I feel like I may be somewhere on the end of the spectrum, I see some of the traits in my self.
I would be worried about my girlfriends response if I were to be tested, and it was realised I was autistic to some degree. She wouldn't be negative, but I think it would make her worry unnecessarily. She would probably become a bit over protective in a way, it's just in her nature, especially as she is a nurse.
People that have been officially diagnosed, did it change anything for you? or just lead to a new level of understanding yourself?
my diagnosis in my late 30's did change me a bit. Glad I got it. Was a relief and helped me understand things more.
EDIT: It’s got a very low specificity – so it misses lots of positives https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27353452
In any other thread I'd have let this go... But a high false negative rate is related to sensitivity, not specificity. But that's not the correct interpretation of the stats anyway - the abstract is a bit misleading in that regard. Actually a self-reported score ≥26 is remarkably sensitive (identifies 88% of people who are subsequently diagnosed) but lacks specificity (only 20% - I.e. only 1 in 5 of those who score ≥26 will leave the clinic with a diagnosis of ASD). By increasing that threshold score to 32, you increase the specificity at the expense of sensitivity - meaning that no single threshold is particularly useful. In fact, that paper suggests that AQ self-reporting is a pretty useless test - you could almost flip a coin (AU-ROC-C= 0.56 where 1 would be a perfect test and 0.5 is flipping a coin). N.B. These are people who have already made it to an ASD testing centre - so it's already a population who should have a higher than average likelihood of an ASD. I would suggest that this test is even less useful for allcomers/internet forumites etc (although judging by this thread, it seems being on STW has a pretty high predictive value for ASD 😛 .
This one is quite good for those who wish to self-diagnose. I have no idea about the accuracy of it etc but it's an interesting framework.
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes/ei_quiz/take_quiz
My favourite fact about all of this is that this guy is Ali G’s brother: https://www.autismresearchcentre.com/people_Baron-Cohen
This one is quite good for those who wish to self-diagnose. I have no idea about the accuracy of it etc but it’s an interesting framework.
I scored better than average (16), and I thought it was a pretty poor test. Taking small images of very subtle facial expressions out of any context, and applying strict rules to how people will behave (there's one with a woman pointing at her eye, that's meant to represent embarrassment, as some people will touch their face apparently) is not how the real world works.
17/20 on the facial expression test. I also have a very good sense of humour. 2 things which would not be expected for ASD which just goes to show not all people have the same problems so a simple one dimensional test tells you nothing.
May I just make the respectful suggestion that it might be best to avoid this excellent, supportive thread descending into arguing?
Eh?
Wasn't aware that it had? Apologies if I've offended anyone
My favourite fact about all of this is that this guy is Ali G’s brother
I thought Simon and Sasha were cousins? Interesting connection, nevertheless.
@precutduck I can understand your apprehension about being tested and people's subsequent reactions. My brother expected it (he'd always called me special, retard... anyway) my mum denied it, my husband abused it and friends were intrigued by it.
The diagnosis was helpful, in that it confirmed that I do think differently and my difficulties wouldn't be sorted with a bit of therapy. However, I've found that there's a huge lack of support after diagnosis as inevitably you reasses life events and situations and re-identify.
For me it's been a bumpy road to acceptance, I'm not there yet. I made the mistake of disclosing my autism to friends and my boss, but it only served to show how misunderstood the disability is. I've sat through conversations with anti vaxxers, who think autism is the scariest thing ever; spoken with parents who are at their wits end because the wee darling will just not conform; and professionals who tell me what I'm feeling. Then there's the threads which question whether people with learning difficulties should have jobs, lol. According to Baron-Cohen a lack of empathy is a defining feature of autism, but I do have to question that https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/people-with-autism-can-read-emotions-feel-empathy1/
I got 12/20 for the facial expressions, I thought that was quite easy without other distractions, normally people have to tell me
E had his first assessment today at school. I asked him at bedtime what happened and I got back: “a very posh lady helped me do my work today”.
I suspect it’s the start of an extremely long and frustrating processs.
@hot_fiat I hope that you both get the support you need, there's a few people here who are in a similar position. I've no idea what the diagnostic process is for children but I know that it can be an ongoing battle to access services. If there's any questions you'd like to ask then please do
Had a chat with my boss today. she has a brother with similar quirks so understands me fairly well. However I found out I have upset without realising a couple of other folk! One step forwards two steps backwards
She offered to get me some "coaching" to see if I get put a filter on my mouth. I am minded to take it up.
