have any symptoms but I do understand you're situation!
For years now I have had suspicions that I may have ADHD based on the specific symptoms and my annoying behaviours that my parents screamed at me for that seemed to align. Now this is not a case of saw it on social media and wanted to be special believe me I have tried and tried again to act "normal" so my parents wouldn't get mad at me, eventually I forgot abt it for a while but it was always in the back of my mind. A lot of my private thoughts and emotions, everyday actions and more behavioural tendencies all pointed to something like ADHD but I've never been diagnosed (being to scared to tell my asian parents). I guess what I'm trying to say is I understand the uncertainty, the need for help/to know if this is the case, to know if you're actually experiencing this or you're just over dramatising things. Idk I hope this helped you feel less alone in your situation :)
Hey @Froglover027,
I believe you. That's the worst, the feeling of being alone, not being able to talk about it. It's funny and sad how I have more compassion and relief from strangers on internet than people in real life. I hope you find some support, maybe a diagnosis too if that's what you want. My mom said that her life was easy before she had me, it's not my fault. We are here now and we need love. It helps me to hear accounts like this even though I know it must be painful for you. Sending you hugs and gratitude.
My mom (likely diagnosis ADHD) has this problem too, and it has been limiting for her. I have some trouble with this too. I think it’s a working memory issue, which is part of executive function.
Sounds about right...
@blueShip93
Hey, firstly it doesn't matter if you have a diagnosis or not! Secondly omgosh yes!! Super relatable.
Three thoughts people - could be autism, could be developmental coordination disorder (DCD) or could be dyscalculia. Can have any combination of these together as well like DCD and dyscalculia or DCD, dyscalculia and autism, autism and dyscalculia, autism and DCD etc etc. Similar traits all these conditions.
Exciting. There goes my hoping it's some early trauma manifesting in funny ways that I can get under control. At least I'm not alone. Thank you for introducing me to some of these terms <3