Published on 12, July, 2020
Since I went 'public' about my ASD diagnosis I've had more than one person say to me 'We're all on the spectrum mate'. At the time I found the comment slightly offensive, as if they were saying, 'You're not the only one who's got issues, just get over it', but on reflection, perhaps they have a point. In this crazy world where the borders of 'normality' are infinitely blurred, could it be that we are all on one big spectrum, but only some of us in the 'zone' that is currently classed as a disorder? I can't help wondering if everyone did the tests and questionnaires that I did when being assessed what percentage of the population would be diagnosed. The very first test I did came as quite a shock because the questions seemed so very appropriate to how I was feeling, and it returned a result of high probability. I can't decide if that's just because I do actually have ASD or because some of those questions would apply to anyone doing the test. I'd be interested to hear people's opinion on this, especially if anyone out there has done the test and returned a negative result i.e. low probability.
Yes, everyone would fall somewhere within a neurological spectrum, but not an autistic spectrum. I'm afraid they are ignorant to the subject so they are entirely wrong.
Some really interesting thoughts here. The general consensus seems to be a resounding NO, not everyone is on the autistic spectrum, but I still keep thinking that defining the 'ends' of a spectrum is a bit like looking for the end of a rainbow. I think Autonomistict's comment about the spectrum being non linear and rather more spikey makes sense of this. I guess I have to trust my GP diagnosis and stop listening to the naysayers.
On another note, it was a close friend's birthday today and he asked me if I'd meet him and his wife for a beer in a local pub. Without thinking about it too much I agreed. I arrived at the pub first and as I walked into the beer garden I suddenly panicked. I haven't been anywhere with that many people in such close proximity for months and months, and it freaked me out to the point where I almost turned around and ran away. Instead I found a free table right on the outskirts of the garden and sat down with my back to everyone else to wait for my friends. My hands were shaking, my throat was dry, and I sat and fumbled with my mobile phone to try and distract my negative thoughts. It felt truly horrible but I wanted desperately to overcome it. When I suddenly got a text message from my mate saying they had arrived the relief was immense and ultimately I was glad I made the effort. I wasn't aware of it before today but his wife is a paediatric nurse who specialises in dealing with autistic children. We've known each other for a few years and she told me that she wasn't at all surprised about my diagnosis, and that it explained a lot of my behavioural traits that she'd noticed in the past. It may sound odd to say it but I'm finding that the more others recognise this the easier it is for me to accept it. I really thought the opposite would be true.
Twitch said:I think Autonomistict's comment about the spectrum being non linear and rather more spikey makes sense of this.
I'm pleased it helped
Twitch said:I guess I have to trust my GP diagnosis and stop listening to the naysayers.
A GP cannot diagnose autism, they are not specialists and such a diagnosis would not be valid under NICE guidelines.
A GP will normally ask some questions and fill out an AQ10 questionnaire. Depending on the results of that they will then refer you to a specialist multidisciplinary team for a formal diagnosis.
The waiting times for a formal diagnosis are several years in most areas, although it is possible to shorten this via the right to choose pathway.
No problem. I just wasn't sure if you were aware of the process.
Some people are happy to self identify while others choose to go down the formal diagnostic route.
Sometimes I wonder why I put myself through the lengthy and gruelling diagnostic process. It's not as if it has led to any greater understanding or support from health services.
Although my GP diagnosis may not be valid under NICE guidelines I think it's clear from what he discussed with me, and what I've read on this forum (and others), that I have ASD. To be honest I don't want to wear it like a badge so accepting it and trying to find ways to deal with it is far more important to me than waiting years for a formal diagnosis. Not sure having that would change anything for me now. I'm not looking for financial help, or any professional therapy, so not much to gain from it really. I've lived with it for 58 years, and got through the show so far. Yes there has been trauma, and heartache, and pain, along the way, all without knowing the reason why, until now. I accept that I'm different, and quirky, and troubled at times, and always will be, but I don't hate the way I am, just certain aspects of it. Now I know there's a reason I can learn to live with it instead of constantly asking why and trying to fight it. There are lots of people out there who I look at daily and tell myself 'If that's 'normal' then you can keep it'.