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Diagnosis and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviours, interests, or activities.

Jay

Hi all

I am hoping to be referred for assessment soon and am wondering about repetitive behaviours.  I don't fit into the stereotypical box of having huge collections or an encyclopaedic knowledge of dinosaurs or trains but I'm sure I'm being too narrow in my view of what Autism is (but I worry that the people who decide whether to refer me or not might be too). 

I used to be a bit obsessive (collecting films and posters) about a few film stars when I was young but that's probably normal.  Now, the main thing I guess is that I'm a bit obsessed with updating my accounts on Excel which I do most days.  The workbook has 25 sheets now and is pretty complicated.  In the past, I've also documented other aspects of my life there such as the amount I'm sleeping, drinking or using my phone (anything I have trouble with).

Has anyone had experience of diagnosis when they don't have any special interests?  I also feel like I put off indulging some interests as I'm just so busy with life, not to mention anxious and occasionally depressed which reduces my desire to spend time on my interests.  I also don't like to spend money so avoid buying all the books I would really like to.

As I love an online quiz, I did the RBQ-2A and score around 27 to 29 which is just above the diagnostic criteria.

I'm just trying to understand as much as I can as I'm not sure whether I meet the ASD criteria.  Reading the DSM 5, I would say not but all the quizzes and discussions on this forum suggest yes, as well as some family members independently suggesting I am and that my father is (I'm quite sure that he is as well).

Thanks for any input.

Jay 

Parents

  • Hi Jay, I'm Alice.

    The stereotypical box is a problem because no one actually fits inside it. ASD effects everyone differently and, my understanding is, an autism diagnosis is based on how much your symptoms affect your day to day life and not whether you have autistic traits. Diagnosis seems to be a mixed affair depending on who assesses you and how knowledgeable/experienced they are. Some people are given a negative diagnosis one year and then a positive one a few years later. We still don't really understand neuro diversity, and although things are getting better, I think there's still a long way to go.

    For me, the most important thing is to recognise your needs and to accommodate them in the best way you can. Yes, you can wave a diagnosis in front of people but in the end, it's all about how you feel about yourself. And that struggle is the same for all humans, thinking in a different way does make some things harder, but it makes other things easier.

    I think what I'm trying to say is try not to stress about your assessment and think instead about whether or not the label is important to you, and why.

    These are just my thoughts. Good luck with it all Blush

Reply

  • Hi Jay, I'm Alice.

    The stereotypical box is a problem because no one actually fits inside it. ASD effects everyone differently and, my understanding is, an autism diagnosis is based on how much your symptoms affect your day to day life and not whether you have autistic traits. Diagnosis seems to be a mixed affair depending on who assesses you and how knowledgeable/experienced they are. Some people are given a negative diagnosis one year and then a positive one a few years later. We still don't really understand neuro diversity, and although things are getting better, I think there's still a long way to go.

    For me, the most important thing is to recognise your needs and to accommodate them in the best way you can. Yes, you can wave a diagnosis in front of people but in the end, it's all about how you feel about yourself. And that struggle is the same for all humans, thinking in a different way does make some things harder, but it makes other things easier.

    I think what I'm trying to say is try not to stress about your assessment and think instead about whether or not the label is important to you, and why.

    These are just my thoughts. Good luck with it all Blush

Children
  • in reply to Alice

    Hi Alice

    Thanks for replying.  I definitely don't want to pin all my hopes on getting this diagnosis but I'm just desperate to find a way to live without constant anxiety and to better understand where my issues may come from.  If that is partly due to autism then I can maybe learn new techniques and more healthy coping mechanisms.  

    If I did get a diagnosis, it would be more for me rather than telling anyone else. Saying that, it would mean I could explore any support services offered (there are some at my work) again in the hope of learning how to better cope with this tricky life.

    I appreciate your thoughts,

    Jay