Confusion, am I autistic? What does it mean? How does understanding my autistic traits aids making better sense of this world?

I am usually a very quiet person and happy just being with my own thought. I don't usually need to go out and mingle, but I can be sociable and friendly too if I have to (with effort). Recently, I suspect I may be autistic, usually, I am the one friends turn to when they need advice or a fresh perspective on things, in fact, Im almost always became close with friends during the time when they were most emotionally vulnerable (for example, there is this friend within a closed group, we don't really share the same interest, we just happened to be there whenever the group hangs out together, however, the frequency of us chatting outside the group increased recently, after her father diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, on top of that, she found herself overwhelmed in confusion with her recent engagement and increased anxiety over wedding planning stuff), probably bcz of my tendency to comfort other and a strange sense of obligation to reach out .

This recent realization of my ASD traits worries me a lot, I kept wondering what does it mean along the journey of pursuing my ambition, in addition to that, I have recently moved to UK trying to settle into a new environment and lifestyle, undertaking an extremely brain power taxing master degree. I can't talk to my friends about this bcz they are deep enough in their own ***, I wish there were someone who is mentally strong, who is capable of holding substantial conversation to talk to, to help alleviate some of my anxiety.

Who do you usually turn to when you are in dire need of emotional support.

  • I agree sometimes its good to have a cry and just release built up feelings. Youre making a positive step by asking for help at your school. Exercise is good too escpecislly in the great outdoors...(i go to boxercise its excellent for releasing built up tension and you get to work with others without the anxiety of socialising as there is a focus to the interaction).

    It sounds like you have a lot going on in your life. I had an incredibly stressful 2018. I learned that i needed to predict how i would feel by the end of the year. I knew the stress wouldnt be forever but at the time it felt like it would never end. I had to learn to see into the future. Try to visualise how you will feel when things have settled down. I cant remember if i was successul in this or if it helped me or not to be honest!

    Have a good new year too.

  • Sometimes it’s good to have a cry - we all need an emotional release at times. I hope you’re feeling better for it?

    With regards to deficiencies, I think the only reason someone with ASD would suffer from these would be due to a restrictive diet, caused by sensitivities. If you have a good diet, you’re probably fine on this front other than the Vitamin D, which is recommended at this time of year for everyone due to the lack of sunlight. I take it myself as I have been extremely deficient in the past (due to eating a plant based diet).

    I like running too, though unfortunately my body doesn’t anymore, so I’ve been sticking to long walks whilst my injuries heal. Fresh air and some exercise is often good for the mind.

    I hope you have an enjoyable and productive day, and I wish you a Happy New Year too. 

  • Thanks  and  for your lovely advice. After have these bottled up i finally broke down and cried last night, I am glad that no one was there to see it. I have sent my school counselling team an email hoping to get some info about ASD as soon as the term starts, also started taking some Omega 3 and Vitamin D3 to see if they helps (apparently ASD suffer from various vitamin and fatty acids deficiencies, which worsen the coping mechanism). After this, im gonna head out for a run, i know running always puts me in good mood, get away from restless thinking and analysing. I have a lot of assignment to work on and soon my housemate will be back from year end holiday, there goes the privilege of having the whole house to myself, and abstain from external stimulation, but i will learn to cope with it. Wishing two of you a very Happy New Year Slight smile

  • I can really identify with a lot if what you say. I became a lot closer with one of my friends this year after she (well both of ys) had a pretty rough time.

    Dont let realisation of traits worry you! Let it enlighten you to who you really are. Since realising i have AS i have put coping strategies in place.

    As for who to turn to. Im lucky to have a great partner and its always him. He IS my best friend. Or, i internalise it. I do this a lot with my thoughts.I struggle talking with female friends about my problems becayae i think ...a) my problems arent that important....b)when i have tried it hasnt come out right and they seem to think there isnt really much of a problem so we move on to another subject...c)im not very good at articulating how i feel and sometimes not sure and sometimes feel awkward talking about myself in this way and dont really want to confront a problem.

    I try to offer practical solutions to friends whereas i think theyre emotional support types. My partner is very much a practical solution person which is maybe why i speak to him more.

    Talj to your GP you may need some talking therapy or see if your workplace offers counselling. It might be a start to get things off your chest. Good luck.

    P.S. this forum has helped me a lot to splurge out thoughts (as you can see above)   :-)

  • Who do you usually turn to when you are in dire need of emotional support.

    It may sound mad, but my pets! They listen and they love me regardless of what I say/do. Other than that, where people are concerned I really do keep myself to myself other than using this forum. Do feel free to share anything that is bothering you here, we won’t judge...

    It sounds as though you really need to speak to a health professional regarding your concerns about possibly having ASD. Have you spoken to a GP about this and how it is concerning you? They can offer questionnaires that can determine if referral for a diagnosis is advised, and discuss traits in general with you.

    I realise that it can be quite a shock and unsettling for some people to suddenly recognise these traits in themselves, but remember that whether it turns out you have ASD or not, you are still you and you still have your own unique talents and challenges. Having autism simply means that you share certain challenges with others due to how your brain developed.

    Remember to give yourself time and self-care whilst adjusting to your new environment and whilst studying, as such life matters are challenging for anyone. Also, you never know, if you find a new activity you enjoy then you might also find that person you seek to be able to speak to and seek emotional support from.

    I do send you the best of wishes.