MiddleEarthNet

Yeah this thread helped me loads. I have watched Transformation Street. One of my support workers there told me about it. Before the first episode, I did wonder whether showing it to my parents would help them understand and accept but I think it will make things worse. I’d have like a more even representation of male to female and female to male as I’m struggling to relate to it.

Hi, so it has been months since I last posted on here. I figured this thread was the most appropriate to post again. The reason for my absence is because I needed the time to figure out who I was. Last time I was on here, I was questioning my gender and the whole thing was tearing me apart. I have come to realise, I am transgender, ftm. My support workers have been brilliant and have taken me clothes shopping. But my parents (who barely accepted my autism and ADHD have taken it badly. Anyway, I’m back, now that I’m more settled and beginning to live as male.

I frequently hear 'I want to hear it from you', even though like you I had given permission.

Thanks, I'll take a look at those options.

Out of curiosity, how are the big ear phones (that cover the ear) at blocking sound if I don't have music playing? I'd be willing to try that. But I can't use them if they are playing music, the sound that close to my ear, even on low volume is agony. But the blending in appearance of them really does appeal.

I can't actually answer your question as I have never learnt about fashion and have never understood fashion. I occasionally get comments saying I am fashionable. My reply is always 'really?' as I wouldn't know. But I see it more as fashion happened to overlap with what I like to wear. I pick my clothes based on four things: Do I like the colour Can I tolerate it again my skin Do I like the look of it Is it comfortable Mum helps though on smarter clothes.

I want to know what people's experiences are with this. Most of my senses are really hypersensitive. I already regularly wear sunglasses even when others don't but I'm not sure if the solution for dealing with too much sound is a good idea. I own a pair of ear defenders. I absolutely love them and they are brilliant, they also happen to be bright red. I've used them loads when it is too much sound but I'm not in a public place. But using them in front of other people, I'm not so sure about. My support worker has taken me to a few places that I would love if only I could cope with the sound but the sound is too much for me. I've tried the more discreet ear plugs and they aren't right for me. They didn't block out enough of the sound, allowed the really painful high pitch sounds through and made me more aware of the internal sounds of the ear. Even if I buy a more neutral colour ear defenders, I still think they will be really obvious. And I'm still nervous about using fidget/sensory toys in public. The sunglasses feel more acceptable. What are other people's experiences or thoughts on wearing ear defenders in public?

Sorry about the slow reply trekster. I totally forgot to check back. Yes my support worker would come with me. I already have them attend every medical appointment with me. But from my experience, not every medical person allows them to speak. Some refuse anything but me talking and don't allow them to help out. Fade, that's a similar situation to me. I keep on thinking about autscape. Maybe this is Year I do it.

Definitly bookmarking that recent link. The support worker that asked me previously has been worried that because of my autism that when I am ready to go down that route I wouldn't get through the assessments because of my communication difficulties.

Hi, actually it's very relevant. I used to own cats and loved the feel of their fur on my face. But Mum won't let me get another cat. Plus they aren't a portable option. As a first step, I tried those one of those fake velvet little pouches that jewellery sometimes come in. It's ok, but it's not as textured as proper velvet so I'll keep looking for the proper stuff.

Ooh, I like that idea. I'll definitly try that. Thanks.

Hi, I've tried lip salve on the past. It has pretty much the exact opposite effect with me. It does reduce the dry skin but anything that leaves a residue feeling on my skin (soap, cream, lip salve) I'm not able to tolerate. It's like sensory overload because it adds an extra sensation but not one I like. I then end up targeting that area. The last time I tried lip salve, the damage I did to my lips was horrific. I'm the same with anything like that. I have scars from where I clawed my skin after putting a little bit of cream on because of insect bites. But I think what I am seeking is specific sensory input on the lips (not in a romantic way). I was using my tangle hairy earlier and only when mum shouted at me to stop, did I realise, I was rubbing the rubber hairs on it across my lips. And only when forced to stop, did the picking at my lips start. I've also always (and still do) rub my soft toys across my lips. So I need something that I won't get told off about.

I use fidget and sensory toys almost constantly. But what they don't seem to stop is the skin picking, specifically my lips, which I can shred. Once I tried a chewy necklace but I didn't like it. I can't tell if its because it was the wrong one for me or because I don't actually chew stuff. Its odd because I use both teeth and fingers to pick at my lips. Any ideas what to try?

I'd have told him I was autistic and that because it is a spectrum that means everyone is different. ...Or just him him .