Suggestions of where do I start with as a potentially an asd adult

Hello :) I'm after some community input here, please. 

As many other adults I'm sort of landing onto the idea that I might be on the spectrum myself through observing difficulties with my child. The kid will be 4 years old in autumn, is non-verbal and doesn't seem to have much of understanding of what is being spoken. Doesn't engage into play with others, apart from some favourite (?) adults, is a 'fussy eater' and does hand leading, can't be bothered to learn toilet and excels at navigating through digital menus via physical or virtual remote control to get to what he wants.

As lack of safe spaces has pushed me (well, us) into solitude, I've had plenty of time to do some mental exercises on reconstructing my own perception of the world. From strong preferences for only certain clothing materials (sic!) and passionate dislike for some types of garments to lacking social intelligence (at least now I understand that I've actually got not much of it and it horrifies me and probably explains why I've not been successful at finding myself a job after being made redundant post-covid contraction) - all these little big niggles and seemingly unimportant things I've learned to just live with can really be explained with a simple string of a diagnosis? Do I bother? It won't change who I am, as I've sort of fully landed on all four paws by now. But it is that hope in me, that if I pull this magic paper with a string of letters on it, it might be easier for others (should they want) to coexist if I have an official proof that I'm just a little bit, well, different.

Parents
  • Hi, I’m really new here but I have literally just received a diagnosis (technically yesterday now). Personally speaking, I feel at least a little better because it has given me some closure. For many years now I have tried masking the fact I am different in order to fit in.

    I always knew I was different and that people never really seemed to understand or accept me. Now I have at least a slight idea as to why. Unfortunately I also got a diagnosis of ptsd last year so it has been a lot to process. 

    I personally think that each individual is different. Some may feel better having a confirmation while others may possibly want to avoid it. What I will say is that if you feel it would be helpful to you then it could be worth considering. The truth is only you can make that decision. 

    Honestly whatever you decide, I hope you can find comfort in it. Best wishes and I hope my input may be of help to you

    • Thank you for sharing your experience, I do appreciate your insight and sincerity; and wishing you all the best. I do believe, too, that everyone is different, but that we also share some common traits, so it may help knowing some different opinions on a matter. I personally would like to know the cause; again, not that it would change anything, but just to get to the bottom of it out of curiosity more than anything.
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    • Thank you for sharing your experience, I do appreciate your insight and sincerity; and wishing you all the best. I do believe, too, that everyone is different, but that we also share some common traits, so it may help knowing some different opinions on a matter. I personally would like to know the cause; again, not that it would change anything, but just to get to the bottom of it out of curiosity more than anything.
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