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I'm doubting my autism diagnosis

sommersunshine

I was recently unofficial identified as autistic by a psychologist during a mental health needs assessment. I've noticed my autism ebs and flows over time. Sometimes I feel paralyzingly autistic, have meltdowns, sounds feel intolerably painful, and I can't stand how uncomfortable I feel to the point it severely impacts my mental health. Othertimes, I genuinely don't feel autistic at all. I socialize all day without crashing, can handle my sensory environment, etc. Othertimes I unmask and deep dive into my special interest and become "researcher autistic". Does anyone elses autism feel so different at different times? In comparison, my ADHD feels the same every day. The things that are difficult for me are always difficult for me. Maybe my frame of reference is off? Or maybe I'm sub-clinically autistic? 

Does anyone else feel this way? Is this normal? What does autism feel like for you guys? 

I've also noticed that the more I support myself and am accomidated, the less autistic I feel. Sensory supports makes socializing easier, masking doesn't feel nearly as burdensome. Is this normal? 

Parents

  • I feel like me all the time. Certain behaviours are there all the time, I don't change the way I think. If I am well rested and calm, then things are easier a d I am pretty unlikely to be flustered by anything. If I am overloaded or under time pressure it becomes harder.

    Socializing with people I know is a lot different to people I don't. And large groups are always intimidating. New locations are always anxiety inducing, although anticipation is often worse than the actual thing. The less relaxed I am the worse it is.

    So traits vary depending on circumstance, time of day and whether I've had a drink.

    To doubt yourself is normal because of the fluctuating abilities and masking. But just try and do something new and it is obvious.i just have so many routines I hide it.

    While a psychologist does the assesment, not all psychologists are qualified to perform official assessment. All you have is a suspicion you are autistic. Note that to be formally diagnosed it has to significantly impair you in more than one domain, not just be an inconvenience. You also need to have had done traits throughout your life. Other things can mimic autism, but the won't have to element. Autism is a lifelong thing and is what you get if they have ruled put everything else.

    If you have 2 people, one on their own struggling and the other supported by a partner, one could struggle and the other be able to cope. Technically they are the same but one may not meet the diagnosis criteria. So it is also dependent on situation to a certain degree.

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  • I feel like me all the time. Certain behaviours are there all the time, I don't change the way I think. If I am well rested and calm, then things are easier a d I am pretty unlikely to be flustered by anything. If I am overloaded or under time pressure it becomes harder.

    Socializing with people I know is a lot different to people I don't. And large groups are always intimidating. New locations are always anxiety inducing, although anticipation is often worse than the actual thing. The less relaxed I am the worse it is.

    So traits vary depending on circumstance, time of day and whether I've had a drink.

    To doubt yourself is normal because of the fluctuating abilities and masking. But just try and do something new and it is obvious.i just have so many routines I hide it.

    While a psychologist does the assesment, not all psychologists are qualified to perform official assessment. All you have is a suspicion you are autistic. Note that to be formally diagnosed it has to significantly impair you in more than one domain, not just be an inconvenience. You also need to have had done traits throughout your life. Other things can mimic autism, but the won't have to element. Autism is a lifelong thing and is what you get if they have ruled put everything else.

    If you have 2 people, one on their own struggling and the other supported by a partner, one could struggle and the other be able to cope. Technically they are the same but one may not meet the diagnosis criteria. So it is also dependent on situation to a certain degree.

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