@tjagain you sound so like me, lol. I'm surprised I've not been fired yet over some of the things I've said to my boss. I think they're the ones who need coaching in disability and neuro diversity, no amount of training could teach me to read the subtleties of emotion I've no clue until someone is bursting with anger, joy or sadness. Thankfully my kids know to use words to let me know what they're feeling, if only we could teach adults too. Take the offer anyway as it shows you're making an effort
There is a big autism awareness campaign where I work so now people can pretend they are sympathetic towards it. And then only last week I was in a meeting where people were mocking this person who had no sense of humour and was awkward to deal with/very blunt - I don't think the awareness campaign is working too well...
I suspect it’s the start of an extremely long and frustrating processs.
Might not be as bad as you fear. Depends on local authority and school a lot, has the school been good so far?
Our girl's school was mostly excellent TBH, but I've heard horror stories from parents with special needs kids at the church school down the road.
There's lots of good books around for aspergers, not sure about autism.
Lol @kerley, I'm sure it's just to make themselves feel better, there's no interest in improving acceptance as they make far too much money by "othering" us. I've noticed that there's a lot of misconceptions, I've had people who assume I can't read or construct a sentence, So. They. Speak. To. Me. Like. This. Even. Though. They. Knew. Me. For. Years.
They, never think to consult people who actually have autism.
aweeshoe
One thing I guess you have picked up is that taken as a whole women with ASD present differently to men - and as thus are underdiagnosed. In many ways its been seen as a mens thing so women tend to be diagnosed as something else.
Where are the lines? Me I'm probably a dweeb!
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tj is table serious. I am proud to be a nerd.
13/20 on that face test; half of them looked very unnatural to me, so I was mainly guessing between 2 or 3 options. Only one or two looked like a genuine facial expression rather than someone saying 'pretend to look sad, but do it rather badly'. Or possibly I'm just shit at reading faces....
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@tjagain Misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis demonstrate how little we understand about it, how are we supposed to make progress when even medical professionals miss it?
This is where the extreme male brain theory falls apart, the basis of the research is based on perceived typical male behaviours such as lack of empathy or mechanical obsessions and a misinterpretation of how autism presents in general in both genders (which are more fluid amongst autistic people than the general population). Social awkwardness is often misunderstood as a desire to be alone rather than an inability to join in, whereas I love invites to parties where I can hide amongst the crowd, or refuse if I'm all peopled out.
Autistic women are more likely to mask social difficulties by learning mannerisms and body language and utilising them, obsessions and systemising are also easier to hide. Although, we do this out of necessity rather than naturally as women are more likely to be ostracised by their peers and have a harder time being accepted. Masking is not something I'm good at, I've been told I have odd mannerisms but they couldn't elaborate.
Research has shown that women are more adversely affected by social attitudes towards autism with a higher proportion being unemployed and depressed, in fact we are the highest suicide risk group with an average life expectancy of 47!
What do I know, I'm a dork 😂 depending on what type of intelligence they're measuring (high IQ doesn't mean much in the real world)
@trumpton are there any you would recommend reading? Aspergers has been removed from the DSM as it comes under the autism spectrum but they still provide an insight. I thought of reading Odd Girl Out but didn't, and tried to read A Curious Tale but it just wasn't me (I prefer Fibonacci and the Golden Ratio)
TJs circles:
If I can have a semicircle of intelligence then I'll take one of each with an extra side helping of obsession.
@aweeshoe Thank you for your response, it was very helpful and has given me a lot to think about.
In regards to TJs circles I hopefully come under dweeb, otherwise its pure social ineptitude
I thought this may be useful for colleagues, family and friends of autistic people. We often get our information about autism from parents and practitioners; which whilst helping people to cope, it doesn't help them to understand
https://reframingautism.wordpress.com/2019/02/15/a-manifesto-for-allies/?fbclid=IwAR2ZaD7oGOHnvNajeNrL22SjxO54cyldi7sjaPvW5orbma3FEnt5zSuI8GM
I was quite surprised to learn this, especially as it carries a £1k fine. One of the requirements is to provide details of your GP and specialist, I've never been assigned any, have you?
