I'm Navigating Autism as an Autistic Adult

Welcome to our Weekly Porch Coffee - a weekly chat with a late-diagnosed #autistic lady. I share about my week and you can share about your week in the comments... and there you have it: internet friends!
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Hi! I’m Claire, and this is my channel, Woodshed Theory. Here you will find the awkward ramblings of an adult autist. I love being creative and sharing my experiences with you. Subscribe to see more DIYs and Autism Discussions on your feed!
Please subscribe if you wish and thank you for visiting.
Email: [e-mail]
Instagram: @woodshed_theory
FACEBOOK: / woodshedtheory
All the music and sounds in my videos are from epidemicsound.com
Thumbnail was produced in Canva. B-Roll is also from Canva.

[@jonathon5075]

Good morning friends. This is the week of my move. Going a couple states over.. wish me luck! (~internally freaking out~😅)

[@WoodshedTheory]

Moves are SO hard be kind to yourself you got this

[@hspparadise]

Have a good week! We appreciate you! 🩷♥️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤🤍🩶🥳

[@WoodshedTheory]

Same to you

[@katw01]

Hey Claire, thankyou for sharing Your sparkle and for inspiring me to pick up my knitting needles once again👋💛✌️ **internet friend**

[@helenaskew4851]

Hi Claire, I've been at the school this week, also spending time with family. I too don't like the way that autism is only shown when having a melt down. Yes there are other ways as you said. Please give your cat a hug from me. Nice to see you today and have a great week ❤

[@shapeofsoup]

🎶 Internet Friends 🎵

[@flyygurl18]

💃🏽

[@whitneymason406]

I'm feeling stressed lately. I am working on becoming a home health aide for my son. I have to get a physical and a TB test, but my insurance won't cover it. I also applied for a part time job last week so I'm hoping I get a call back soon. I hate money, it stresses me out and I never have enough. Hoping things turn around soon. Take care, Claire and friends! 💞 PS: Maybe reach out to Nigh Functioning Autism? I think they would be very interesting if you could get them on your podcast!

[@madberry]

I’m rooting for you. We can only work as hard as we can to solve problems in our lives. You’re great at what you do don’t forget it. Friend. 💕

[@whitneymason406]

@@madberry aww thank you for your kind words, friend 💞

[@lindaT82]

Best wishes for your work plans!! I hope things work out for you really soon ☀

[@whitneymason406]

@lindaT82 thank you so much! 💞

[@resourceress7]

Oh I'm going to second the suggestion of reaching out to @nighfunctioningautism. Great insights from an autistic AAC user, parent of autistic kids, and paraprofessional who works with autistic kids.

[@shapeofsoup]

I’m so glad your Ernie is ok. My Li refuses to keep a collar on for longer than ten minutes (he quickly perfected removal of the breakaway), but he’s a strictly inside kitty and thankfully has no interest in the outside.

[@donnellallan]

I don't have spoons to communicate today, but I am sending love. 💜

[@lizmari7042]

I've been meaning to record a S&T video... hopefully this week! Thanks for the discussion about how autistic people are typically recognized for their behavior when challenged.

[@WoodshedTheory]

I can’t wait to see the video!

[@lindaT82]

Thanks for another awesome Porch Coffee!! I am really looking forward to catching up on the last two Autistic People talking podcasts soon. I love all the episodes!! I hope Ernie recovers well. I have 2 rescue cats, but we have to keep them indoors where I live. They have the freedom of the whole house, and are very happy. 🐈‍⬛🐈Both were rescued from traumatic situations, so it took a while for them to trust humans again. My plan is to build a catio for them. For now they love to watch the world from all our windows. Have a great week everyone!! ✨

[@WoodshedTheory]

I love the catio idea! I would love to keep ours inside full time but it’s not possible

[@marisa5359]

