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Therapy

Catlover

Ok, I started talking therapy for a number of issues. I didn’t expect an autism specialist lol, but I didn’t expect to hear this in the first 10 minutes:

Oh, but you sound very able.

You must have it really mild.

Me: there’s no such thing as mild autism, you either have autism or you don’t.

oh, so you don’t have it then.

Me: Yes! I am autistic, I have a diagnosis. I’m pointing out that you cannot get a diagnosis if you don’t meet all the criteria and if it doesn’t affect how you live your life each day.

I can’t be bothered to outline the rest. But putting that aside, it was good to air some things I’ve otherwise never spoken about.

Parents

  • Glad you got something positive out of what could've been a very negative experience. A therapist is not a diagnostician and should know better than to share personal opinions. My first attempt at therapy was where possible autism was identified. 2nd attempt I was told I was Bipolar and she wanted me to do a series of strange things to trigger a manic episode as proof. Highly unprofessional. I'm now awaiting attempt number 3 to ascertain is my numb face is caused by anxiety. I wish you luck.

Reply

  • Glad you got something positive out of what could've been a very negative experience. A therapist is not a diagnostician and should know better than to share personal opinions. My first attempt at therapy was where possible autism was identified. 2nd attempt I was told I was Bipolar and she wanted me to do a series of strange things to trigger a manic episode as proof. Highly unprofessional. I'm now awaiting attempt number 3 to ascertain is my numb face is caused by anxiety. I wish you luck.

Children
  • in reply to Pikl

    That’s a good point about not being a diagnostician. When I said mine is the opposite, it’s not like she pointed out a suspicion at what was behind the mask. Rather, I brought up my own suspicion ond week and she went ‘yes, could well be, I think that’s worth looking into’ Only when I hit the formal diagnosis did she confirm that she’d seen traits in me, some subtle l, some obvious, but it wasn’t her place to push me to that seeking of a diagnosis- I think she could just sense that I was reaching a tipping point that would take me there (seeking an assessment, being the one to bring up the word ‘autistic’) off my own bat.