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Recent content by Michelle Espinosa

  1. Michelle Espinosa

    When people say you use a lot of excuses...

    How do you respond? I was thinking it is a characteristic of being autististic not a personality trait. It happens when I try to explain something about my challenges or how it is I did A instead of B. If it were a trait then it would be opposite my personality which jumps in, tries the...
  2. Michelle Espinosa

    Want emotional connection but can't make them

    I have felt the same way since childhood and now I’m on the other side of life regretting only one thing about autism and that is the isolation and loneliness. I have to point out, though, that you are not the reason for lack of social skills. First of all, we are struggling because we are...
  3. Michelle Espinosa

    Comment by 'Michelle Espinosa' in 'I'm A Little Bit Afraid'

    Maybe we are the secret club and NT social codes are not conducive to authentic human interaction based on compassion. NTs have always seemed to me to revel in fakery.
  4. Michelle Espinosa

    Birthday Depression

    I’m starting to notice that for a group often accused of not having empathy, people here seem to be so compassionate and supportive. It’s the most of both in one place I’ve experienced. And I’m a Buddhist and nonviolence program coordinator. I’m beginning to feel proud of my tribe. All the...
  5. Michelle Espinosa

    Birthday Depression

    Co granulation don another year! I have never had a birthday that was happy. Now that my mother is gone I am depressed on certain holidays (whereas before I never cared one way or the other). I’ve had to plan around it and be kind to myself and accepting of my emotional state. I hope you...
  6. Michelle Espinosa

    One Small Step for Autism...Autism & Evolution - a Perspective

    I’m having some difficulty with your premise that because the NT environment is unsuitable for our high functioning, that invalidates the idea our neurology is a natural evolutionary occurrence. First because it does not explain why then it happens and because with an ND designed world we...
  7. Michelle Espinosa

    Emotional bursts

    I think others advise about seeing a therapist or doctor is good. Also, if you are autistic, triggers and over stimulation will cause a flood of cortisol and Adrenalin that makes me sometimes nauseous and cry. If what you are feeling is caused by triggers and over stimulation (we get...
  8. Michelle Espinosa

    Sometimes I need to be sedated.

    I relate so much to this. I suspect I’m on the other end of life being so much older. I went through this countless times. Here’s what I found out later that helped me (hopefully something useful for you): It’s okay to take ani anxiety and anti depressant medications in times of acote stress...
  9. Michelle Espinosa

    It feels like my family hates me/I don't understand

    I’m so sorry you are feeling this way with family. I had similar experiences and eventually came to learn that I interpreted the annoyance of others as them literally not liking me or just being mean. It’s because I can’t discern intent. I can’t follow NTs emotionally and often feel hurt by...
  10. Michelle Espinosa

    Comment by 'Michelle Espinosa' in 'I'm A Little Bit Afraid'

    Oh my god, I cannot believe a 16-year-old has to worry about those things! No, you don't have to and yes it's very challenging to navigate the pressure to fit in when 16 (and more), but please please please give yourself a break. If those others want to stress about that stuff, let them.
  11. Michelle Espinosa

    Comment by 'Michelle Espinosa' in 'My Idioglossia...'

    "Idioglossia" Beautiful!
  12. Michelle Espinosa

    Adult Meetup in LOS ANGELES

    I live in Topanga and have no family or friends and looking for others like me who would like to meet over coffee and maybe form a group for meet ups and activities. It’s difficult to be so isolated during holidays.
  13. Michelle Espinosa

    What to call ourselves?

    I think it is critical that the dialogue about neurodiversity widen to the NT world so that inclusion begins in earnest. I would call us neurodiverse so that we become activists for neurodiversity and inclusion so that we can have fulfilling lives and full participation. Can’t happen unless we...
  14. Michelle Espinosa

    Don't Be Shy To Introduce Yourself

    Thank you for your thoughtful reply. I hope I run into the person you mentioned because I too love adult coloring! Would have been pleased to meet you as well and am sorry you too must spend the holidays alone like me. Maybe I’ll start a holiday lonely hearts thread so we can have a...
  15. Michelle Espinosa

    Don't Be Shy To Introduce Yourself

    Hi I just moved to the west side of Los Angeles and have no friends or family and feeling the isolation acutely now during the holidays. I would love to get together with any other NDs in the area or L.A. this coming weekend or week. I am looking for my tribe for community and support. I'm a...
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