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Autism Automated Taglist!
by tommy
Last post
 3 days ago
...See more Welcome to the Autism Taglist This thread is an auto-updating list. The list is regularly updated by forum leaders and can be found below. Having issues? Reply below and someone will help you! Why should I join the taglist? ✔ Never miss out on sub-community check-ins, discussions or events ✔ Get tagged and notified by community leaders whenever a new relevant thread has been posted ✔ Become a more active member of the community. What do I need to do? ✅ To add yourself to this taglist, press the Post to Thread button below and write the exact words Please add me. ❌ To remove yourself from this taglist, press the Post to Thread button below and write the exact words Please remove me. ------------------------- Current taglist as of 29 Dec (updated by tommy) @Alwayshungry983 @AutiBoy @azuladragon34 @beck1 @courteousCoconut2519 @Fozziewozzie @GwydionRowan @HarmonyBlossom @HatsEatYou @Howegeorgia @Jenna @JovianPlutonian @JustMeUwU @llemonz @LoveMyMoonflowers @NeurospicyGirl @NightOwl2003 @pineapple7722 @Plantsaremybestfriends @RainbowRosie @sentientape @silentbuster26 @SillyBlue32 @SleepyShyCat @smolLITTLEpotato @softParadise5949 @Stasia86 @StressedGirl @SunnyCat0 @teenytinyturtle @theboymoana @tommy @Trosclair03 @Twigo7 @unassumingPeach6421 @Vivikun9 @wishfulWillow6962 @Zahrian2112
5 Things You Shouldn’t Say to Someone on the Autism Spectrum
by Jenna
Last post
 May 14th
...See more Although the general public has become more aware of autism, there’s still a long way to go. The autistic community has commonly been told some phrases that we frankly don’t want to hear. These comments can be ignorant and hurtful, even with good intentions. Here are five things you shouldn’t say to someone on the autism spectrum. 1) “You can’t possibly be autistic” Why would you flat-out deny something I know I am? It’s not up to you to decide who is autistic! We often get this comment when others hear that we have a relationship, a job, a child, or an educational qualification. They become skeptical and say, “But you’re doing so well. You can’t possibly be autistic!” Unusually, we also get this from those who are very familiar with autism. A parent might say, “You’re not autistic! You’re nothing like my autistic child who can’t do anything independently.” The truth is that everyone with autism is different and a diagnosis is not destiny. We consider it prejudiced to assume that autistic people are all lost causes who can’t possibly succeed in life. We can be capable of so much if we have an open mind. 2) “You must be good at math” Not this misconception again! We get it, you’ve heard too many negative things about autism and you want to compliment us instead. But again, we’re all different. People on the autism spectrum have just as much variety as those outside it. This includes our abilities, which don’t always match the media stereotype. Some of us are great at math and some of us are terrible. Some of us are natural with computers and some of us are technologically illiterate. Some of us are savants and some of us struggle intellectually. Just like you, there’s no single profile of our mental abilities. Putting some abilities on a pedestal can exclude autistic people who lack those abilities and make them feel inferior. 3) “You don’t look autistic. You seem so normal” What does this even mean? How does someone look autistic? How does someone look normal? We’re physically no different from the rest of you. There’s no way for someone to look autistic at all. This comment is even worse if this is supposed to be a compliment. It suggests that seeming “autistic” is inferior and seeming “normal” is an ideal standard. We’re just different from you and we don’t want to be forced to be someone we’re not. 4) “What’s it like to be autistic?” What a strange and generic question. I might as well ask you, “What’s it like to be not autistic?” We don’t even know where to begin to answer this. Being autistic is everything we know. It’s in every single experience we have from day to day. Also, there’s no unified autistic life experience. Every autistic person has their own unique life, with experiences different from the others. Are there any experiences that are universally shared between all of us? Sure. We all get asked these silly questions. 5) “Everyone’s on the autism spectrum” No, they’re not. Trust me. Those who make this comment are suggesting that everyone understands and shares our struggles to some degree. Is this supposed to make us feel better? Well, it doesn’t work, because it’s a totally false suggestion. Others don’t know what it’s like to be autistic and never will. As funny as it is to say, only autistic people are autistic. This comment isn’t reassuring, it’s totally dismissive of our unique struggles and experiences. Have you heard any of the comments mentioned in the article? References Brown, L. (2012, February 27). 15 Things You Should Never Say To An Autistic. AWN. https://awnnetwork.org/15-things-you-should-never-say-to-an-autistic/ Hirschberg, E. (2017, December 13). What To Say & What Not To Say To Someone With Autism. Research Autism. https://researchautism.org/what-to-say-what-not-to-say-to-someone-with-autism/ [https://researchautism.org/what-to-say-what-not-to-say-to-someone-with-autism/] Stout, A. (2016, July 6). 11 Things Not to Say to Someone with Autism. The Autism Site. https://blog.theautismsite.greatergood.com/dont-say-autism/ [https://blog.theautismsite.greatergood.com/dont-say-autism/] credit [x [https://psych2go.net/5-things-you-shouldnt-say-to-someone-on-the-autism-spectrum/]]
World Autism Awareness Day: Moving from Surviving to Thriving!
