• Replies 19 replies
  • Subscribers 86 subscribers
  • Views 602 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

Confused after diagnosis

lorodo

I just had my diagnosis call with Psychiatry UK who said I have autistic traits but not ASD. While I've been reading about autism over the last couple of years, I felt like I'd finally understood why I find life hard and find humans so confusing, and was really hopeful that finding I had ASD might give me the key to managing to sustain a relationship - but now that I don't have that diagnosis I feel absolutely lost, like there's no chance for me with relationships and I must just be bad at them. 

I don't understand it because I seem to have every symptom / characteristic they consider, but I guess not "enough". I feel like I failed the assessment. Like I'd finally found my people, but I haven't made the grade and now I can't join. I almost wish I'd stuck with self-identification. 

My sister was recently diagnosed with ASD and is now getting lots of support from friends and family, and people are taking her needs seriously, and I feel like now I can't voice my needs in the way that she is because I didn't get a diagnosis. 

If you only have autistic traits but not ASD, can you still get support from an autistic community? 

Parents

  • As far as I know, for one assessor the autistic traits may be enough, for another one - not. I understand your disappointment especially with the family. Honestly if I get assessed and I hear that im not enough, I would still stay here. As for now I'm suspected/self realised. On one hand I'm afraid of being told I'm not autistic and getting no support, on other hand I'm afraid of being diagnosed autistic. So I'm not sure how to proceed.  My therapist says I should be assessed so it will probably happen in some future. What will be the outcome - I've no idea. For me the most important thing is being able to join a local support group (official diagnosis required). The identity is less Important for me. If there is no help for me then I will cease to look for it further, just stick as I am. And stick around here anyway because this place is so important for me.

  • in reply to Alien0n3arth

    It's such an interesting point before assessment isn't it. I thought I didn't mind that much if I got the official diagnosis or not, until I didn't get one. Then I felt marooned! Now that the psychiatrist re-considered and gave the ASD diagnosis, I do feel a weight has lifted in uncertainty, so for me it's definitely been worth while going through the process. I agree a support group sounds really helpful (if daunting), I hope you find one that works for you if you do go for assessment. And I'm glad the site helps you! 

  • in reply to lorodo

    So you received the formal diagnosis? If so, congratulations. I'm on my way.

Reply Children
No Data