Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi everybody, I am not sure which section to post this in. I am currently a mature uni student in Nottingham. I have always thought, responded to and interacted with people differently to most. Until recently I had no idea why this was, but since starting university numerous people have either asked if I am on the autistic spectrum or just assumed that I am. Over the summer holidays I decided to do some proper research into it and talked about it to friends who are on the spectrum. It would be an understatement to say it explains a LOT. From my research it would appear to be aspergers, though online information has been somewhat inconsistent. I think it went unnoticed for a very long time as I have physical health problems that prevented me being able to do much of anything for many years.
Leading to the main question as to whether I should get a diagnosis. I am at this stage about 95% certain that I am on the spectrum, it just explains too many things from difficulties in social interactions, body language to what I used to view as personality quirks. Ultimately if I am on the spectrum it is part of who I am and nothing can change that. I find life very difficult but I am coping so I don’t know if a diagnosis will be of any benefit to me.
However my main concern is that a diagnosis could result in a lot of long term negatives/problems. Partly due to poor understanding or misinterpretation of health problems that exist in the general population. I brought up considering diagnosis with my GP and he said that a diagnosis could limit my ability to access work and could close doors for me as it would have to go on any medical reports. I have friends who think that what the GP has said is completely wrong and think I should try and get a diagnosis. I have found information online to be somewhat inconsistent and incomplete.
It would be really helpful to get some more viewpoints and find out about the personal experiences of others before I decide whether or not to get a diagnosis. Thank you
Hey you!
i'm 42 and been in full time employment since I finished my first degree. I work as a teacher which you'd think wouldn't work with the challenges in communication....but it suits as i am empathic about others, can communicate easily and enthusiastically about my topic area...it is just the office small talk that I can struggle with...so try and put myself in a situation that I can drop in/out of that as I please.
like you I have done lots of research and have only recently spoken to my GP re seeking a diagnostic assessment. I can't at present see what additional benefits if would bring about from validating my own research about what makes me tick...but it would allow me to request adjustments at work......
at present I am wearing the label and the more that I talk to the lovely people here the more comfortable I feel with that.
if there is any support an advice you can get from your uni then seize that and do stick around here!
Hey ElephantInTheRoom you remind me of one of my A-Level teachers, since doing research into the spectrum I realised that she may have been on the spectrum based on how she acted and interacted with people. It is a shame I have no way of contacting her. She had a very unconventional way of teaching that was amazingly effective.
Is being able to communicate easily something you have learned or something that comes naturally?
Do people respond strangely/negatively when you don’t get involved in their small talk?
Teaching helps as it is a piece of theatre and you the teacher are the actor. Teaching is a performance art and you have already planned your teaching script and can predict the questions (to a certain extent) that your students will ask you. You also have the safety net of your knowledge of your subject...it becomes a communication of knowledge so in that respect it feels much safer that trying to make small talk.
Small talk I find difficult...I am happy to drop in and out of group conversations but if it is a 1-2-1 situation I can find it a challenge...a) in terms of trying to predict where the conversation is going. b) working out if I have given the right answers and .c) over analysis the motivation behind the questions that they are asking....
i am not sure how people respond to this. Sometimes I can be quite bouncy and engaged,,,.other days quiet and "head down"...
i certainly wouldn't say say that I communicate easily....writing us definitely easier than verbal face to face chats though...