Well, it has been way too long since my last post, and so many things have happened, both good and bad, its hard to know where to start.
So, rather than try to "rehash" everything that has happened in the past year, (almost), that I have been on hiatus, I have decided to discuss a topic that has been coming up quite frequently with both friends and family.
I do not know what has caused this sudden curiosity from my "NT" friends and family. It is certainly nothing new, as these sensitivities have always existed.
I have many things that I am "sensitive" to.
Most of them are "hyper", some are "hypo".
For as long as I can remember, I have had a strong aversion to sunlight. I would much rather be active at night to avoid the sunlight. It hurts my eyes. I have to buy the darkest sunglasses I can find, and still would rather just not be outside when it is bright out.
Sunlight also affects me differently than most people.
I have noticed that the "average" person, seems to be energized by sunlight. They become very active.
Sunlight makes me want to sleep.
If I have to be out all day in the sunlight, I will be lethargic all day long.
The interesting thing is, I am more, "reptilian" than "mammalian".
What I mean by that is, I seem to "store" energy until the sun goes down. About one hour after sunset, I become alive. Abundant energy....the "bouncing off the walls" kind of energy.
This type of sensitivity, by my understanding, is the most common type of hyper-sensitivity for those with Autism/Aspergers.
Interestingly, I have noted a rather unique, "side effect" to having this particular sensitivity.
I actually see better at night, than I do during the day. I mean a lot better.
I have amazed people by being able to spot a black cat, under a car, in the middle of the night, when there was no other light source to assist in my spotting him. I can see "shadows within shadows", if that makes any sense. I wish I could think of a better way to explain that.
My son, Kyle, (diagnosed autistic), was born with the same "contempt" for sunlight.
He used to hate going for car rides, as the sun inevitably would, "hurt" him.
At first, we weren't sure what the issue was. We thought he just didn't like car rides. As he got older, we figured it out and after purchasing a darker sunshade. He now enjoys car rides much better. At 8 years old now, he would much rather play indoors than outside. When he does choose to play outside, he usually doesn't do it for any length of time, usually an hour or two at most.
How many of you know someone, or is someone with a similar issue concerning sunlight? I would like to keep this article narrowed to just the sunlight topic. As you may have noticed, the title of this blog is, "Part 1".
My intention is to cover the various sensitivities, one at a time, so as not to consume my whole day with typing.
6 comments:
I have sensitivity to sunlight too and burn easily. I also have a heightened sense of smell (great if there's a gasleak in the house; but horrid headache the second I'm behind a diesel truck!)... many others. Thanks for writing about this; R U on FB??
I hate direct sunlight too. I always feel like I'm literally cooking. People have commented to me when I need sunglasses even in fog, and when I try to explain that the light reflects off the moisture in the air, their eyes just glaze over. I guess it's a lot to expect people to understand.
I love readding, and thanks for your artical.........................................
I am a 38 year old woman just now starting to come to terms with the possibility that I may have Aspergers. Aspergers or no, I am without doubt a hypersensitive and now live a nocturnal life. I have the same issues with sunlight as you describe. I could not get through a normal 9-5 workweek without needing a nap. Second shift however works wonders for me. Life starts at twilight.
I just Googled the topic. according to "The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome" By Tony Attwood, 1 in 5 with AS has this light sensitivity. The book may be very useful to you. some of it is posted at http://books.google.com/books?id=qJZmsp3ZVG8C&pg=PA286&lpg=PA286&dq=aspergers+sunlight&source=bl&ots=lEmsiIwFrn&sig=dfOrBOZqnzGi63E0o2wCSx3uVjo&hl=en&ei=dzWbTbWUL8q5tges3_CzBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&sqi=2&ved=0CCQQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q&f=false
Just found your blog, it's great.....I too have a sunlight aversion (Aspergers) as well as my daughter (also Aspergers). Several years ago when I worked an overnight shift it was the best job I ad ever had as far as my energy level and enjoyment factor. I also have the extreme sense of smell as the first poster said. Strange as it seems I can smell certain bug infestations (like the termite dogs) and can smell narcotics through sealed packaging (I work in the Law Enforcement field). Well, keep up the good blog, I am now bookmarking it.
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