Hey, Claire. Aww. Love the kitties names. Bert and Ernie were some of my favorites growing up. Hoping for a swift recovery for the little guy. No worries on what is getting done versus not. Balance is good. Lack of burn out also is good. I am trying to balance in our challenging circumstances lately by learning what I really need to do versus what can be let go. Getting there and helping my husband to get there too. Things are continuing to get better overall but it is slower than he likes. Staving off boredom is the hardest but incorporating his love of puzzles back into his life and that has been good. Well, off to homeschool. Wishing you a blessed week, friend. ❤

[@WoodshedTheory]

I think he will be just fine I think the eyelid thing bothered me more than it does him - he was excited to go to the vet and purred the entire time and loved on all the nurses

[@Pjolter365]

Poor Ernie, hope he gett vell soon🙏. Last week was ok+ 👍. The comment you made about how we are often perceived only how we act under destress touched me to Claire!. That was a deep reflection and thank you for re sheering the persons comment. Hope you all have a regulated and safe week interne-friends🙂

[@WoodshedTheory]

Yes I hadn’t considered it either but it really got my thinking

[@furisjourney]

Good day, Clare! I'm sorry to miss porch coffee this morning! I'm struggling with balance lately myself, and that deadline thing is very helpful to me. I definitely do not want to burn out or melt down anymore. It sucks so much. So, take care of yourself this week and moving forward.

[@9crutnacker985]

Ah. the joys of having a cat. This is why I now only have stuffies & Daleks. Talking of Daleks I did a quick all size Dalek dome count last wk. 190 (inc 7 Davros's, ones in bits & under construction but not guests). Health wise I seem to be doing well. Guts are settling, no urgent running to the loo now but still no regular time keeping. Pain is slowly improving. Time blindness is a problem (as it was last time) in so far as I'm wanting to be doing things that I'm just not recovered enough to do and I have to keep reminding myself It's only 3 wks (tomorrow) since I was on the op. table and only 2 since I got home. When I tell people what activities I am able to do they're shocked how far ahead of the 'curve' I am but it doesn't feel like it to me.

[@WoodshedTheory]

Yes Daleks won’t rip their eyelids, they will only exterminate. I’m glad to hear your health is improving

[@j-ivey]

"it's autism show-n-tell!"

[@WoodshedTheory]

*goes to look up cat eyelid diagram*

[@kerripedersen9542]

Hi Claire! I'm so glad that the skunk situation is behind you and that you have your house just about in order. LOL at the co-hosting crows. :D They were right on cue! Have a great week. :)

[@lindadunn8787]

This is my favorite Porch Coffee so far. There are so many points to consider, I need to stop watching and listening and come back later. Goody!

[@WoodshedTheory]

What a compliment- I hope you have a good week

[@KittyInTheGarden]

I'd be interested to see Hester Lonergan, Struan from Am I Neurodivergent?, Paune from Paune's Journey or Dana Andersen on the podcast

[@DJ_Black_Tourmaline]

Dana Anderson 100 percent! she is so open and authentic. love her.

[@MyHumanSuit]

Hi Claire! I had an apartment flood this week...well, my neighbor did so I did! My nervous system is still on fire because this guy has been tormenting me for years. He got so bad I ended up in the hospital so I couldn't pay my rent and now I'm battling finding shelter next week. 😮‍💨 It's been a tough week but I always feel better after watching you and singing your jingle! 🎉🩵

[@WoodshedTheory]

i'm so sorry to hear about this it sounds terrible. i sincerely hope things improve soon

[@wendyheaton1439]

I've had a good cat week as Mike (autistic AF) and the tea fairy delivered 2 of Hydra's kittens to me. Merlin and Guinevere...so much love and fun ahead ❤

[@WoodshedTheory]

No way! I’m so glad you got two of the babies I’m so jealous

[@irisl7817]

I'm a hot mess, too. My job has kind of calmed itself (a little). But I still cannot quite manage both my job and keeping my house up. Forget social things. Just don't have the energy.

