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.
Thanks for the welcome, and responses folks! Yes, myself and my ex partner have been back i touch with his school recently in order to seek a formal assessment of him, as we're already seeing some of the challenges he faces in this first year if high school; which is exacerbated by the current pandemic restrictions.
I personally am curious as to how to broach the subject with him, and as much as I would like to; I think maybe I'm not the best person to, as I have my own deficits which are somewhat different to his. We're waiting to see what support the school will offer, and are hopeful that they'll bring in an educational or developmental psychologist into the conversation.
I think once we've started better dealing with his needs, I'll then focus on my own needs down the line. I've managed 39 years so far, so I'll be okay; although it is strange reflecting back on life situations with a feeling of realisation of how things transpired, haha.
Rich said:although it is strange reflecting back on life situations with a feeling of realisation of how things transpired
It's when you realise how naive you've been and that there was so much more going on than you understood that it really hits home