by SoulfullyAButterfly
Last post
 April 3rd
...See more Hi everyone, Today, April 2nd, is World Autism Awareness Day! This year's theme, "Moving from Surviving to Thriving: Autistic Individuals share regional perspectives," is all about creating a world where autistic people can not just cope, but flourish. The UN's World Autism Awareness Day event will feature autistic panelists from all over the globe. You can find more information and the livestream link here: UN World Autism Awareness Day [https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day]  Tips for Thriving: ✨ Self-advocacy: Learning to communicate your needs and preferences is crucial. There are many resources available to help you develop your self-advocacy skills. ✨ Find your community: Connecting with other autistic people can be a source of support and understanding. The 7 Cups Autism Community is growing every day - subscribe by clicking join this community here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/autism/]. ✨ Explore your interests: Autistic people often have many passions and dedication to focus. Explore your interests and find ways to make them a part of your life. ✨ Seek professional help: If you are struggling, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Therapists and counselors can provide valuable support and guidance. Here are some questions to explore: 🌻 What are some of the biggest barriers you face as an autistic person in your community? 🌻 What kind of support has helped you the most on your journey? 🌻 What are you passionate about? How can you use your unique skills to make a difference? Looking forward to hearing from all of you!
how can i make sure i have autism?
by imaginativeAcres3354
Last post
 9 hours ago
...See more i did a lot of tests and i serched up on google and saw so many things about autism, and it just felt like me, so i took a lot of tests on th internet, and it terns out that i am autistic. the problem is that of course, you cant trust google 100%, so i wanted to go to the doctor that i can get dignosed, but the thing is that i need my perents knowing, wich i dont want, wich left me in a situation that i need to make sure that i am autistic, but i cant. point is, do you guys know by a chance a way i can get dignosed and i will be 100% sure about that without my perents knowing?
How to make friends?
by reiluvseals09
Last post
 16 hours ago
...See more I don't know how to make friends, people don't get close to me because they think I'm weird. It's not like I act weird, they thought I was shy at first but then my friend told everyone I have autism, they don't get close to me anymore. It doesn't help that I can't look at them in the eyes, I walk around looking at the floor and avoiding them, I want to have friends. I recently met someone that didn't make fun of me, he only talks to me when people aren't around but that's ok! I like having someone to talk to. Do you have any advice on how to make friends? I'm scared of coming off as weird again.
Is it helpful getting a diagnosis?
by conscientiousNickel7021
Last post
 17 hours ago
...See more I've always been considered a bit quirky even when I was a kid. And I've mostly just accepted I'm a bit weird, don't really have many friends and struggle socially especially face to face with people I don't know well. It's been suggested by a few different people that maybe I have an autistic streak which would explain why my behaviours aren't *normal*. I think I'm being kind but come across as being a push over, I think I'm helping by being there but I'm told I don't contribute ideas. The way I am has massively impacted my friendships (or lack thereof) and relationships (partner of 10+ years wants to break up). My question is, is it helpful getting a diagnosis? Has it made any changes positive or negative to your lifestyle? I'm just wondering if it is something I should pursue. Thanks for reading
New Forum Supporter
by RainbowRosie
Last post
 18 hours ago
...See more Hi there, I’m RainbowRosie and I just wanted to introduce myself and let you know I’m so happy to become part of this community 😀❤️ I’m looking forward to meeting you as well as contributing to chats and discussions. Oh…just one more thing before I go….a quick icebreaker 😀😀 If money and time were no object, what would you be doing right now? ((Hmm…I’m thinking maybe a cruise …now that would be nice…😎☀️🤩❤️❤️)) BTW…Happy Friday! Thanks for having me, Rosie 🌹
Autism Automated Taglist!
