Published on 12, July, 2020
Im not officially diagnosed with autism, but I am mostly sure that i am autistic or at least neurodivergent in some way. I have always felt like there was something wrong with me, even when i was young I realised that there was something different about me, the way I thought, behaved and communicated was different than other kids. As i grew up, i just thought i must be doing something wrong, so i just tried to pretend to be more normal by copying people around me.
A few years ago, i was looking up something about autism, i don’t remember why, and I realised that autism is actually a lot different than what I thought and saw before on tv or media. And I also realised that i fit into most of traits and it explained a lot about my life and how I felt. I didn’t tell anyone about this, but I kept thinking about it ever since.
Around 3 years ago my younger brother got diagnosed with autism, so my mom started to learn more about it to be able to help and understand him better. And she told me about how she thought that i actually have shown a lot of signs since my early childhood.
At first i ignored it and thought i was just overthinking, but then i kept seeing things about autistic people and their experiences and i keep thinking about how much i relate. I also did a lot of research into the subject and even tried multiple online tests, so im mostly sure i have autism. But since i am still undiagnosed, it feels a bit wrong to actually call myself autistic or tell anyone. Can i still say i am autistic even if i dont have an official diagnosis? Would that be morally wrong or offensive to diagnosed autistic people? Sorry if i said anything rude or wrote too much.
Yes I understand that! I hope the process goes well for you and you don’t have to wait too long for assessment.
Hello PurpleLily.
The fact that you worry about this thing shows that you have NOTHING to worry about. Being aware of the risk of a "false" or "incomplete picture" of who you are, or might be, if you select just one label to describe yourself = incredibly sensible. We're complicated humans, whether autistic or not.
Finding yourself is the key, then finding the blasted lock....now that's the hardest part ie where do you fit in happily.
Welcome - we'll see you soon elsewhere on the pages I hope.
Kind regards
Number
I just think with a diagnosis people that are close would have some sort of proof I guess. It would also help me make sense of a lot as I’m very confused atm. I agree though that why should you have to validate it.
Take5 said:I’m self diagnosed also although I would like an assessment to confirm and think it would benefit me personally.
Yes I understand that formal diagnosis can provide validation and confirmation of your autistic identity for some people. Good luck with this process!
What kind of benefits are you hoping for from assessment?
Just to let you know, there is very little, almost no post diagnostic support, the most beneficial support is probably from autistic communities like this one!
Either way, both self identification and formal identification are equally valid!
Take5 said:like the people have said it doesn’t matter on here, you know you are different and have your struggles and that’s enough
Of course, you are enough! No one should have to prove themselves to anyone!
I’m self diagnosed also although I would like an assessment to confirm and think it would benefit me personally. like the people have said it doesn’t matter on here, you know you are different and have your struggles and that’s enough
You are very welcome! Nice username!
This definitely really help, thanks.
PurpleLily said:I would love to be able to chat with other autistic people and share experiences or just talk about anything.
Absolutely! I hope you can find your tribe and that you feel like you soon belong here!
PurpleLily said:But i often struggle with social conversations, specially online, so im not really sure how to do it or how to start at least.
That’s ok, we can support you! If you don’t feel comfortable starting discussions you can reply to other conversations or just observe initially.
PurpleLily said:Im very creative so im really interesting in things like art, crafts and fashion. I also really like fiction book, specially fantasy.
Cool, what kind of art do you like to do? I like reading too!
There are a couple of discussions you might like based on your interests:
Creative space- this one is where people share their artwork or other creative pursuits:
https://community.autism.org.uk/f/adults-on-the-autistic-spectrum/30395/forum-creative-space/335444#335444
What are you reading?
https://community.autism.org.uk/f/miscellaneous-and-chat/33371/what-are-you-reading?ReplySortBy=CreatedDate&ReplySortOrder=Descending
Just to let you know, some of the responses to the discussions above are quite old, but they could give you an idea of what you could talk about.
I hope this helps!
I would love to be able to chat with other autistic people and share experiences or just talk about anything. But i often struggle with social conversations, specially online, so im not really sure how to do it or how to start at least.
Im very creative so im really interesting in things like art, crafts and fashion. I also really like fiction book, specially fantasy.
You are so welcome! If you want to chat or explore aspects of your autistic experience please just start another discussion.
By the way, you can chat about anything in this community, it doesn’t just have to relate to autistic experience.
What are your interests?
Thank you for the message! ️
PurpleLily said:Can i still say i am autistic even if i dont have an official diagnosis?
Yes absolutely! Self identification is perfectly valid, after all you know yourself best!
Welcome to your autistic community!
PurpleLily said:Would that be morally wrong or offensive to diagnosed autistic people?
Absolutely not! Please don’t worry about this. You are the expert on your own autistic experience!
For context, many of us are self identified including myself. I do not intend to pursue formal identification as I think it would be an unnecessarily negative and pathologising experience for me.
You are definitely not alone!
PurpleLily said:Its nice to know that there are other people who could be like me.
I will tag Ausomely Autistic here as they are in this position and should be able to give you some more feedback/info.
Hi, thanks for responding. Its nice to know that there are other people who could be like me.
PurpleLily said:But since i am still undiagnosed, it feels a bit wrong to actually call myself autistic or tell anyone. Can i still say i am autistic even if i dont have an official diagnosis? Would that be morally wrong or offensive to diagnosed autistic people? Sorry if i said anything rude or wrote too much.
Hi.
There are self-identified autistic people on this forum, some of whom aren't seeking a diagnosis.
I can't see that it could possibly be 'morally wrong' and it's not offensive to myself (but I can't speak for others).
I wish you all the best.