r/MadeMeSmile • u/bendubberley_ • 16d ago

Wholesome Moments Autistic non-verbal boy speaks directly to his mother for the first time.

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u/BizarroMax 16d ago

We have two autistic kids. There’s a time when you don’t know if they will ever speak. And a lot never do.

Ours did and now they won’t shut up. But we are grateful.

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u/fauxzempic 16d ago

I am likely on the spectrum - not sure if a diagnosis would help me at all at 39, but based on my eye contact (almost none to anyone), and a number of other things, it's something I suspected for a while, just as a "what if?" more than anything.

I was nonverbal until I was 2, nearly 3. I had to have surgery and on intake, several nurses asked my parents if I was, and this was 1988, "mentally ret**ded"

My parents didn't know how to react because they knew I was nonverbal but never really were considered that there was anything like autism or any sort of disorder at play. "He's shy!" was the thing.

Then I guess one day, my mom heard me singing a song on the radio in the back seat, and from that moment forward, I became annoyingly talkative (to people I'm comfortable with, shy around strangers).

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u/ijustwannasaveshit 16d ago

If you have struggles in daily life a diagnosis can help. I got one in my early 30s and then finally was able to get on a medication that helped me. I was also able to get accommodations at work that have helped me with my mental health significantly. Unfortunately, some of my additional mental illnesses were likely exacerbated and made worse from years of masking. Having an accommodation has been life altering for me.

At the very least I suggest finding a therapist that specializes in autism. They can be insanely helpful in getting you to understand more about how your brain works and how you can deal with the issues you face as a result of your autism.

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u/fauxzempic 16d ago

Thanks! I appreciate the insight. I have an ADHD therapist and I'm on meds, and it helps immensely, but I still have executive function roadblocks when it comes to human interaction and whether it's good ol' social anxiety, something else, or, I guess something that's on the spectrum, maybe it's worth seeing if I am AuDHD.

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u/ijustwannasaveshit 16d ago

It might be. I'm also AuDHD but for me my autism is the main problem. It's great that you are getting help! Not many people are willing to take those first steps and you are already there.