by tommy
Last post
 3 days ago
...See more Welcome to the Autism Taglist This thread is an auto-updating list. The list is regularly updated by forum leaders and can be found below. Having issues? Reply below and someone will help you! Why should I join the taglist? ✔ Never miss out on sub-community check-ins, discussions or events ✔ Get tagged and notified by community leaders whenever a new relevant thread has been posted ✔ Become a more active member of the community. What do I need to do? ✅ To add yourself to this taglist, press the Post to Thread button below and write the exact words Please add me. ❌ To remove yourself from this taglist, press the Post to Thread button below and write the exact words Please remove me. ------------------------- Current taglist as of 29 Dec (updated by tommy) @Alwayshungry983 @AutiBoy @azuladragon34 @beck1 @courteousCoconut2519 @Fozziewozzie @GwydionRowan @HarmonyBlossom @HatsEatYou @Howegeorgia @Jenna @JovianPlutonian @JustMeUwU @llemonz @LoveMyMoonflowers @NeurospicyGirl @NightOwl2003 @pineapple7722 @Plantsaremybestfriends @RainbowRosie @sentientape @silentbuster26 @SillyBlue32 @SleepyShyCat @smolLITTLEpotato @softParadise5949 @Stasia86 @StressedGirl @SunnyCat0 @teenytinyturtle @theboymoana @tommy @Trosclair03 @Twigo7 @unassumingPeach6421 @Vivikun9 @wishfulWillow6962 @Zahrian2112
Dad never gets sides with Pizza
by Disneywoman
Last post
 3 days ago
...See more Whenever my Mom is exhausted (like yesterday) or busy to make supper my dad always goes and get Pizza from Little Caesar. I like Pizza as much as the next person but there's one thing I'm fed up about with Dad getting Pizza from Little Caesar and that is that he never brings home *bacon* sides (Italian Cheesy bread or Crazy bread) from the restaurant.  So the only sides I get to eat here at home are what I call "Home Sides" like Devil's BBQ chips or "Kettle corn'  and those are boring home sides compared to what "cool" stuff we could get as sides from restaurant. Last year the one time we got Pizza from someplace else (Domino's)  Dad had a cow about "how long it was taking" about getting the Pizza but at least that time I got to have a side unlike with Little Caesar. 
Silently Struggling: Neurodiversity, Career Transition, and Overwhelming Family Presence
by limegreenpapaya9090
Last post
 Wednesday
...See more I recently quit a highly stressful job and was looking forward to several weeks of personal time for reflection, recovery, and planning my next career move. However, my plans for solitude and self-discovery have been completely derailed by an extended family visit. Both of my parents are staying with me for a family gathering. While I knew about the event, I wasn't consulted on the length of their stay, which is significantly longer than I anticipated or feel comfortable with. This visit coincides with what I had hoped would be a crucial period of personal and professional development before I start my job search. Adding to the complexity, I strongly suspect I may have Type I ASD and ADHD, but I haven't shared this with my family. I've been high-masking for years, and they're completely unaware of my struggles. They often misinterpret my need for alone time as being ornery or standoffish. With my parents here, I'm finding it nearly impossible to get the quiet time I need to process my career transition and explore my neurodivergent traits. My mom, in particular, is constantly trying to engage with me or involve me in family activities. While I appreciate her intentions, her presence is overwhelming, and I'm struggling to find moments of peace even in my own home. I feel trapped because I can't discuss this with my friends. Most of them don't have both parents, and I fear they'd see me as ungrateful if I expressed my frustration. My boyfriend, who is likely neurodivergent himself (possibly AuDHD and mildly narcissistic), means well but doesn't fully understand my situation either. I can't openly express my need for space or explain my suspicions about being neurodivergent without raising questions I'm not prepared to answer. Has anyone dealt with a similar situation where family obligations clash with a critical period of personal growth and self-discovery, especially when you're masking neurodiversity, navigating a major life transition, and feeling unable to confide in those closest to you?