[@BlueRoseHelen252]

Hey Claire, blimey I hope Ernie's third eye lid heals quickly it's good that it's nothing too serious. The kittens will be 11 weeks old this week! We have had then 3 weeks already! It's our Eldest's birthday on Wednesday this week .... She will be 15! I have to draw her a card today if I get the chance. I've not been sleeping great this last week so I am a bit subdued at the moment. The kittens will be having their vaccinations tomorrow so we will be able to take them out for some harness training so when we want to go out somewhere they can come to. We will have to alternate with taking Rocket 🦎 out in the Summer ... He likes a sunbathing trips to the beach. 😂. Have a good week Claire. 😊

[@WoodshedTheory]

Sounds like you have some super cool pets! I can’t believe the kittens are already 11 weeks! I bet their features are personalities are really starting to shine

[@lauraburystedmundsyoga8231]

Get well soon Ernie! Hope there's another Show & Tell next week - I hadn't realised how much I enjoyed them until today! Loving the podcast episodes 💚

[@WoodshedTheory]

I love them too! I’ll keep putting them up as long as I have submissions :)

[@pikmin4743]

if you haven't seen an autistic person get excited about something, you haven't lived! mornin Claire! I hope Ernie feels better soon! your caw-hosts are lively today I did a sleep study on friday night and it sucked. I barely slept, but hopefully they got enough data. have a great week, oh and happy equinox

[@WoodshedTheory]

I want to sincerely thank you for introducing me to the term “caw-hosts”

[@pikmin4743]

@@WoodshedTheory hahaha you're very welcome. one of my rare moments of great inspiration

[@cozyhilarium]

I hope Ernie feels better soon. You're a good cat mom. I signed up to foster a dog from a local rescue this week and will be getting her in a few days. I'm excited but also nervous.

[@WoodshedTheory]

congrats on the foster doggo

[@david-x9r9h]

I'm happy to hear your cat will be OK. Aren't cats the best??!! We have 6 cats and 3 of them are black. We have a soft spot for black cats as they seem the sweetest. I liked your comment about being a middle aged woman talking about herself and your smile afterwards! I feel the same way on many days, but middle aged man instead. That made my day and gave me something to smile about! Don't be hard on yourself. You're brave for sharing autistic experiences with the world. Thank you as always for your content.

[@kellyschroeder7437]

Replay. Still trying to wake. Forgot it was Monday ☕️. Morning ☀️

[@WoodshedTheory]

Haha yep it’s def Monday

[@faeriesmak]

My week has been just having COVID and having to isolate so that I do not also give it to my husband and elderly mother. Even though I do not feel terrible anymore I can’t do much besides sit around or the next day I feel much worse again. I am one of the lucky people who gets pretty sick for a long, long time when I get this bug. I am getting frustrated and bored!

[@WoodshedTheory]

Ugh I’m so sorry - being sick can be so boring

[@flyygurl18]

Awww Bert and Ernie 🥰 so cuttte 😍 I’m so jealous: I want a pet! This is the first time I’ve ever heard about cats having a third eyelid: fascinating! Congratulations on your sponsored collab: you’re gonna smash it 🎉 I totally agree with your sentiment about perceptions and perspectives about Autistic people: it is a shame !

[@WoodshedTheory]

Thank you for all the support

[@flyygurl18]

@@WoodshedTheory 🥰

[@stephenie44]

I used to think I was one of the rare few autistics that grew up untraumatized. But it turns out that even with good supportive parents that were financially comfortable, and an AuDHD symptom profile that LOVED learning and happen to fit mainstream public school teaching methods, and almost no bullying (I was just the kind quiet kid with no close friends, but I at least did have some people to hang out with and I wasn’t ostracized), and enjoying regular exercise from team sports - even with all of that protecting me, I still was unconsciously masking CONSTANTLY and related best to the most traumatized kids in my classes from 3rd grade on. The kids who were actively neglected, whose parents had drug problems, who were actively bullied by the entire class and disliked by teachers and faculty for being “difficult”.