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/mar/03/autistic-people-angry-at-having-to-disclose-diagnosis-to-dvla-even-if-driving-not-affected?CMP=share_btn_fb&fbclid=IwAR24vynIfTWjpsd5HF25SRyW2EdNwIL5Qy9_Hzrt_Vnjun-atNQ1G7zBG04
Standard shambolic gov agency muck up in both pointless prejudiced original decision and then failing to let anyone know.
I watched the louis theroux documentary on netflix. Such a complex condition. Apparently the spectrum is so vast that everybody is on it at some stage or point.
I wonder what's their reasoning for the new regulations, it seems a bit sinister and discriminatory especially as we've passed the same test
@rmacattack I found the Louis Theroux documentary tough to watch as it's such a negative portrayal and reinforces stereotypes, even the title suggests that only a parent could love an autistic person (although there's an element of truth in that) I don't think it did anything to advance our understanding of autism and between that and Undateables I wish they'd hurry up and advance eugenics
How many of you are Autistic?
About 1%
@trailwagger 😂 totally, I'd have replied similarly but asking "who" seemed a bit too direct and irrelevant
14/20 on that face quiz. Though it lacked options as sure a couple of them were constipation!
I sometimes wonder myself. I see traits, but then many of the classics are a negative. One though is eye contact. I struggle with that and have seen it in a few other people. Hadn't noticed until someone did the same with me and I realised I do the same. Don't think it's autism related really on its own.
A relative was diagnosed with a mild form from an early age and it's obvious really when you know. Has really good support at school which has helped a lot in managing it. Gives me some empathy (sympathy?) with people with autism and how it's handled, or not.
It's easy to stereotype autism as certain traits such as not making eye contact, liking solitude, sensitive to noise and touch, lacking empathy and being good at maths but they're just how they are viewed rather than experienced. It's a mistake many people make, it's common to hear "but you don't look/act autistic" just weird/strange/odd/quirky/special/different.
I wasn't diagnosed until my late 30's, I'd never have guessed that I was autistic from what I'd seen and heard about it. With the exception of eye contact I don't fit the stereotype, I'm tactile, empathetic and love a bangin' party, I just don't get invited 😂 Shopping is a nightmare, the glare and hum of the lights, the acoustics, people to navigate and choices to make, or it could just be that I'm tight. I don't think personality traits are what defines autism, I think it's the way in which we think systematically and logically
I have some of the traits, but have never been diagnosed, my son had issues when he was born, it took until he was almost 4 before we were given the diagnosis. He's now 18, at Lancaster University studying Human Geography, IT, Maths and Spanish, so he hasn't done bad and made his mother and me very proud.
That's great! I think providing the right environment and support helps enormously too
Late to this post. I am ASD and so is my son. I find self awareness and making a few adaptations, essential in order to make things easier. My son’s school have made a few adjustments. He can go to luch a few minutes before the majority of the school to miss out the noise and crownds of the halls and the manic rush with the queues. He also has quiet spaces he can go to to declutter the over stimulations. I wear baseball caps if I have to go to places with ridiculous ceiling lighting like large stores, shopping malls et cetera. I also have discrete ear plugs for concerts, cimena or busy crowed places. Managing conditions and a bit for forward planning make most things doable.
aweeshoe - have a look for Dr. Simon Baron-Cohen. He is a leader in autism in the UK and has interesting stuff on youtube, as well as books.
@trumpton Cheers, I will do. @roper Some good tips there, thanks! If only I can didn't look like Jimmy Krankie with a cap on 😂
https://goo.gl/images/YZnAox
No problem, A sombrero will give a certain je ne sais quoi.
@roper Grand plan! It'll solve the eye contact dilemma too, everyone is taller than me 😀
It's something that's bothered me a lot, am I autistic, although, probably leaning towards Asperger rather than Autism. I just took that test that's been mentioned and i'm hitting 34 out of 50, so that's probably a big fat yes then.
Not sure how in date it is, but the general OCD I put up with on a daily basis could probably be described as being on the Asperger side of things
`There are a few online ASD tests, this one has recently been revised,
www.aspietests.org/userdetails.php?target=/raads/questions.php
Unfortunately most of them do seem to be male orientated and so not as good as picking up female ASD behaviours. ASD diagnosis is going through quite a reform. Asperger’s is not officially diagnosed now and the disorder may be replaced with condition so ASC.
