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To diagnose or not diagnose? That is the question

Deleted User

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

  • I've always thought that I'm not your average guy. I can be socially awkward, quiet and quirky. I'm only just starting the journey of self discovering that I may well have some form of Autism. I relate to so many symptoms such as Anxiety, stimming, repetitive tasks and hobbies, routine etc. I've always thought that this is just the way I am.

    I also only just took one of the online tests this morning (I know this doesn't really prove anything), but I scored quite high based on my honest answers.

    I guess I would like to get a diagnosis as this would explain my reasons for being different.

  • in reply to NAS38170

    Ive never felt average. Ive often felt socially awkward especially in new or unfamiliar situations. At school i was always described as quiet. Some people still think i am unless they know me well. In groups im very quiet but its cos i get lost or struggle to join in.

    Anxiety is my default setting. Im not sure about stimming unless there are things i do which im not aware of. I did have a comfort blanket which is at my parents now but that was always there for me when i lived at home. I still love the feel of it now!

    I took some of the online tests last year. I scored a "maybe" for ASC (I think it was 26) and above NT average for reading emotions! Im going to take them again soon. I struggle with some of the online tests which i find male-orientated. (I have no interests in trains or timetables for example).

    Im having difficulty at yhe moment as life (thank god) is running smoothly so i feel very comfortable in situations and cant see how i could possibly have AS. i do know this changes when problems come up. Then im convinced i have it.

  • in reply to Deleted User

    Hi out_of_step

    I could've wrote that first paragraph, it's me 100%. I've always been a quite guy from as long as I can remember. I've always had a bad habit of pulling at threads on my clothes, mainly inside my sleeves or pockets. I twirl them in my fingers until it forms a ball, it's a great feeling. It's only till a few weeks later, I'll notice a hole forming, I've ruined so many jumpers and pants. I've always found it comforting and sometimes I don't realise I've been doing it until someone says something, mainly my wife. I guess that's what you might call stimming??

    I'm also like yourself, I have days where I feel so comfortable in myself until something changes or puts me out of my comfort zone.

  • in reply to NAS38170

    Well im glad someone is similar to me!

    Yes that could be stimming. I understand stimming to be something done for comfort. I was wondering if this is stimming but its not all the time.... i go through phases where i have a really dry scalp. Ive not had it (touch wood) for 2 years now. But when i have it i LOVE picking it. The feeling of it. Its like an addiction. My partner thinks its disgusting. I try not to do it in public but its hard not to.

    You see other people might do this too. But they might not have difficulty with social situations. Or get annoyed with little sounds. Or get really stressed when plans change. I think im seeing more where the line is (albeit a blurred one) between NT and ND. 

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  • in reply to NAS38170

    Well im glad someone is similar to me!

    Yes that could be stimming. I understand stimming to be something done for comfort. I was wondering if this is stimming but its not all the time.... i go through phases where i have a really dry scalp. Ive not had it (touch wood) for 2 years now. But when i have it i LOVE picking it. The feeling of it. Its like an addiction. My partner thinks its disgusting. I try not to do it in public but its hard not to.

    You see other people might do this too. But they might not have difficulty with social situations. Or get annoyed with little sounds. Or get really stressed when plans change. I think im seeing more where the line is (albeit a blurred one) between NT and ND. 

Children
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