[@lisastratton3869]

The last few weeks I have been learning American Sign Language (ASL) as my second language in pursuit of my midlife return to school. I am really enjoying it even tho I kinda feel not terribly good at it. Facial expressions are super important, and it's hard for me to know what my face is doing. Also all the interactions are small talk by necessity because of limited vocabulary. I still love it, and I'm allowed to he awkward at it. 😊

[@AutumnSunn]

💜 just what I needed today. Thank you! 💎

[@WoodshedTheory]

You're so welcome!

[@stephenie44]

It’s okay Claire, we don’t need your camera eye contact Looking forward to your drop :) I had issues adding volume to the bottom of the dress I’m crocheting, it took a long time and looked real weird and I had to frog a ton of work to try again. It’s going better this second time around, but it was disheartening and I had to take a break from it. Glad I was able to pick it up again, it’s been nice to work on.

[@WoodshedTheory]

It’s always hard when you are freehanding and it’s not going as you pictured

[@Dayglodaydreams]

You’re so lucky you have a job you love. I don’t.

[@WoodshedTheory]

I hope that changes for you

[@ghill8587]

So glad the skunk saga is over! 😅. Have a good week 😎

[@WoodshedTheory]

Same here

[@DJ_Black_Tourmaline]

what kind of coffee do you like? i am partial to single-origin Ethiopian beans but really i never met a coffee i didn't like (as long as it's not burnt tasting)

[@WoodshedTheory]

I know this is sad but I love dark roast - the more burnt the roast the better. 🫣

[@EricAllenGriff]

Earlier than ever... It was in home :)

[@WoodshedTheory]

welcome!

[@madberry]

I have a feeling all of the GPS satellites have fallen out of the sky. I’m just waiting for Elon to launch some more of them up there. Skunked for a second time that really sucks. But animals must know you’re an animal lover so they just pick you guys lol 😂 I’ve been pretty stuck for what feels like months now. I’ll give an example I’ve had to go in to have some blood drawn for a while now. I’m okay it’s for new medication I’ll be taking they wan to make sure everything is okay before they give me the medication. But I haven’t been able to get it done. The Dr office changed blood draws from appointment only to no appointment needed. And my brain is refusing to go now. It’s also really early in the morning. I’m a night person not a morning person. But hey what can you do. I’m sure I will get it done eventually hopefully sooner rather than later. Everything basically has been on hold until my brain is ready to get back to it again. No leather work no yarn art well you get the picture. I left a comment under one of Taylor(mom-on-the-spectrum here on KZbin) friend of the channel. The comment was about being in your headspace a lot. My brain is always on, even when I’m supposed to be watching a show or movie to relax it’s working. Thinking of solutions for problems I’m having or working on a design I want to make. On top of everything else it’s really tiring to not be able to shut your brain down. Rest really can’t be rest unless the brain dials it down some. I haven’t been able to find something that is able to help with that. Therapist still doesn’t think I have ADD even though it’s more of a trait of ADD than ASD. I feel I’m slowly getting there but just not fast enough which is absolute nonsense because you can only go as fast as your autistic brain will let you. Have a good week Claire and friends.

[@lindaT82]

I can relate to the blood draw. I've had to do a lot this year. Usually I try to pick the days and times when it is less busy, or I can plan to get there early before the rush of "fasting" tests. Take the noise cancelling headphones, and listen to an autistic people talking podcast! I hope you feel better about things soon - I mean feeling less stuck. Best wishes - have a great week!

[@azcactusflower1]

☕️💜

[@WoodshedTheory]

Morning

[@kellyschroeder7437]

💙😻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💞💙

[@WoodshedTheory]

Hi Kelly

[@kellyschroeder7437]

@@WoodshedTheory Hi Claire. Hope your cat is better. Have a good week. So far so tired today - oh well …🤪

[@RainbowUnicornPotato]

Hi everyone! Last 5 minutes of this Porch Coffee really resonated with me All the feels 💜 When school starts, i always end up off balance and descend into burn out... which has happened the past few weeks. 😅 Finally getting my self-care back in line and getting back to baseline. ☘ Now i get to catch up on some videos! Hooray for Etsy drop!! 🥳🎉 I can't wait for some glow-in-the-dark hats!

