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Getting a diagnosis

NAS74910

I'm pretty sure that my 18 yr old son is on the autistic spectrum, but he doesn't want to discuss this or try to seek help at all. I have tried to address this but I think he doesn't want to be seen as 'different'. He really needs some help and support in order to cope with his anxiety as do we his parents. 

Is there anyone who has come across this before and has any advice?

Many thanks!

Parents

  • Hi. No direct experience to share with you.

    A few thoughts though...

    There are many famous &/or successfull autists in the world from Einstien to Elon Musk. Not sure what your son is in to, but perhaps you could find some examples that he would appreciate.

    If he doesn't want to be seen as different, he should learn about his autistic strengths and weaknesses so he can fit into the NT world better. He doesn't have to tell anyone if he doesn't want to. Many autistic people "mask" so they can fit in. I went undiagnosed for decades - I didn't realise that my internal thought processes are significantly different from most NT people. No-one realised the internal struggles I had.

    There are many videos on Youtube etc. of real people discussing their autism - they are all ages and backgrounds.

    Best wishes to you both.

Reply

  • Hi. No direct experience to share with you.

    A few thoughts though...

    There are many famous &/or successfull autists in the world from Einstien to Elon Musk. Not sure what your son is in to, but perhaps you could find some examples that he would appreciate.

    If he doesn't want to be seen as different, he should learn about his autistic strengths and weaknesses so he can fit into the NT world better. He doesn't have to tell anyone if he doesn't want to. Many autistic people "mask" so they can fit in. I went undiagnosed for decades - I didn't realise that my internal thought processes are significantly different from most NT people. No-one realised the internal struggles I had.

    There are many videos on Youtube etc. of real people discussing their autism - they are all ages and backgrounds.

    Best wishes to you both.

Children