@darthpunk I'm sorry to hear that it's something that's bothered you. OCD is a different condition borne out of anxiety but they share certain elements like obsession, repetition and routine. I get quite anxious if my routine is broken, it gives me a bit of stability when there's so much else going on to make sense of
the disorder may be replaced with condition so ASC
Subtle but important I think.
Disorder implies broken.
Condition does not.
Edit: 151 on the test in that aspietests link, no real surprise.
Anyone else on this thread done Myers Briggs? The E/I distinction, MB questionairres seem to have quite a correlation with the social questions on the asd tests. I come out as strongly 'I' type.
My Apergers is managed fine, until it's not. Not that I immediately notice, I'm usually only aware that I've been rude or distant or something well after the event, when it's made plainly obvious that something I'm doing isn't quite right.
Then there's the personal struggles. Maybe quite trivial, like last night, on my long ride home, I had planned out what snack I was going to have when I get home. I knew I'd not have that much physical energy, and may not have the mental energy to decide. However, when I got in, the food I'd planned wasn't there. We had no rice. Normally OK, I'd need a bit of time to make a decision, but my daughter wanted a lift to the train station in 20min, which to me was a bit too close and I couldn't think. so I didn't have anything until i came back.
sounds fairly normal, but it's the tip of the iceberg.
I wrote this on facebook a few months ago, to try to illustrate fairly daily allowances ASD people need to make.
here goes:
Today is an openly autistic day. (This will be a long one)
I thought it might be, I woke with blocked sinuses, which has distracted me from day to day things and removed an allocation of energy right from the outset. I'm not necessarily talking just about physical energy, but the emotional energy, the social energy, which at the end if the day, is tied to the physical anyway.
We try to make things easy on days like this. Go for breakfast rather than having to decipher what products in the fridge are breakfast food, and what I actually want to eat, or don't, as I rarely have much of a desire for food if left to decide on the spot, tending to decide what I want the night before, or earlier, when I have the tools and energy to make a decision.
It's easier to justify, as we needed to get my daughter an advent calendar anyway, so we're out.
Actually, it's just easier to be presented with a limited number of options and choose what I know I liked last time.
We met one of my wife's friends from years back. I happily gave up another portion of the days social energy to that. It's always very fulfilling to meet new people and the potential positive rewards down the line are well worth it.
I ran through the plan for the rest of the day, so I know how much effort to allocate to each bit, and try to get to the 'get home' part without going into shutdown. Thought I got it sussed. Nearly did.
Supermarkets.
Not knowing 100% what you want is a really bad idea on days like today. Thankfully my wife was patient with my lack of tolerance for 'browsing', but I did need to give myself a couple of timeouts. I'd find a corner, stand, breathe, probably look like a weirdo, give myself 5 minutes to collect a plan and get out of there as quickly and effectively as possible, without just dropping the basket where I stood and walking out, like I've done many times before.
Home. Chill, do some things I'd wanted to do, and done things I needed to do. I'd saved enough for that.
Then I needed to get food.
I struggle at weekends with lunch. Weekdays are fine, I just make sandwiches, 90% of the time, sandwiches. Maybe a pot noodle, or last night's leftovers, but mostly sandwiches, made earlier in the day, so I have little choice or options to confuse me when it's time to eat.
Weekends, I could have the same. But I need to make it there and then. So requires a decision, like breakfasts. Breakfast is normally easier. cereal, toast, museli perhaps. Lunch is not so simple, I mean, do I want a sandwich? Do I want anything? Am I hungry? The clock tells me it's time to eat, and I know if I wait another hour all of my conserved thinking energy will have gone and a decision will be impossible. So I must eat.
I'm not sure I have the energy for this, but try anyway, convinced I'll feel more energised after a snack.
A few things go wrong, and I end up with getting the bread I've just cut damp as I didn't dry the chopping board off. Trivial things, but I've used all the energy that was left by being frustrated, or nearly all of the effort I had left. So I put things away.
At this point I know I'll only decline rapidly from here. But I've saved just enough to to be able to gather a few words, to form a near sentence, to let my wife know that I'm going upstairs, when asked. She asks if there's anything wrong, but I can't reply coherently, so half manage a 'no' and smile as much as I can muster. I hope she gets that message.
I spend the next hour and a half on the bed, drifting in and out of sleep, exhausted, comforted by the warmth and the oh so soothing vibration and constant sound of the tumble drier.
I'd like to say this isn't a regular occurrence, but days like these happen a lot in our house. We've learned over the years how to manage each other, but still get it wrong and Mr emotionally unavailable android takes over with logic, before total shut down silence.