[@WoodshedTheory]

I have so much work to do making hats but I know I can do it!

[@Autistic_AF]

Come for the autism, stay for the pet chat! Poor Ernie and his nictitating membrane! I hope he recovers quickly! (I've only watched half way!).

[@WoodshedTheory]

He is doing well with the meds hopefully he heals quickly- luckily it seems like it’s not bothering him much

[@celinahuezo5518]

That was so funny when you said the crows are laughing at you!!! And you hear the crows outside lol

[@WoodshedTheory]

Yeah they really love to laugh at me lol

[@wendyfollett8099]

Hi Claire. Both you and the crow had plenty to say today! I really enjoyed it though! Please send a Loud Caw to the crow for me 😅

[@lizzieb7373]

Good Morning Claire! Good weekend here, feeling like I can deal with the week coming.

[@maikvanlommel7573]

Always singing along with the tune❤

[@WoodshedTheory]

I’m so glad.

[@robbiegibson4112]

Good morning. I caught you late. Good to see you Claire.

[@WoodshedTheory]

Morning!

[@Katielouise262]

I'm glad to hear Ernie is on the mend. I am having trouble remembering what I did last week. Not sure why. Maybe I did nothing. I bought a weighted blanket a couple of weeks ago as I had been sleeping under two heavy duvet and thought this might be a less peculiar response. It's been good - it a full size blanket so you can actually tuck in if you wanted to , but it is not necessary, and its cotton rather than microfibre. It has been helping, so I do consider it was a good buy. I later received a note from the seller asking to review the product and support them and their work with the 'most vulnerable' . I'm sorry if this offends people and I am a little afraid to ask, but I would like to know what people think about this? I feel kind-of 'Yes' and kind of 'NO!' at the same time, but I am in a space where I feel learning might be the most appropriate response to challenge and I believe in leaving reviews and helping people where I can, so I'd rather do that, and I'd rather think the best of people. Obviously the note ignores the whole 'spectrum' aspect of this condition, preferring to present a sort of 'locked in' view of Autism, but can see my own response might be a form of able-ism also, which is kind of unwelcome, so if that requires I grow a little, I guess I need to know.

[@WoodshedTheory]

Yes I wonder what they mean by most vulnerable - could mean several different things. The blanket sounds nice!

[@Mykethepsych]

Hold tight, Mug club & Co. 😎✊. Not getting enough done?? You show up every week, chill.

[@WoodshedTheory]

I hear you - but I also feel like it’s not enough lol

[@Mykethepsych]

@@WoodshedTheory Your bar is pretty high. Ambitious.

[@thuslymars]

It's fall we need energy drinks for the rest of the year Yo, I saved a 🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛ crow gave em a slice of pizza ,this was a Sunday morning Saturday' was a little bit more of the gym again ,made a few new friends Still haven't watched the new beetlejuice movie Late night early morning food runs everyone can make food in the kitchen after midnight but when I do it everyone's getting mad (skill issue it smells so good when i make food)

[@WoodshedTheory]

I haven’t seen beetlejuice yet either im scared i won’t like it lol

[@davidwalters3003]

Hello Claire I had a great weekend I went to church after I came home I went grocery shopping yesterday and today I have my coffee this morning and went to work and that's I had a good day I hope you have a good day too 😊

[@flyygurl18]

Awww Bert and Ernie 🥰 so cuttte 😍 I’m so jealous: I want a pet! This is the first time I’ve ever heard about cats having a third eyelid: fascinating! Congratulations on your sponsored collab: you’re gonna smash it 🎉 I totally agree with your sentiment about perceptions and perspectives about Autistic people: it is a shame !

