Navigating Life with High-Functioning Autism: Insights from a Mid-Forties Adult
Living with autism can be uniquely challenging, especially for those who have managed to excel in various aspects of life despite their quirks and challenges. This article shares the experiences of a mid-forties adult living with high-functioning autism, providing a glimpse into the life of an individual who has grown and thrived in diverse and unconventional ways.
My name is [Your Name], and I am 69 years old. I have lived my entire life with autism, navigating through various professional and personal challenges. Throughout my life, I've achieved things that many might consider 'normal,' while others may seem well outside the ordinary. Today, I share insights into what it's like living with high-functioning autism as an adult in my mid-forties.
Is having three graduate degrees normal? Is it normal to have lived in five countries throughout my life? Is it normal to adopt a disabled child, own a home, and maintain a 25-year long-distance relationship? Is it normal to have never been unemployed? The answer is subjective. For me, these are what ‘normal’ means. And that's all that counts.
A Fulfilling Life beyond 'Normality'
I have a full life, with 4 kids, 23 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. I have several degrees and a high-paying, rewarding job that I love. I have friends who understand me and colleagues who appreciate my unique perspective. While I may not get a lot of jokes, I appreciate the meaning behind them, and some facial expressions can be quite puzzling.
Unique Career Path and Personal Achievements
My career has been anything but conventional. I have worked as a short-order chef, for the CIA, and for the Florida State University’s Supercomputer project. I own multiple small businesses, with between four and eighty employees, seasonal, and have been in business since 1986. I homeschooled two children and later had three stepchildren who attended public school.
I also make swords and do a four times daily demonstration/comedy act on weekends. Is that normal? No, but is it because I'm somehow ‘less than’ people who do a nine-to-five paycheck kind of job? I don't think so. My life is normal enough.
Understanding and Coping with Autism Symptoms
Autism is not a one-size-fits-all condition. What it's ‘like’ varies from person to person. For me, it's like being me. I have always been me, and I have always known that to be true. I often tell people that because of autism, they need to be explicit about what they mean and how they feel if they want me to understand. However, this is not necessarily a universal symptom.
I sometimes start to tell someone something that I consider obvious, only to realize I have to simplify my language and repeat myself. This has more to do with my intelligence and my lack of intuitive understanding of others. While it can be challenging to calibrate what I'm saying with how it's received, it is not a universal symptom. I have found that giving myself permission to walk away before I reach my breaking point has been incredibly helpful.
Dealing with overstimulation is a common challenge for people on the spectrum. Loud noises, bright lights, and lots of motion can be overwhelming. I have learned to cope with these triggers in my own way. I wear dark glasses, use earphones, and find solace in a darkened room, soft clothes, warm baths, warm showers, soft music, the beach, the ocean, and the mountains.
Conclusion
Life with high-functioning autism can be unpredictable and challenging, but it is also filled with unique experiences and victories. It is important to remember that each person's journey is unique and should be celebrated for what it is. For those who resonate with my story, know that you are not alone and that your experiences matter.
Mind you, there are parts of my experience that I do not wish to delve into, as they are personal and deeply intimate. However, I hope that sharing this glimpse of my life can help others understand and empathize with the experiences of those living with high-functioning autism.