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I think I may be on the Specturm.

Auggie
over 4 years ago

Hey guys, I'm 16yrs, I’m not sure if young people post on here much, but I need some advice from you all. I have researched Autism and its traits and A LOT of them apply to me! I want some insight from you all before I go to a doctor and talk about it. I don’t just want to show up saying “I think I’m Autistic” without having any other opinions but my own.  

Here are all of my traits:

  1. I am very outgoing towards my family and friends who I know super well.  I am super shy with strangers and new people.
  2. I take things very literally. I don’t understand jokes or sarcasm. Sarcasm is a big problem for me. My friends always tease me about it.
  3. I respond very poorly to change. I hate change. If I made a plan for my day and then someone wrecks it, I get very upset. If the schedule at my school changes, I have a panic attack. Routine brings me comfort. New situations don’t. I sit at the exact same spot at lunch everyday and if someone invites me to sit somewhere else, I get very anxious and want to escape wherever I am to my normal space.
  4. I am a very sensitive person. I definitely have Sensory Processing disorder.  I hate tags and tight clothes, I hate loud noises and crowds, I hate flashy lights, I don’t like restaurants, concerts, cafeterias, stadiums there all too much! I basically fight sensory overload daily.
  5. I find it easier to socialize with people who are younger than me. I connect with them better. Finding real friends is very hard for me!
  6. I am obsessed with psychology and the human brain.  I can talk about it for hours and hours and go at it all day long.
  7. It's really hard for me to express my thoughts. My speech is very scattered. I tend to stutter a lot. I can communicate what I’m trying to say wayyy better in writing than speaking. When talking in conversations, I always have to pause and think about what I’m trying to say and how I’m going to say it.
  8. I hate making eye contact with people. It’s really awkward.
  9. I stimm a lot without knowing it and when I’m anxious. Rocking back and forth, rubbing my hands together, clearing my throat, sniffing, repeatedly counting in my head or saying certain words over and over again, (I have many more)
  10. Confused about what other people want from me. I don’t understand there intentions.
  11. I hate transitioning. When I’m engrossed in something and then someone tells me to do something else, arggg, it’s the worst! I get very upset and angry.
  12. I’ve taken many online tests to see where I am and all of them say I have a high score and that its lilkley.

So yeah, I can explain more but I need some opinions. You can ask me any questions you would like.  I’ll answer.

  • over 4 years ago

    Hi Auggie,

    Welcome to the forum. It's good that you've made a list of the traits you recognise in yourself, as it may assist the doctor in understanding why you think you might be on the spectrum, rather that just go to him/her with a more general question. I was diagnosed with ASD two years ago, and I did exactly what you've done - did the research and gathered information.

    As some other posters here have mentioned, not every doctor proceeds in the same way, but with your list of traits it should certainly help. My own first contact with the doctor's surgery was really good, and in fact it was a locum (temporary doctor) I spoke to. She listened and referred me without hesitation - I was amazed at how easy it was!

    It's good that you're looking into this at your age, as it should help you to transition from school into uni/work a bit easier.  I echo what Cloud7 has said, I wish I had known what I know now when I was your age (I'm now 59), it would have made life a lot easier, but when I was a child/teenager, information about autism was non-existent.

    Good luck, and do keep us posted as to how things progress!

  • over 4 years ago in reply to blank_smile

    Agree Cloud7.  When I  went to see my GP for the first time about asd he made me justify myself 5 or 6 times which I  would never have to do for a broken arm or diabetes, I'd just get treatment no questions asked. I suppose they need to investigate with nhs funds so tight and its not like they can diagnose add by ordering a quick blood test or xray. On the other hand it seems unfair that it's such a massive struggle to get yourself heard, and its bound to be upsetting. You need to persevere and try to see it from the docs point  of view if you're going to get anywhere with diagnosis. 

  • over 4 years ago

    Hi Auggie, I'm in the early stages of seeking a diagnosis through the NHS. When booking the appointment and giving a reason you absolutely do have to say 'I think I may be autistic'! When I first went to my GP and didn't give a specific reason I was spoken over and fobbed off with depression and prescribed anti-depressants. I didn't take them... I went back and stated it was to talk about autism and took a list. My mom and partner helped me with the list along with my own reasons and bombarded the doctor with characteristics, experiences, consequences etc etc. It was a horrible, nerve-wracking time but I think my nerves actually help me bumble on about everything all at once. I got a referral but I'm still waiting to hear back - it's been 2 months so far. I wish I'd have done this at your age! 

    Good luck & welcome

  • over 4 years ago

    Good on you for making a list . It will be of help if you decide to go for diagnosis because it's  all about questions Slight smile

    I see you are just 16 so hope you can find the support you need around you as well as on here. Good luck 

  • over 4 years ago

    Hi 

    Welcome to the forum, there are a few young people on here, there really is a large age group!. 

    You are right alot of what you experience would indicate that you are on the spectrum, if you decide to speak to the doctor about it I suggest taking the list you wrote with you along with a print out of any of the tests you did this can help support your referral request 

    Welcome