[@StarShade-l7q]

Comments for the comment god!

[@ratlinggull2223]

Likes for the like queen.

[@WoodshedTheory]

The algorithm accepts your gift lol

[@luciabertinat274]

Can’t wait for your new crochet designs! 🫶

[@Kiersin]

I have had a productive week, but mostly in getting phone calls done. I got an appointment for me, and my car (carport + open back hatch = car repairs). My car is now getting the repairs done, and it was rather simple to get it all done. Once I made that phone call, the ball started rolling.

[@WoodshedTheory]

Getting past the phone call is the hardest part sometimes

[@Kiersin]

​@WoodshedTheory, the phone call was half the battle. I managed to get my car in early enough that I got my car back today.

[@Dayglodaydreams]

Last night sucked. I burned two cheese sandwiches. I got banned by a fucking Reddit mod.

[@TheCassierra908]

Hi Claire! Sending healing vibes for Ernie. Hope his eye heals really quick! Over here... another busy week. We are taking in one of our local fall fairs tomorrow hopefully. And my daughter loved the "don't wished to be perceived" shirt. I caved and gave it as an early birthday present. 😊

[@annalisamanderville1364]

Poor Ernie, I hope he feels better soon 💜

[@roberttravers7587]

Great porch coffee!😁

[@Christine83507]

Thanks for the visit, Claire! Wishing Ernie a speedy recovery ❤️

[@WoodshedTheory]

thank you i think he will be okay :O)

[@blakeharvard5841]

Try a podcast with I'm Autistic, now what?

[@WoodshedTheory]

Hi Blake! Great news I have done an episode with Meg from I’m Autistic, Now What? It’s on the podcast playlist I hope you will check it out

[@ashleyien1222]

Sorry I'm a day late. Been struggling... stomach was bad yesterday. today everything feels like too much, but I'm at work, so listening to videos while I work. All the podcast episodes have been good so far.

[@WoodshedTheory]

Sorry to hear about your stomach issues

[@cupofteawithpoetry]

Thanks for a great porch coffee Claire 😊 ☕

[@WoodshedTheory]

You’re welcome 😊

[@orchidsadutchy4940]

Hi Claire! I'm so sorry to hear about Ernie's eyelid and your dog getting sprayed by a skunk. It must be terrible. We don't have skunks in Finland but I can imagine what it must be like. My brain immediately starts imagining ways of keeping skunks away, but probably it isn't too simple. Hopefully the cats stay away from skunks. But cats often have their own ways of getting into trouble. When I was a teenager my cat got in a fight with another cat, somewhere over fresh cement, and in her distress she also 💩ed during the fight, and after all that climbed a tree. So we had to help her down, and she was shaking, her fur covered with poo and pieces of fresh cement. What a nightmare 😢 But she was OK afterwards. I hope Ernie's eyelid is healing nicely. Claire, I'm new here and have watched some of your videos these last couple of weeks, but I don't know if you ever mentioned what's the story behind your channel's name. Judging by the drawing of the alien inside a woodshed, I suppose it means the feeling we ASD people have of being outsiders, like aliens, not fitting in. But I don't know what other meanings or symbolism the woodshed might have, apart from being a place to hide? Let me know if I got it wrong. --EDIT: I now found your video about the channel's name! It was so interesting and beautiful!

[@CatsandHatsCrochet]

So true what you said at the end about autistic people being known for what we do when we’re upset. I think that’s why a lot of us get missed because we are more of the shut down type of autistic and when we do fully meltdown it’s usually in private. Autism for me is probably 85% internal. The external part is being shy, quirky, and flaky (as in canceling plans or not returning phone calls). But you’re right, the positive aspects need to be seen and appreciated more. There are so many things we are amazing at, and the different way we look at the world is important.

[@jeffreypollan308]

Hi, Claire! No need to apologize for not looking at the camera. We are autistic afterall!

[@WoodshedTheory]

Amen to that