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OrinocoFlo
over 6 years ago

Hi, I first found out about the National Autistic Society after my son was diagnosed as on the autistic spectrum at the age of 5. He is now 13. Over the years it gradually began to dawn on me that I also had autistic traits, and recently did some online tests. The results suggest I might have Asperger's syndrome. (I just scored 39 on this website's AQ test.) I am wondering whether it is worth trying to get a diagnosis for myself, considering how hard it was for other family members to accept my son's diagnosis. Also, is it likely that I passed autism on to him?

Parents
  • over 6 years ago

    Hi OrinocoFlo, welcome to the community!

    I'd say it's worth getting a diagnosis for yourself if you think it would benefit you. If not, there's no law saying you have to, it's completely up to you. Also, if you did get a diagnosis, you only disclose to who you want to know. In my workplace there's only 3 people who know I have it (and I work with lots of people), it's entirely up to you who you tell.

    Did you pass on autism? I don't know what the official line is, but it's common for autism to run in families. I can name family members with traits. But I wouldn't worry about it, if it's in your genes then there's nothing you can do about it one way or the other, you have no control over who you pass it to or not, so why worry. It's part of who he is, and part of what makes him special to you and he has a place in the world, just as you do. The world is a better place because of you both.

    It might also help your son and the rest of your family if you do get a diagnosis. Some of them might have it too! You can support each other in your journeys together.

Reply
  • over 6 years ago

    Hi OrinocoFlo, welcome to the community!

    I'd say it's worth getting a diagnosis for yourself if you think it would benefit you. If not, there's no law saying you have to, it's completely up to you. Also, if you did get a diagnosis, you only disclose to who you want to know. In my workplace there's only 3 people who know I have it (and I work with lots of people), it's entirely up to you who you tell.

    Did you pass on autism? I don't know what the official line is, but it's common for autism to run in families. I can name family members with traits. But I wouldn't worry about it, if it's in your genes then there's nothing you can do about it one way or the other, you have no control over who you pass it to or not, so why worry. It's part of who he is, and part of what makes him special to you and he has a place in the world, just as you do. The world is a better place because of you both.

    It might also help your son and the rest of your family if you do get a diagnosis. Some of them might have it too! You can support each other in your journeys together.

Children
  • over 6 years ago in reply to seekeraftertruth

    Hi seekeraftertruth,

    Thanks for your reply, The idea that I have Asperger's syndrome is still sinking in, but it explains so much about my life, and now I have a reason for being the way I am. I actually feel more confident about helping my son through life because of it. In spite of that, though I don't feel ready to 'come out' about it to anyone yet. It's still a bit new.

    Best wishes, from OrinocoFlo