Diagnosis?

Hi there!

I can certainly relate to what you've said, and being a similar age means we've probably had similar experiences at the same time but not known it! A couple of people mentioned the possibility of me being autistic, and I hadn't really considered it at the time. But a year later, a psychiatrist mentioned it again, at which point I started to really consider if I was autistic. I mean, it did explain why I found mixing with other children hard when I was younger, but at the time I admittedly had a fixed perspective as to what an "autistic" person looked like. Recently, I got an internship for my gap year, and discovered more issues that had to do with autism. I'm currently being assessed for it, but am pretty much convinced that I am autistic at this point. 

As for my parents, they thought I was fine, and to be honest, I thought I was too so I don't really blame them for not seeing it. As it is, none of us were that educated on autism, so I don't think I'd have picked it up any sooner! Anyways, what's important is that I'm doing something about it now.

For me, my experience of diagnosis has been an empowering one. Being able to put a name to a group of difficulties allows me to make sense of things, and help others understand. Having the diagnosis also gives me the confidence to speak out about it, and help more people understand issues like mental health. I think getting the diagnosis for autism would have the same effect on me.

Of course, this is just my experience - there are examples of people where it hasn't gone as well. But you can't really predict what your experience will be like until you get the diagnosis. Personally, I think you should definitely see someone about it - at the very least, people around you will understand more about what you find difficult and help you, and work managers will help to accommodate your needs so you can work as best as you can!x

Much love <3

Hi there!

I can certainly relate to what you've said, and being a similar age means we've probably had similar experiences at the same time but not known it! A couple of people mentioned the possibility of me being autistic, and I hadn't really considered it at the time. But a year later, a psychiatrist mentioned it again, at which point I started to really consider if I was autistic. I mean, it did explain why I found mixing with other children hard when I was younger, but at the time I admittedly had a fixed perspective as to what an "autistic" person looked like. Recently, I got an internship for my gap year, and discovered more issues that had to do with autism. I'm currently being assessed for it, but am pretty much convinced that I am autistic at this point. 

As for my parents, they thought I was fine, and to be honest, I thought I was too so I don't really blame them for not seeing it. As it is, none of us were that educated on autism, so I don't think I'd have picked it up any sooner! Anyways, what's important is that I'm doing something about it now.

For me, my experience of diagnosis has been an empowering one. Being able to put a name to a group of difficulties allows me to make sense of things, and help others understand. Having the diagnosis also gives me the confidence to speak out about it, and help more people understand issues like mental health. I think getting the diagnosis for autism would have the same effect on me.

Of course, this is just my experience - there are examples of people where it hasn't gone as well. But you can't really predict what your experience will be like until you get the diagnosis. Personally, I think you should definitely see someone about it - at the very least, people around you will understand more about what you find difficult and help you, and work managers will help to accommodate your needs so you can work as best as you can!x

Much love <3