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ASD diagnosis (reactions from those around you)

RuthTaylor

Hello All,

I got diagnosed with Aspergers earlier this month and have been surprised by people's reactions to my diagnosis (not that I've told a lot of people but close friends, family, employer and a few medical professionals) and these are the responses that I've had:

  • You don't look autistic
  • Oh no I'm sorry to hear that
  • You don't act autistic
  • Don't people get diagnosed as children (A Pharmacist said this)
  • You seem normal to me
  • Oh but you're intelligent (My dad)
  • Is that a learning disability (My dad)
  • I've never seen you being violent or screaming

Just wondered what responses you got from those around you when you told them that you were diagnosed with ASD?

Thanks 

Ruth 

Parents

  • My family have been supportive. The only person who has been difficult about it—is me. I still have moments where I don't accept it. One thing I will say is that if you're expecting people to care about your diagnosis, then you'll be disappointed.  They may consider it in a fleeting moment, but, while it is important to us, it's not usually important to anyone else. At best, I think all we can hope for is a reaction of mild curiosity or indifference.

Reply

  • My family have been supportive. The only person who has been difficult about it—is me. I still have moments where I don't accept it. One thing I will say is that if you're expecting people to care about your diagnosis, then you'll be disappointed.  They may consider it in a fleeting moment, but, while it is important to us, it's not usually important to anyone else. At best, I think all we can hope for is a reaction of mild curiosity or indifference.

Children
  • in reply to ☕Tassimo ☕
    ☕Tassimo ☕ said:
    One thing I will say is that if you're expecting people to care about your diagnosis, then you'll be disappointed.  They may consider it in a fleeting moment, but, while it is important to us, it's not usually important to anyone else.

    Yeah, my expectations were too high. I'd been struggling for a long time and personal communication was getting harder and harder, I couldn't stay in a job properly and was starting to break completely - which is why I finally pursued the diagnosis.

    I thought that my parents, close family and close friends (all of whom I've known for 20+ years) would be more responsive. I'd confided in close friends. I didn't expect people to be fawning over me, but I was hoping that they might be supportive and able to engage a bit about it as I was trying to understand and relate to past issues. I thought they might say "ah, that's why you do this" and maybe be more understanding about certain things.

    That said, I do completely get and understanding your point.