Published on 12, July, 2020
Hey folks,
I'm 39, and recently discovered that I am highly likely to have Autism. A close personal friend of my is a Counselling psychologist, who I discussed this with, and she agreed I show many of the common signs. I am very high functioning, I have led a successful career in the design industry, and am actually currently studying for a Psychology and Counselling undergrad via the Open Uni. I always just thought that was the way I was, but this recent discovery has kind-of made me reflect on much of my life.
I thought I'd list some of the "signs" that might identify me as Autistic, to see if anyone else recognises them in themselves! (some are adapted from lists I found on the NHS website).
Has anyone else had problems with telling people, and feeling like they don't believe you, or similar? I'm also unsure as to whether I should seek a formal diagnosis, as I don't think I'd really get any "benefits" from it, other than being able to produce evidence to non-believers. My 12 year old son is also suspected to have ASD, so I am sort-of exploring things from both of our perspectives.
Sorry for the war and peace intro :)
Rich.
Hi Rich, in my experience, people who don't understand something, will always try to make light of, or fob you off, or argue. The reality is that you seem to have several autistic traits and if you identify with being on the spectrum then does it matter whether others believe you or not? If your son is 12 and possibly ASD then I would get that verified if you can because he will be able to access support more suitable for him in education. But I wouldn't worry about others not believing you, however frustrating