Autism thoughts.

I have difficulty with time. Not the telling of time but the planning of time. What the steps are I need to do and how long they will take. I usually underestimate. I have to begin with the end point and work back so if I have to complete something or leave by

Say 11am, that is my starting point. I have to remember to build in things that other people don't think of, like the 5 minutes I need to get my shoes, coat, bag etc and lock up the house. I don't like wasted time so I tend not to be early, despite the fact I find being late very

Stressful. I will attempt to be bang on time. This means that unexpected things like unusual traffic or roadworks can throw a spanner in the works. I have to try to remember to build in extra time for journeys. You'd think I'd make sure I was early but I can also find this

Stressful. I think it's because early gives me the chance to get anxious about what I'm there to do.

The worst thing people can do is not give me clarity over time. At work sometimes, a task is mentioned which needs to be done but no date of when is given. I'm considered fussy

For asking Qs over this but if it's not something I consider a priority (something which doesn't directly benefit the children) it will be left until I'm given a deadline. Then they will suddenly give a deadline which I can't meet and again I'm chastised for this as it was

Mentioned weeks ago and I need to manage my time better etc etc. This is despite knowing my diagnosis and that last minute expectations are difficult for me.

My partner also is vague about time but then annoyed when I'm 'late'. I will ask what time we need to go somewhere, he

Will say something like "by 10 at the very latest". To my brain this means we will start the engine and drive away at 10am. It's taken me over a decade to realise that he is repeatedly worked up and annoyed over this because when he says "at the very latest" what he actually

Means is "I ideally want to leave at 9.30am, but certainly by 9.45. Anything after this I will consider late and get very stressed about, which will in turn make you very stressed."

Please just give clarity over time. Be specific and I won't disappoint you.

#ActuallyAutistic

#AllAutistics

Sorry for the long thread but I just realised what a big issue this is for me.