AngelWings17
Well-Known Member
I'm just thinking out loud because there are some times, a lot of it is when I'm out of the house, where I feel like my Asperger's has gotten worse. Is it possible for it to get worse as you age?
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I don't think so. If anything older individuals such as myself have accumulated so many life experiences that our scripts are quite well developed. This allows us to maintain the illusion of normalcy even though we will never be normal.
The hormones of adolescence or menopause can make for a spectacularly bumpy ASD ride.
Growing food intolerances happen as we all age. As we age, we lose our effectiveness in ability to filter out substances we develop intolerances to (even when as yet unaware of this intolerance), so caffeine, gluten, lactose, and other potential irritants can make meltdowns and fog-outs more likely. Brains have to contend with whatever crosses the blood-brain barrier, including stuff we don't yet know we're intolerant to. Since ditching gluten, fewer meltdowns and a clearer mind make my ASD notably easier-- and it was getting more challenging before.
Responsibilities put us in sensory-overload-rich environments. As adults, we can't always crawl into our hidey-holes. We are front & center at the bank, post office, crowded grocery, riding noisy buses, trains. Sensory overload freak-outs a-plenty!
Nutrition may become less of a priority. As kids leave home, adults cook less, and rely on simple meals more. Toast and tea doesn't feed a brain the way a more nutrient-dense meal would.
We may skimp more on exercise. Adults who drive cars, have busy jobs, have kids, or have achy joints may exercise less. Regular exercise helps provide the vestibular and proprioceptive sensory input many ASD brains crave. Without this to self-regulate, our moods and frustration tolerance can plummet. Remembering to add in regular walking, swimming, dancing, etc. can help lots!
Just some considerations.
I dont think it can get worse but I do think the symptoms can worsen.
When I was still in preschool/highschool and stuff life was pretty much thought out for me, I just had to follow and do what I was told and that way everything worked out right for me.
Now as I'm failing college miserably, I realize that as soon as people let to of my leash, I get confused and lose sense of direction. Basically get lost in a world I just don't quite understand.
So no, aspergers doesn't get worse when you get older, but the problems can get a lot worse because people start to expect of you to do things on your own, which in turn might cause severe issues
Huh... Like a lost puppy that was put on the streets, huh? That's actually a really good analogy. I do tend to think of myself as a lost/confused puppy at times as well as an awkward turtle.