I’ve been diagnosed with autism, ADD, and Neurocardiogenic Syncope. Basically have POTS so bad it can cause me to pass out/faint.
My cardiologist told me something to the effect of “there are muscles that encircle the peripheral blood vessels and they relax or contract stabilize blood pressure as you move around. When they don’t respond quickly enough, the blood ends up out at the extremities, and the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen, and you pass out.
From inside my head it seems like everything tied to Autism seems to be related to neurological systems being over- or under-sensitive, and possibly an inability to ignore a meaningless stimulus.
Great post. I appreciate you choosing co-occurring over co-morbidity, it makes this all easier to digest. It is very important to bring awareness to these other conditions which are more prevalent in autistic women. I have an autistic acquaintance who has had 3 heart attacks even though she didn't have any of the obvious risk factors.
My doctor has referred me for an assessment, but I want to thoroughly research the professional I see. If anyone reading this has a psychologist/psychiatrist in Texas they recommend, please share their information. Texas may be big, but it is not known for the quality of the health care it provides.
Thanks for reading and glad you found it interesting! It was an intentional choice in my part; I think perhaps too much about the power of words in all these conversations!
Hope you find a local provider who can work with you!
Thank you. Curad makes band aids called Curad Truly Ouchless Silicone Adhesive Bandages which work for me. They are expensive, but we are a captive audience. LOL.
The irony that years ago I was denied a formal diagnosis for autism because I also tested with high likelihood of ADHD and the psychiatrist was an old, misogynistic, white man.
I’m writing that story because it seems so unbelievable but I suspect is more common than most realize
He was definitely really exciuted to have gotten to the bottom of it, but he also was really kind and supportive afterward, referred me for genetic testing and counseling too.
I was in the same state as you when I was diagnosed. I had maybe a note card's worth of info about autism — and I write big. Fairly early on I did a search on autism comorbidities. Yikes. I'd been diagnosed with Crohn's at age 6, which is abnormally early, but my autism stayed under the radar for decades. As I read the lists on a couple of the search hits, I was pretty shocked. So, now I/we are uncovering new things. Anxiety. Hyperactivity (though not ADHD). Sensory sensitivities that I just toughed out or zoned out from, sometimes to the point of disassociating, and just assumed that was normal.
I’ve been diagnosed with autism, ADD, and Neurocardiogenic Syncope. Basically have POTS so bad it can cause me to pass out/faint.
My cardiologist told me something to the effect of “there are muscles that encircle the peripheral blood vessels and they relax or contract stabilize blood pressure as you move around. When they don’t respond quickly enough, the blood ends up out at the extremities, and the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen, and you pass out.
From inside my head it seems like everything tied to Autism seems to be related to neurological systems being over- or under-sensitive, and possibly an inability to ignore a meaningless stimulus.
It certainly feels that way to me too, sometimes. I've had migraines throughout my life and wondered if its all connected, too.
Great post. I appreciate you choosing co-occurring over co-morbidity, it makes this all easier to digest. It is very important to bring awareness to these other conditions which are more prevalent in autistic women. I have an autistic acquaintance who has had 3 heart attacks even though she didn't have any of the obvious risk factors.
My doctor has referred me for an assessment, but I want to thoroughly research the professional I see. If anyone reading this has a psychologist/psychiatrist in Texas they recommend, please share their information. Texas may be big, but it is not known for the quality of the health care it provides.
Thanks for reading and glad you found it interesting! It was an intentional choice in my part; I think perhaps too much about the power of words in all these conversations!
Hope you find a local provider who can work with you!
Thank you. Curad makes band aids called Curad Truly Ouchless Silicone Adhesive Bandages which work for me. They are expensive, but we are a captive audience. LOL.
Yes!! Those are the best. I also find some kids bandaids work since they aren’t meant to stick as long!
That is good to know.
The irony that years ago I was denied a formal diagnosis for autism because I also tested with high likelihood of ADHD and the psychiatrist was an old, misogynistic, white man.
I’m writing that story because it seems so unbelievable but I suspect is more common than most realize
I had to laugh in self-recognition at your doctor’s delight over solving the puzzle while being oblivious to the personal impact of that news.
Thank you for sharing your story and your insights.
He was definitely really exciuted to have gotten to the bottom of it, but he also was really kind and supportive afterward, referred me for genetic testing and counseling too.
Wait, I never have voted for one in 54 years of voting.
I was in the same state as you when I was diagnosed. I had maybe a note card's worth of info about autism — and I write big. Fairly early on I did a search on autism comorbidities. Yikes. I'd been diagnosed with Crohn's at age 6, which is abnormally early, but my autism stayed under the radar for decades. As I read the lists on a couple of the search hits, I was pretty shocked. So, now I/we are uncovering new things. Anxiety. Hyperactivity (though not ADHD). Sensory sensitivities that I just toughed out or zoned out from, sometimes to the point of disassociating, and just assumed that was normal.