Autism and Sense of Smell

My fortune cookie said "Your wish will come true" ~ I'm pretty jazzed about that!!

I'm just not sure which wish ~~

I HATE shopping!! I hate it so bad that all of the words here could never describe how bad I hate it ~ but its obviously something that one must do to function in life, so I obviously MUST do it.

However, after shopping, I get in the car, listen to very LOUD angry rock and drive like Im running from the police.

If anyone else out there has this same type of experience after shopping, I would like to know. Im not sure why I must have this aggressive outburst after being in a store but it happens almost every time. Sometimes I prefer very loud classical music over hard rock but thats none of your business!

Being autistic one views the world in abstract ways and I realized early on that what I think does not always coincide with logic and I have to talk sense into myself sometimes. One task that has helped me tremendously to get through life is smell, which effects me GREATLY!!! It doesnt matter if the smell is considered bad or good by the general public, it matters how that particular smell effects ME.

For instance, if I am in a high stress situation, I usually prefer to carry a flower or something with me to smell often to help keep me calm and focused on the task. The same holds true for waterfalls. Waterfalls clear my mind and help me relax ~ or the sound of water, at least ~ doesnt have to be a waterfall. I am refreshed by these things and stay creative in whatever I am doing.

And men ~ "oh" ~ when a man smells good, it literally turns me into some type of animal. I LOVE a great smelling man and I just want to tear his clothes off!! It doesnt matter where I am, a great smelling man is so pleasing to me and I cant think about anything but him.

However, bad smells (ones I dislike) make me feel like vomiting or passing out. I become far more stressed and lose concentration. I cant think of anything but getting away from the smell. I wonder if this high sensitivity is a part of being autistic or if its just me?!?

My latest tasks have been to recover memories ~ which has worked extremely well!! I can remember some faces now, I remember numbers 50% better and I am more alert to the outside world around me. I feel empowered and excited about the future.
:o)

Signed,
Insane, Crazy, Polka-Dotted Fish Who Wears Size 4 to 5 Shoes