Hello, I'm 24 and my Mum and I think I may have an undiagnosed form of Autism. I just thought I was weird and didn't really understand Autism but the more I read up on it I think I may have some form of it. I have a friend in America who has it so he's been useful for some information but I don't wnat to keep bothering him about it. I understand there are varied types and not everyone has all the same symptoms. If I do have it there's definately people who have it worse than I.
I guess I'm just worried about wasting people's time. Before I see my GP I've been using this site as reference and been making a case. I've written a document I want to take with me to the Doctors that should help me talk about it. I want to share it and see what other people who have been diagnosed think.
I don't know if spoiler tags work here I'll try and use them, if they don;t hopefully the long post is fine.
[spoiler]
Why I think I am on the Autistic Spectrum
I got my information from autism.org.uk / The National Autism Society
There are a list of symptoms split into 3 category's, the site states not everyone has every symptom and everyone with Autism is different.
Social Communication
“I'm unsure about when to start or end a conversation, or how to choose topics to talk about.”
Example: Unless someone shares the same interests as me I find it very difficult to think of what to say to start or carry on in a conversation, unless I'm in a interview like setting when I'm being prompted with questions.
Social interaction
“I find it hard to make and maintain friendships.”
Example: I only have one good friend I keep in contact with. After leaving school I had trouble keeping in contact with my school friends and moved on to new friends at college out of which I only maintained friendship with one.
“Not always understand the unwritten 'social rules' that other people just seem to know. How close do you stand to another person? How do you know what's an appropriate topic of conversation?”
Example: Even when I do come up with topics I still find it difficult to talk about it as I can't tell if it's a good time or is even a good topic to bring up in the situation.
“Be unsure how to behave in different social situations, and worry about getting things wrong.”
Example: I feel uncertain when talking to different people and worry I'll say the wrong thing or mess up. I feel better when I plan what I'm going to say in advance, which is why I'm typing all this out right now.
Social imagination
“Not always be comfortable with the idea of change, and prefer to stick to a routine.”
Example: I always do things in my room and play games on my consoles or computer. I get anxious when I leave this setting like when I'm sent on training or have a job interview for example I feel physically sick which has held me back from job searching a long time
“Enjoy carrying out particular activities, or learning about certain topics, which as well as being enjoyable you may find really beneficial. Perhaps they help you to relax, or to deal with anxiety.”
Example: When I feel anxious or need to relax I'll listen to music or play video games. They take my mind off of life and I enjoy the experience.
Related characteristics and conditions
“You might also have a strong preference for routine, and find it difficult to cope with change if you haven't been able to prepare for it in advance. For example, an unexpected delay to your journey to or from work might make you feel anxious or upset.”
I can get anxious if asked to do something suddenly and haven't had time to prepare mentally and feel like I'll be physically sick.
“People with autism may develop an intense interest in a particular subject or activity. Interests can change over time or be lifelong. Practically everyone has interests or hobbies but you may find that your interests are very strong, and that possibly you aren't especially interested in learning or talking about other things.”
Mine would be video games. I'm constantly playing them and when I'm not I'm watching other people play them on youtube.
“Some people with autism also have learning disabilities, or specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia. Other people have conditions such as epilepsy. You may not have any of these conditions but if you do, it's helpful to describe them to support your case. “
Not sure if this is relevant but sometimes when typing I spell things wrong or use a completely different word instead, but I notice the mistake instantly and correct myself.[/spoiler]
