Finally a diagnosis for my daughter @ 18 yrs old

Hi everyone - I've been on the message boards a few times over the years as we were struggling to get a diagnosis and help.

Finally we got some help for my daughters anxiety and referred for an assessment which has come back as a diagnosis of autism (high functioning). 

Its something we've battled with for years trying to get medical professionals to listen to us. It changes nothing in our family unit as we all knew including Amy in the latter few years what exactly the issues and daily challenges were that she faced. A diagnosis simply confirms it.

So please - never give up on going for that diagnosis if that's what you want. It's a struggle at times and I found I had to repeat myself many times to different people, & passed from pillar to post constantly over the years!

Its actually a relief for Amy, she now says she understands so much more, she reads about Aspergers, she talks about the many people she knows who has it at college. I can honestly say it's helped her since knowing.  She hasn't told anyone as yet and still feels awkward to say anything about it for fear of people seeing her differently but I will leave that up to her to decide. 

Im wondering what reactions as a teenager or adult you faced when telling people you or a family member has autism / Aspergers?

Xxx 

Parents
  • Former Member
    Former Member

    Hi Ells,

    Totally agree with Blossom's advice. It is essential to convey the fact that having autism does not imply mental disability. I worry about the impact of the autism label on a teenager - perhaps you should suggest Asperger's first?

    If your son has ASD then have you considered whether he got this from a parent? Would it be easier to broach the subject if it was clear that it just meant that he was like his mum or dad in some ways? There is a free test at aspergerstest.net/.../

Reply
  • Former Member
    Former Member

    Hi Ells,

    Totally agree with Blossom's advice. It is essential to convey the fact that having autism does not imply mental disability. I worry about the impact of the autism label on a teenager - perhaps you should suggest Asperger's first?

    If your son has ASD then have you considered whether he got this from a parent? Would it be easier to broach the subject if it was clear that it just meant that he was like his mum or dad in some ways? There is a free test at aspergerstest.net/.../

Children
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