I am quirky.
I have a very sensitive sense of smell.
I have a limited diet (I can eat the same thing everyday).
I get tired being around people all day.
I am cool not having friend and enjoy being alone.
And I am obsessive about my special interest (magic).
But does that really make me autistic?
I have an excellent sense of humour and get on well with people. I probably lack emotional empathy since I have no interest in romantic relationships and I relate to people's problems on an intellectual level but without sharing the same emotion they are feeling (is this what non-autistic people can do?).
Somebody I don't get on well with at work got sacked (and taken to court). The judge said he probably has autism. But me and him were like chalk and cheese. I was the only one pointing how nuts he was and how unsuitable he was to be a supervisor.
So if I could clearly see that (and other people could not) - then how can I have the same mental condition as him?
I don't trust mental health professionals. A lot of research has shown that misdiagnosis can be common in the area of mental health.
I just don't see why I need a label to "excuse" the fact that I am quirky. It wasn't too long ago that being gay was classed as a mental illness.
Has anyone else thought about challenging their diagnosis?