Duality of dealing with senses.
by Popsicle0
Last post
 Tuesday
...See more Sensory issues are getting so annoying. Not diagnosed with ASD, but I suspect myself on being on the autism spectrum. I can't really bring myself to speak up about personal matters to persons in real life. I always struggled with sensitive hearing, with the most traumatic experience being "a colorful evening" on camp of elementary school. They set such loud music with those low basses that vibrated the ground, a lot of colorful lights probably... Everyone seemed happy, and they smiled, it seemed very creepy. I hid under a table at that time and cried. Now I get those flashbacks each time hearing music with a low bass that is loud enough to make the ground shake, when being too close to a speaker spouting atrocious sounds, I cover my ears and people look at me like I'm crazy, and if I walk away (if given the option), I'm a party pooper. Loud places in general are really tiring, from loud transport (like Metro) to canteens with lots of people. Being too long in loud places takes away any tone in my voice I work so hard for, and people then often comment about me talking not loud enough, and talking like a damn robot, when I'm trying my very best to talk in a full sentence at all. I considered getting headphones, only the ones that can cover your ear entirely, not squishing it somewhere in the middle, but I don't want to show up suddenly with those, especially in front of my parents, I feel awkward wearing it. Earplugs are also a no, because they block the air flow in my ears, it feels really uncomfortable. Also something I developed over the years is to be very vigilant at all times, I use my hearing to position people in space, to know if there is someone too close behind me, which makes me uncomfortable too, and at home to hear how my parents go up the stairs, and make mental preparation to have them bursting in through my door. When reducing noise, it also makes me feel unsafe, because I cannot be fully informed of my surroundings that way. Recently I also began to struggle with light, sudden brightness changes are painful physically, and light is just... too bright. For outside, I tried sunglasses but the way sunglasses cut in your ears while resting, and how those arms of glasses slightly tighten up on your head gives me a headache. When experiencing sensory overload from both sides, or just being tired in general, it's like vision becomes an abstract mixture of moving colors, seeing everything and nothing at the same time. I feel like going outside is just a follow-up of me trying to manage my senses. Blocking out the one, means dealing with another, I just can't. Thank you for sitting through these complaints. Suggestions for coping are appreciated.
wondering if i have a low level of autism
by thatweirdfallkid
Last post
 Tuesday
...See more i haven't been formally diagnosed, but i'm pretty sure i have a degree of ADHD and possibly mild autism if anyone wants to discuss that might be helpful, i kinda want to talk to somebody about it i guess
Autism diagnosis and past misdiagnosis
by politeComputer8612
Last post
 August 9th
...See more I recently was diagnosed with high functioning autism with many autistic traits. The last few years I was misdiagnosed with a mood disorder and also I have comorbidity with other disorders right now, which make the clinical picture super clear now. People around me don’t accept my autism diagnosis since in professional settings I seem too sociable, which is not the case since when I am home I feel drained because I push myself too hard. Also, they can’t believe that a person that “appears” social can be autistic and except for that they are telling me that it is not possible to have many different diagnosis at once, and they don’t get my challenging journey. So I feel alone with the realization of autism.
Depression & Special Interests
by SleepyShyCat
Last post
 August 8th
...See more I think depression is ruining my enjoyment of my special interest. It is really sad... I have no joy or enthusiasm recently, no motivation. Usually, that would only extend to other parts of my life & I'd still be able to engage with my special interest, because it's what I enjoy most and obsessed with & gave me respite from my mental health. However the last few months, I've not been able to feel joy or happiness from anything, not even my special interest ≽^╥⩊╥^≼ & it makes me feel like I don't even like it anymore, which is an absolutely devastating feeling. I know I do still like it, I just feel so empty.  I have no motivation or energy to engage with it, so all day I do nothing. I haven't been able to do any of my usual activities related to my special interest and it makes me SO sad. I cry a lot. I almost feels like I'm grieving it. It makes my depression feel worse. I don't want to get up ever and nothing feels worth the effort.  Life sucks at the moment, I feel like I have nothing left anymore 😭
getting a diagnosis
by VanillaIcedAmericano
Last post
 August 8th
...See more so excited for my evaluations coming up this week! it was so difficult to find psychologists who accept my insurance, work with adult autism, and are accepting new patients. I'm pretty sure I'm autistic but I'm really looking forward to seeing for sure! 

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