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Autism diagnosis, 17 year old girl.

Sky

Hello, 

It was suggested by a psychiatrist in February that my ‘presentation might indicate’ that I am ‘on the autism spectrum’ however I was only diagnosed with OCD and was referred to CAMHS for CBT where I have been going to weekly sessions since around March/April. However this doesn’t really seem to be working for me. I understand the CBT in theory but I don’t want to change my behaviour because I don’t see anything wrong with it. It helps me to function without feeling overwhelmed. I haven’t brought up potentially being autistic to my therapist at CAMHS because I’m unsure she’ll believe me or what her views are. She seems to only really treat me for my OCD and Anxiety. I also don’t know what my parents views are about me being autistic as they didn’t react in the best way when the psychiatrist mentioned it. I should probably mention that the psychiatrist we saw who mentioned that I could be autistic was private whilst we were on the waiting list for CAMHS. I am so definitely sure that I’m autistic, all the articles and all the research I’ve done matches up so perfectly with me. Also a podcast I listened to about autism in women/girls and what it’s like to be autistic, literally everything they said I related to so deeply. Like when people describe being autistic I feel like I actually fully understand and feel like that’s me. It’s really hard to describe but I just think I’m autistic and that’s it. I’m also 17 so not legally an adult yet. I feel so desperately lost and alone and I don’t know what to do. Masking feels exhausting and I don’t know how much longer I can do this. I’ve always felt distinctly different to others and I feel like I need answers or a name for everything that I feel. Any advice would be appreciated. Like how to bring it up because saying everything to someone feels so difficult. 

Thank you to anyone who read this. 

Sky. 

Parents

  • Hello Sky,

    I think it’s really positive that you’ve looked into the possibility that you could be autistic and come to the conclusion that you are. There’s so much information available about autism and therefore it’s perfectly valid for people to look at this in detail and come to the conclusion that you have. It’s likely that you’re right in that conclusion - especially if you have many of the most ‘typical’ traits. 
    I would definitely mention this to your therapist - if you want to that is! Being autistic has a huge influence on how you think and behave etc - so it should inform your therapy and how your therapist works with you. It’s good that you have access to therapy too - many who need it don’t. 
    In terms of your parents - presumably they love and care for you and if they do I’m sure they’ll appreciate you sharing your thoughts with them and will be supportive and loving. I appreciate not all parents are always capable of doing the right and loving thing - but you won’t know how they’ll respond until you try. Even if they don’t initially respond how you want hopefully in time they will step up and support you 100%. 
    There’s a huge amount of friendship and support on here if you ever need it. Good luck :) 

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  • Hello Sky,

    I think it’s really positive that you’ve looked into the possibility that you could be autistic and come to the conclusion that you are. There’s so much information available about autism and therefore it’s perfectly valid for people to look at this in detail and come to the conclusion that you have. It’s likely that you’re right in that conclusion - especially if you have many of the most ‘typical’ traits. 
    I would definitely mention this to your therapist - if you want to that is! Being autistic has a huge influence on how you think and behave etc - so it should inform your therapy and how your therapist works with you. It’s good that you have access to therapy too - many who need it don’t. 
    In terms of your parents - presumably they love and care for you and if they do I’m sure they’ll appreciate you sharing your thoughts with them and will be supportive and loving. I appreciate not all parents are always capable of doing the right and loving thing - but you won’t know how they’ll respond until you try. Even if they don’t initially respond how you want hopefully in time they will step up and support you 100%. 
    There’s a huge amount of friendship and support on here if you ever need it. Good luck :) 

Children
  • in reply to Kate Kestrel

    Thank you so so much, that’s made me feel very hopeful. Just hearing that I’m probably right makes me feel validated, so thank you for that. I’ve decided I will mention it to my therapist, but I’m going to compile a list of why I think I’m autistic first, along with some of the research I’ve done. I’m also on the list to see a psychiatrist at CAMHS for potential medication, so I may mention it then too just to see what they say. 
    Thank you so much again,

    Sky :))