Autism Meets Menopause!

There are some things a glass of wine can’t fix.  Just kidding!  But really, it can’t.

I heard about menopause and how it changes life as we know it. Growing up it was commonly asked if my mom needed her crazy shot…she usually did.  So, I figured that was all I needed when my crazy hit.  But, I never thought about what it would be like when Menopause meets Autism!

This is what I found out so far; when Menopause freaks out, Autism shuts down!

Autism requires routine and structure, a calm voice of reason, and a lot of patience.  My son still needs in the moment prompting and re-directing, and reminding, and guidance.   Instead, lately it’s been one temper tantrum and outburst after the other.  That’s that jerk menopause.

My son Josh is an adult. He’s wonderful. He’s smart. He’s Autistic. He still needs help with everyday functions.  But, it’s MY turn to be dysfunctional.  It’s my turn to be self-centered and selfish, blissfully unaware of another’s needs, to have a meltdown just because, to have all things according to my desire, to answer “I forgot” and “I didn’t think about it” to all questions, and to blow off every single responsibility I have.

HA- HA- HA- HA Universe! I see how you snuck up and doubled down on the crazy.

Earlier Josh told me to settle down. What? That dysfunction told this dysfunction to settle down? Only Autism can tell Menopause to settle down, and live to see another day. But that’s not the point…if he knows I should knock it off, then he knows that he should knock it off first!

So…I’m sitting in the waiting room – time to get my crazy shot.

Listen to the Podcast  – JHA008: Uh oh Menopause