What was your epiphany? how did you know/think you were ASD?

What led you seek diagnosis? 

Parents
  • For me it was an online article that I was casually reading one lunchtime, about a woman in her 40s who had just been diagnosed with Aspergers. Nearly choked on my sandwich, this was me all over, every bit of it. Then followed obsessive research into the subject, including Tania Marshall's female Asperger traits list (like Elephant, it would have been quicker to cross off the ones that didn't apply than to tick the ones that did). So then I was sure and wow, the relief to know that the tangled heap of weirdness that typifies my life to date has a single explanation!! 

    I am currently self-diagnosed but add to the above AQ score of 37 and aspie quiz 140-something ND, 50-odd NT and there is not much doubt left in my mind. I am off for a formal assessment in a couple of weeks .... which I am jointly excited and terrified by. The expert who will be assessing me specialises in AS in women and girls and has said that based on the evidence I have provided to date, there is a distinct possibility that AS could be the explanation. I honestly don't know what I will do if the answer is no it's not though. I am so sure it is, I can't really compute a negative answer. I am like a cat on hot bricks waiting, that's for sure.

  • Good to hear from you and good luck with your forthcoming assessment. I'm 42, female and have an AQ score of 46....but yet to brave a referral request but am happy with who I am, and at present, happy to be self-diagnosed.

    Please don't over analyse if the assessment says no...society is so hung up on labels (so NT! - hehe)..when the key thing is being able to understand ourselves and how we work so that we can go about this life without causing too much damage!! Slight smile

    BTW - glad you have found an expert who specialises in AS in women and girls.  Do let me know how you get on!! 

  • I do think self-understanding is the most important thing to get out of this. It already explains so much of why I am who I am. Society is hung up on labels, but as Spotty Tortoise said on another post, maybe having the label will at least put paid to the well-meaning "you can't have an ASD because .... " comments of well-meaning, but poorly informed, people!

  • NeuroTypical,  non autistic. 

    Neuro Diverse, is ND. Autistic! 

  • What does NT stand for?

  • there is nothing wrong with wanting certainty in an uncertain world. Slight smile

  • I'm not a big fan of 'maybe' either. Probably that ol' black & white thing coming out!!

  • Agreed. NTs like a box....and diagnosis can give certainty, reassurance, and self validation 

Reply Children