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S.O.S. for the Elders

2/5/2015

2 Comments

 
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People a generation older than I am may surely know about ASD, but I’m of the opinion many of them will remain in a rather oblique state of wondering what their lives may have been like, if only they had known what we know today. In my family, we recognize several ancestors from several generations ago who were likely hovering near, or sitting squarely on, the spectrum. It makes me remarkably sad to think they were undoubtedly prickly when outside their small comfort zone, if not woefully desolate in their own bubble. Today things are better. But they aren’t great, particularly if you’re on the older end of life.

I’m struggling to figure out what my needs might be in the not so distant future. I can guarantee I will need more sensory protection and sensory supports, but I’m unclear about what precisely, I will need. Right now, movement and noise are my biggest issues. My startle reflexes are in high gear. I swear, I jump at more things than my horses do. And that’s saying a lot!

I worry; will I become even more agoraphobic as time whittles me down? Will I be able to handle my dogs barking? Will my bones ache too much because I had too many falls because my balance is too weak because my ASD has never played well with my movement? Will any friends be around in years to come, or will I have worn them out by then with all my odd requests and bizarre “intellectual” insights?

You see my point. The what’s, how’s, who’s are all a crazy mix that equals a big S.O.S. neon light.

We have come a long way in finding answers to many ASD questions, but we remain woefully behind when it comes to the aging population. I’m at a bit of a loss on how to help my elder peers (not to mention my future). If you have any, and you’d like to share, please do on this forum or on your own or anywhere you have a voice. Thanks, in advance, for your concern. 


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2 Comments
Aleda Johnson
4/17/2015 08:53:46 am

As a 63 yr old recently self diagnosed Aspie I am experiencing both the joy of discovering that I am a perfectly normal Aspie and the frustration of trying to get medical health professionals to recognize that a lifetime of stress, anxiety, & depression have taken a huge toll on me. I present as calm and able so therefor I am calm and able, obviously a nuerotypical in mild distress rather than an Aspie having 20 or more panic attacks per day. I pity the elders needing assistance and less able than I to advocate for themselves.

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Sharon Shaw link
4/29/2015 12:08:52 pm

I will turn 59 years old in just a few months. I received a succinct diagnosis when I was 3 years: "Genius with borderline autism". My Mother was told I would probably out grow it, and to NOT try and socialize me. I was left to myself spinning spoons in the corner.
At first glance I appear absolutely neurotypical, and so neurotypical behavior is expected from me. I pretend to be normal, but am finding it harder and harder to maintain the charade. I am extremely sensitive to noise, and my startle reflex is becoming more and more noticeable. I cannot leave the house unless I am wearing heavy duty earplugs. I worry about being able to maintain a sensory environment at home that I can tolerate. For example, the very thought of drones buzzing in my neighborhood delivering packages or pizza, causes intense anxiety. I shun medical care because I find it too difficult to navigate the medical system in the USA. How would I explain to physicians that having an MRI is out of the question? Thankfully right now I am in good health, but I am aging and very aware that at some point I will need medical care.
I find it very frustrating that all of the emphasis regarding the ASD community is geared toward parents with children on the spectrum. I have not been able to find supports for those of us who are aging and on the spectrum.

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