• Replies 20 replies
  • Subscribers 87 subscribers
  • Views 4506 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Gettting a diagnosis

NAS71782

Hi, I'm a 16 yr old girl and have been thinking for over a year that I might be autistic. I dont know whether I am faking and I dont want to take space in a community that is not mine to take. I relate heavily to a lot of the signs but I dont want to tell my parents or get a diagnosis in case I am not autistic and then it seems as though I want attention. Is there any advice anyone could give on what I should do? Thank you :) 

Parents

  • Hey there,

    Perhaps you could answer the Autism Spectrum Quotient (https://psychology-tools.com/test/autism-spectrum-quotient) this is one of the tools that is used to diagnose ASC/ASD. It will tell you your score afterwards and whether you fall within a range that increases your likelihood of having an autistic spectrum condition. Sometimes you will have to fill in the blanks with some of the questions since they are a bit vague. If you do fall within the range of having an autistic spectrum condition, then perhaps you could think about having an assessment.

    It's a thorny area but if you do relate to the spectrum and have had experiences which resemble autism, then you could embrace the neurodiversity movement even if you don't have a clinical diagnosis. After all, diagnosing autism clinically is just one small facet of the experience and we are not defined by our condition.

    As for taking space in a community that is 'not [yours] to take', I wouldn't worry about that - there aren't limited spaces in the autistic community as far as I am concerned.

  • in reply to SpaceOctopus

    Thank you, I wouldnt feel comfortable self-diagnosing but the test and my own experiences do suggest I have autism. I think I will have to get the courage to tell my mum and ask for a referral. Thank you so much for the help and kindness!

Reply Children