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Struggling to get support from family.

NAS71449

Hi, I’ve recently came across information on high functioning autism in adults and it’s really resonated with me. Although I’ve not received a diagnosis I feel fairly certain that (due to my having a lot of the symptoms) I have high functioning autism. It would explain a lot about me now and as a child. 

I’d like to try and get a diagnosis- several of my friends had already speculated that I might have autism and are supportive of my attempts to find out for certain, but I’m struggling to convince my family to help me. I was never particularly close with either of my parents so I thought my Aunt would be my best bet for help, but she refuses to acknowledge that I could have autism. When I read out the symptoms she agrees that I have them, but will not accept it could be due to autism. She did the same 8 years ago when I was diagnosed with depression (she insisted I was just unhappy) but she has recently accepted that my depression is more than just unhappiness. I don’t want to have to wait another 8 years for her to accept this.

She uses the fact that I outgrew some of the symptoms I had as a child, and that some I didn’t develop until I was a teen, as reasons why it couldn’t be autism - ignoring the fact that I’ve had many symptoms my whole life. I know she loves me and isn’t trying to be malicious, and I’d really like her help - does anyone have any advice on how best to educate someone who is ignoring the signs? When I read her information from websites she acknowledges everything I say in regards to the diversity of other people’s experiences, but simply won’t accept mine.

Parents

  • why cant u approach your GP yourself ? 

    here is the plan  i followed

    go for it  

    what are u're main autistic traits  u have had ur entire life ? 

    are either of ur parents or any other relatives autistic ?

    be aware ADHD is also very close in symptoms as autism and so is Social Anxiety.

    have to done any of the online tests ? I can send u links to them. Just as a thing to mention to a GP. Just ask.

  • in reply to aidie

    Hi, thanks for replying! I am going to go to my GP - I just thought it might be helpful for someone who’s known me my whole life to be there too.

    I would say that the main traits I’ve had my whole life are struggling socially (social anxiety/eye contact/I really struggle with small talk, although as a kid it was any kind of conversation other than about things I liked), not understanding the way people think/having no idea how to comfort people who are upset and getting very anxious when there’s bright lights/loud noises. I really can’t handle when there’s a lot going on at once. Also in my teens I developed a strong aversion to touching that I didn’t particularly have as a child (this is the only thing that irritates my Aunt - even though I’m 30 now she still doesn’t get why I don’t like hugs).
    I don’t know of anyone in my family who is autistic - but I’ve never been close to most of my family.

    Yes, I am very lucky to have her - it’s just a little frustrating that I maybe have an answer for why I struggle so much but can’t get her to see my point of view.

    I’ve done two of the online tests and they both said I seemed likely to have autism. Thank you for the plan - I’ll keep it saved on my phone!

Reply
  • in reply to aidie

    Hi, thanks for replying! I am going to go to my GP - I just thought it might be helpful for someone who’s known me my whole life to be there too.

    I would say that the main traits I’ve had my whole life are struggling socially (social anxiety/eye contact/I really struggle with small talk, although as a kid it was any kind of conversation other than about things I liked), not understanding the way people think/having no idea how to comfort people who are upset and getting very anxious when there’s bright lights/loud noises. I really can’t handle when there’s a lot going on at once. Also in my teens I developed a strong aversion to touching that I didn’t particularly have as a child (this is the only thing that irritates my Aunt - even though I’m 30 now she still doesn’t get why I don’t like hugs).
    I don’t know of anyone in my family who is autistic - but I’ve never been close to most of my family.

    Yes, I am very lucky to have her - it’s just a little frustrating that I maybe have an answer for why I struggle so much but can’t get her to see my point of view.

    I’ve done two of the online tests and they both said I seemed likely to have autism. Thank you for the plan - I’ll keep it saved on my phone!

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