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To diagnose or not diagnose? That is the question

out_of_step
over 5 years ago

Ive been watching Agony Autie this week. She is very empowering. "If you identify with autistic traits then why wouldnt you be autistic?" She mentioned that diagnosis might not be right for some people. I dont know if it would be right for me.

If i were to go through with the process and get an outcome of ASC my ideas FOR this would be a) validation b) evidence as i wouldnt be believed otherwise c)a better understand of myself (altho i am part way there from doing my own research).

Ideas against - a) declaring to prospective employers (do you HAVE to do this?!) Im pretty sure my current ones would be very supportive and i dont think id require an special adaptations....b) coming out to people and having to explain or justify myself...but most ppl i know are very open minded / laid back anyway....c) limiting myself. However this could be interpreted as knowing my limitations and not doing stuff just to fit in any more.

Waking up in the morning and looking in the mirror and seeing the label on myself every day for the rest of my life. I am in no way saying this is a bad thing but im not sure how prepared i am for that. And the emotions that woukd come along with it.

What reaons did you have for seeking a diagnosis / do you have for not seeking a diagnosis? Can anyone add to my list as it will give me other strands to consider.

Thank you.

Parents
  • over 5 years ago

    I didn't actively seek a diagnosis. I crashed during pregnancy and they put me in the Post Partum Watch programme before giving birth, thinking it was that. The psychiatrist there immediately said: 'Has anyone ever said you might be autistic?'

    Then after giving birth the entire procedure started up and after a year I got my diagnosis.

  • over 5 years ago in reply to Blank

    Thanks Blank. So it took a big event before you found out.  You know, having children is one of life's mysteries to me. I am 33 years old and have never felt maternal. I am warming to the idea but I think it's more of a practical sense than an intuitive female thing. There are many aspects to having children and going through pregnancy and birth which have whirled through my mind. I think I have tocophobia. I'm scared that if pregnancy does come along I won't be able to cope. I feel that if I were to be diagnosed with ASC  there would be additional support available.

Reply
  • over 5 years ago in reply to Blank

    Thanks Blank. So it took a big event before you found out.  You know, having children is one of life's mysteries to me. I am 33 years old and have never felt maternal. I am warming to the idea but I think it's more of a practical sense than an intuitive female thing. There are many aspects to having children and going through pregnancy and birth which have whirled through my mind. I think I have tocophobia. I'm scared that if pregnancy does come along I won't be able to cope. I feel that if I were to be diagnosed with ASC  there would be additional support available.

Children
  • over 5 years ago in reply to out_of_step

    I was 42,5 when I turned out to be pregnant. Though welcome it was very complicated. I totally couldn't relate to the other pregnant women and their cloud nine feeling. So initially the psychologist I had been visiting (midwife's advice) thought I was in prenatal depression and probably going to suffer from postnatal depression as well. 

    So went to specialised counselling sessions and because I really wasn't doing any better at all, a psychiatrist was called in for advice and it was her who immediately said: I think you are autistic.

    Pregnancy was difficult, but only mentally really, as I was still walking two hours a day at the end.

    I was scared I wouldn't feel maternal at all and really struggled after birth. My partner is superpaternal, so that helped.

    To be completely honest, it took me about ten months to feel slightly maternal or comfortable with the idea of being a mum. Until that time I just pushed through and did the best I could.

    I still struggle because a baby is very hard on the senses and I don't have that maternal patience thing. But we have got a smartie pants kid and it is rewarding to see that you get what you give. Like a computer: lots of input = decent output Relaxed️