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
There's some good reasons for getting diagnosed as an adult - the main one is for future protection.
You may not be aware but most of us 'mask' to fit it - a fake persona that gives a user-friendly social interface where we have pre-programmed responses to most situations - you might not even realise you do it until someone asks you honestly "how do you feel?" and you are suddenly stuck - do you give the usual "Fine, you ok?" answer or do you actually know how you feel?
Unfortunately, this constant performance to fit in is very draining - both physically and mentally - but when you're young, you don't notice. As life goes on, your life may get too complex for the mask to hide any 'odd' responses or you just might not be able to sustain the energy expenditure so things can get difficult in the work environment - a diagnosis can help you if that happens.
Ah the old "Yeah fine, you?" situation. I have difficulties with that; I'm actually quite good at picking up on when people aren't fine, when they say they are... but then of course, I'm like a dog with a bone, constantly prodding at them to give up the facade and tell me what's going on, and then subsequently I cannot rest until I try to solve their problems for them. It causes me a lot of distress to watch someone be self destructive, when I feel like I can help; but am starting to realise, not everyone wants to be helped, and they just want someone to listen and empathise; so I'm working on that!