PWD (person with disability(s)) thread; introduce yourself!

[evenifigoalone]

Finding out I may be autistic. Social issues have always been a thing for me, and I still cannot read people very well. I've actually been asked by a few people if I'm on the spectrum or have been evaluated for it. Looking up a breakdown of the diagnostic criteria, it makes sense..... probs gonna talk to my therapist about it.

 

[PrimFinallyFoundGod!]

I'm diagnosed with Autism, Psoriasis, Eating Disorder & Depression. I'm going through mental health assessments as I have more going on in addition to these things (paranoia, hallucinating, frequent identity crisis',trauma and anxiety from past abuse I suffered etc)

 

[PrimFinallyFoundGod!]

Finding out I may be autistic. Social issues have always been a thing for me, and I still cannot read people very well. I've actually been asked by a few people if I'm on the spectrum or have been evaluated for it. Looking up a breakdown of the diagnostic criteria, it makes sense..... probs gonna talk to my therapist about it.

Hi there. I'm an autistic and I actually read people "too well". I won't get into it here but it's one of the things I'm most naturally skilled at.
The criteria for autism doesn't really tell the full story it's a bit oversimplified.
Definitely wise to discuss with therapist, ask them to refer you to be assessed. You should be passed onto a psychiatrist and possibly other professionals with a background in autism.
For me assessment wasn't that difficult you fill in a few questionnaires then you're assessed by autism specialists. But I have heard it can be drawn out and difficult for some people.
I think the biggest indicators of autism would be having certain specific topics you are exceptionally knowledgable about/skilled at (special interests), having some sensory issues (loving/hating extreme forms of the senses such as loud noises, total silence, flashing lights, bright colours, certain visual patterns like holes or materials) and having a fairly profound lack of understanding of the masses in certain ways. This can be popular music, popular styles, using slang, finding certain things appealing, certain viewpoints etc..

Best of luck though hopefully your assessment process won't be too difficult. You can DM me anytime you like.

 

[evenifigoalone]

Hi there. I'm an autistic and I actually read people "too well". I won't get into it here but it's one of the things I'm most naturally skilled at.
The criteria for autism doesn't really tell the full story it's a bit oversimplified.
Definitely wise to discuss with therapist, ask them to refer you to be assessed. You should be passed onto a psychiatrist and possibly other professionals with a background in autism.
For me assessment wasn't that difficult you fill in a few questionnaires then you're assessed by autism specialists. But I have heard it can be drawn out and difficult for some people.
I think the biggest indicators of autism would be having certain specific topics you are exceptionally knowledgable about/skilled at (special interests), having some sensory issues (loving/hating extreme forms of the senses such as loud noises, total silence, flashing lights, bright colours, certain visual patterns like holes or materials) and having a fairly profound lack of understanding of the masses in certain ways. This can be popular music, popular styles, using slang, finding certain things appealing, certain viewpoints etc..

Best of luck though hopefully your assessment process won't be too difficult. You can DM me anytime you like.

Definitely have special interests. Mine was dogs for the first 16 years of my life. And some level of sensory issues, I find some places too loud and bright. Work at a grocery store and at times find it overwhelming. It depends.

 

[PrimFinallyFoundGod!]

Definitely have special interests. Mine was dogs for the first 16 years of my life. And some level of sensory issues, I find some places too loud and bright. Work at a grocery store and at times find it overwhelming. It depends.

Yeah definitely a possibility then and even if it's not Autism it probably is something that a mental health professional will be able to spot. I knew I had "something" but I wasn't suspecting Autism. If you feel there is something not firing correctly in your brain you are usually right. If your therapist doesn't pursue assessment for you I would see a different mental health professional and seek a second opinion. I know someone with very obvious ADHD he met a therapist for 1 session and she flat out said he "doesn't" have it. I personally have been shut down for many years with regard to knowing I had "something". Not all mental health professionals get it right. My point is don't feel defeated if they say there is nothing and are reluctant to pursue an assessment. Keep asking questions keep pushing and you will find the answer.

 

[evenifigoalone]

It's rough when you want to listen to music but the music is too loud even at a low volume.

 

[evenifigoalone]

I'm learning that when I get into "a really bad mood" at work, it's because I'm overstimulated. In other words, it's a sensory issue.
Basically I get into a state where everything and everyone irritates me and it's hard to put on a cheerful face for customers. Usually the best I can manage is to just be detachedly polite and maybe a fake smile.
I have some noise reduction earplugs I wear when I feel it coming on or when I realize it's happening. They help a lot, by reducing the amount of sensory information my brain has to put up with.

 

[TransformedinChrist]

I am disabled - my name is Kate. I am in use a wheelchair. I have multiple complex health illnesses and disablities. I am sure more of my story will come out sooner or later. I think this thread is going to be a blessing to me.

 

[evenifigoalone]

Welcome Kate! Do you have a service dog like your PFP indicates?

 

[TransformedinChrist]

Yes - I do. He's my boy.

 

[evenifigoalone]

Here is another tool for identifying disability:
bADLs: basic activities of daily living
They include:
· Bathing/Showering (including drying up, but not including dressing)

· Dressing – Including the use of zippers, valcrow, buttons, hooks and laces.

· Eating/Chewing/Swallowing

· Feeding – The physical set up of food, and bringing it to the mouth

· Functional mobility – ambulating from point a to point b in need of performing a task

· Personal hygiene/grooming – includes washing hair, waxing, shaving and personal skin care.

· Toilet Hygiene – including the acts of washing down and toilet operation.


There are also iADLs: instrumental activities of daily living. These are more complex than bADLs, and include:

• Use the phone. This includes answering and calling others.
• Shop for groceries on your own.
• Plan, heat, and serve your own meals.
• Manage your medicines. This includes refilling them when needed and taking them correctly.
• Clean your house or apartment.
• Get around on your own, either by car, taxi, or public transportation.
• Manage money and pay bills.

I don't have trouble with bADLs, but I struggle in multiple areas with iADLs

 

[stevenb]

I mentioned this in my introduction, but I was diagnosed schizoaffective disorder, recently changed to major depressive with psychotic features.

I live in a medicated world, and am in the chains of addiction to cigarettes and less often alcohol. I exercise my butt off and see no results ever. It's so frustrating, I feel like the medication took away who I was supposed to be but I absoloutely cannot get through my days without it. I have begged god to take this away for many years but no response.

I struggle with low motovation, lethargy (although lately i'm on my feet all day it never shows physically)

I try to embrace who I am, but drawing a positive out my my situation is like finding a needle in a haystack.

 

[gordon777]

Things are tough with depression/any disabilities, mental and physical. Trauma seems to be a biggy, ( I have some experience) and these things effect your thoughts, your outlook on the things of God, the things of this world, and there are pressures to manage everything well, and I know if I cant manage well physically, I get disappointment, and the battle of the mind is no less tricky.

But there are positives. Anyone we can know, family, children loving pets and all animal friends, our own strength of will, belief of the crucifixion of Christ, our strength made perfect in weakness.

I struggle myself these days to be strong, to keep faith, faithfully, but I find when we think what we can do for the sake of Christ, and the Gospel, God has a use/purpose for us, we are given closeness with God, when we seek to do what is HIs will, and not our own.

Studying the scriptures, hearing what God wants us to hear for this ending time now, speaking His word faithfully, doing it truly, not only has us close with God, but that also gives a comfort we can use, and what helps us in any plight we are in too, it is still a struggle, but it is a lifeline everybody should cherish.




2 Corinthians 4:10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.