Hey everyone,

I'm Soph and I am diagnosed Autistic. I also have Synesthesia, Misophonia, Visual Snow and Maladaptive Daydreaming. (Look them up for more info )

I am a digital artist, and have created 10 characters and a whole different planet with different islands, different species, etc. With my maladaptive daydreaming (which isn't so severe that it controls my life, like some stories I have read) I will make music videos and scenes like from a movie in my head, and use this as a coping method for life.

One experience that I have been having is where sometimes I will see my characters in the world around me rather than in my head. Now, I know I'm not schizophrenic as 1. I know they aren't real and 2. I don't physically see them, I see them in my head, like an imaginary friend. I can control what they do/say, but I am unsure whether this is a part of my maladaptive daydreaming or my Synesthesia, or if they are just imaginary friends, or what. But I have been doing it all my life with different characters from shows or games, or older original characters.

Also, I have a problem which has only emerged in the last 3 weeks. My sensory input is dramatically high, resulting in sensory overload all day every day. I hate all sounds and smells (they are the main issues), and I get annoyed with people or animals I am close to because of the noise they make. This is causing pressure with my family, as I struggle to deal with anyone or anything that makes noise or smells. I am sure my Misophonia has a part to play in this, but it needs to be fixed as soon as possible.

Mum has been in contact with a Occupational Therapist to try to get my some therapy, as things haven't been working out with my therapist who we have been seeing regularly for the past 3 years, and maybe the OT could help me desensitise to the sights and smells. But I would highly appreciate any help with either of my issues.

Thanks so much, have a nice day