Autism Posts (From a Late Diagnosed Female)

Hi, my name is Jen Friel and I just found out I have Synesthesia. Do you have it too?
After I was diagnosed in February, I worked with an animator who also has synesthesia to describe what I see. I’ve spent the last nine months trying to explain it to myself. See all syntesthetes (what we are called) experience synesthesia differently. To some people Monday may have a color, or the number six may have its own personality. The details oddly aren’t important, what is important is the hyper-connectivity and processing in our brains that act as LEGIT super powers.

#OriginStory: 10 years ago I was placed on a 5150 and spent 48 hours under psychiatric evaluation
I didn’t need medicine, I needed to develop coping skills, and with that came the knowledge that things don’t bother me the same way (stressors or people) when I’m taking care of myself. What do I “want to do” or “where I will be in 10 years?” As you can see, I have absolutely

#TrueStory: I met and talked to Sharon Stone about Synesthesia (*pinch me*)
If a Goddess and alien made a hybrid creature, it would be Sharon.
Wooahh … even just writing this, I can feel the tingles on my arm from her still.
Sharon then left the gallery, and went back into the room we had just come from. I knew I was going to write a post on the event so I had to capture a personal photo of her at said event.
She walked to the right in the gallery, as I walked to the left to get my shot (but also respect her space).
Trigger finger ready, I shot these …

I have facial blindness yet I am EXCELLENT at recognizing people (here’s how I do it)
Last week, I recognized my friend in a magazine even though his face was entirely covered with the group’s iconic makeup. He’s a member of the Blue Man Group. I know now I don’t recognize people by their faces (which is pretty mind blowing 🤯😩). I recognize people via their auras and some other form of hyper-connectivity (both of which are caused by synesthesia). Here’s what auras looks like: And here’s what all this means: Maestro … Up until a year ago, I had never heard of facial blindness, nor even knew this was “a thing.” It wasn’t until I saw an article regarding Brad Pitt that I wondered if I too have what they were describing. I then googled “Autism and Facial Blindness” and found out that people on the spectrum are very often found as having difficulty recognizing people’s faces. Just because it’s “very often found” didn’t mean I was going to immediately jump to that conclusion. I took it as another little tidbit that may or may not be helpful. Later that week, I then talked to my laser scientist friend (who holds the patent for light based GPS that helped the Mars Rover land on Mars) and presented my findings. “I might have facial blindness,” I admitted over a round at our favorite watering hole, “but I don’t think the word fits what it is (or at least in terms of how I experience it).” My laser scientist friend has been there through all of the labels I now happily place on myself (autistic, synesthesia, dyslexic, hyperlexic, ADHD, and prosopagnosia aka facial blindness). He isn’t as “into” labels as I am, (because once you OWN THE PATENT for light based GPS does any other label REALLY matter?!) but is nevertheless a great sounding board. “What does that mean?” he asked. “Well, I know I don’t recognize people by their faces, I recognize them by their auras. I know I see faces, like they exist, but there’s a chip missing. Sometimes people’s faces, no matter how many times I meet them ‘just don’t click.’ It’s always been a thing, and sometimes very embarrassing. I developed the ‘its nice to see you again’ even if it feels like the first time I’ve met someone. “However, with the majority of people, I consider myself a hawk, and or someone with an eagle eye. BECAUSE I don’t recognize people by their faces, their face can be totally obstructed and I’ll still recognize them. There’s a lack that my brain somehow found a work around that gives me this (I don’t know how else to say it) “special skill” at recognizing people. “If I was born with (let’s just say) a weakened receptor it would make sense that because of synesthesia and it’s hyper-connectivity that it would just remap it in a way that feels like a super human strength. “It’s like how I now know I am dyslexic but because I have hyperlexia I overcompensate for the ‘letters and numbers jumping’

Sensory Bedroom Ideas for Children With Autism
You know your child is all grown up when they ask for a “big kid” room. Creating a well-designed bedroom to fit the aesthetics and interests of your child is important.

#NerdsUnite: They’re talking nerdy baby (Canvas Rebel & catching up with Zennie)
A hoi hoi nerderinos, A lot happened in the last month … including two new interviews (should you care to take a read and or peek). In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem? There needs to be more awareness (particularly for females) on neurodivergent conditions. 22% of undiagnosed autistic women who are hospitalized because of their mental health by age 25. As someone who 5150ed myself, the shame associated with hospitalization is unreal. I had two previous failed suicide attempts, and I knew I didn’t want to die, I just couldn’t keep living with all the pain and OVERWHELMING sensory problems. The world was extremely difficult to navigate not knowing I was neurodivergent. I took people for their word, because I’m a person of mine! I’m not victimizing myself in this process, I’m learning to love my younger self who knew something was “off” but due to medical sexism was misdiagnosed with a series of “diagnoses” and drugs that I never should have been taking in the first place. I am truly on a mission to help others who may be neurodivergent and not know it.My life is COMPLETELY changed.It does get better.Scouts honor. And next up is a chat with one of my long time dear friends Zennie …

Decoding the Unspoken: A Guide for Neurodivergent Individuals to Understand 7 Types of Nonverbal Body Language
Discover the different types of nonverbal body language and how they influence communication. Enhance your understanding of gestures, facial expressions, and posture in various social situations.

Unveiling Female Autism: Challenges and Strengths
Delve into the unique challenges and strengths experienced by females on the autism spectrum. Gain insights into their experiences, characteristics, and ways to promote their well-being.

#Question: What are the 5 symptoms of Autism?
Really cool clothes. Just kidding. What are the 5 symptoms of autism? Short answer, there aren’t just 5 symptoms of “Autism” – that’s why Autism is a spectrum, it shows differently in everyone.

#TrueStory: I Used Synesthesia to “Out” Con a Conman
I wrote a post last March stating how I “out conned” a con man, “er woman” using synesthesia.
Only at the time I couldn’t tell the full story.