Today was not one of the wrong days and I am thankful to my girls for that. I've replenished a bit of energy and thought I'd share a bit of what life can be like for an autistic adult. Most of my friends over the years I've not bothered them with my peculiarities, just socialised when I was able. My family however, had no clue what they were signing up to, and 'i can be a bit difficult' somehow doesn't quite cover it.
@lovewookie I'll just leave this here:
https://butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/
yep, in our house we work using the spoon theory.
There's a fork theory too..which relates less to the finite number of forks per day, but a returns system, gaining more forks than you expend. Particularly good model to use to consider mental health, not just mental/emotional energy of the spoons theory. Ties into identfcation of benefits from normal tasks and when it's appropriate to select low hanging fruit to maintain your functionalability.
https://thingofthings.wordpress.com/2014/11/01/the-forks-model-of-disability/
@mrmonkfinger I wondered what those letters stood for on Tinder 😂 I just did it and I was surprised to discover I'm an extrovert, I always thought I was shy. The others were innovative, thinking and perceiving which fit the asc (< I like it Roper) profile.
@cougar I'd not heard of the spoons analogy, it's a good one.
@lovewookie Exactly, you've expressed it extremely well. My family and people who know me also find me "a bit difficult". I find life extremely awkward to navigate, there's too much information coming in at once and it's difficult to filter out the crap to make necessary decisions. I need quiet time to myself each day to avoid meltdowns and shutdowns, but as a lone parent I don't often get it until the kids have gone to bed and come down for the umpteenth time because they're hungry, thirsty...
I like riding because it's the only time my mind is focused and relatively quiet. I ride on my own so I can go at my own pace, in the direction I want, or at least aim for and more importantly no demands or distractions (I've no one to ride with anyway, but it makes people feel better to think that autistic people are loners by choice) Alhough, I've hit a wall in my progression as I can't figure out how ride some obstacles. I know I need coaching but I'm not sure if someone will understand my challenges, hence the coaching thread but that's another decision to make
Someone mentioned earlier about ASD being notifiable to the DVLA. Well, the DVLA has recently backed down on this under pressure from the National Autistic Society.
https://themighty.com/2019/03/uk-updates-driving-policy-autistic-drivers-protest
The DVLA tweeted: "In our attempt to clarify the advice for drivers with autism spectrum disorders we’ve clearly muddied the waters and we’re very sorry for that. We have amended the advice on GOV.UK for both drivers and medical professionals, which make it clear that a driver who has an autism spectrum disorder only need tell us if their condition could affect their driving."
Someone mentioned earlier about ASD being notifiable to the DVLA. Well, the DVLA has recently backed down on this under pressure from the National Autistic Society.
Thank god for that because my driving is shocking.
innovative, thinking and perceiving
innovative = intuitive?
Surprised on the extrovert thing, as you've stated you need quiet time to recover, sometimes it is a close run thing and you fall on the border between the two things and doing the MB test on a different day may give a different result.
The I and T stuff points to systemising type thinking, I imagine would be common to show if you're ASC.
How the hell do you manage parenting on your own? I find a couple of days of being the parent in charge is more than enough to wipe out all my social skills. Then I end up being a not very good parent until I can get time to go off and recharge.
I can’t figure out how ride some obstacles
JCB 🙂
Oops, yeah innovative = intuitive
"How the hell do you manage parenting on your own?" (I'm not sure how to do that box thing)
I don't, but there's no choice so I just do the best I can. I cover the basics such as making sure they're clean, comfortable, fed and safe, then if I can engage with them I'll play a game or take them on an outing. Monday to Friday I'm pretty much emotionally unavailable and over stimulated after work, I'll listen to their day but I go somewhere quiet if they're watching telly, playing video games or being demanding of my attention. They know to articulate their feelings, though my eldest has discovered that slamming a door speaks volumes. I choose my battles and being a bit of an anarchist I don't have that many rules other than be kind and considerate, and that their actions have consequences; such as if they wish to play in their room after bed time they still have to be up for school in the morning.
When I do get a break I'm either tidying up the kid carnage that's built up, straight out on my bike or most likely wasting time weighing up what to do first and achieving nada.
JCB? With my driving skills 😀
Fair enough, can more than understand that answer.
box is done with the "/B-QUOTE" thing
*edit* link didn't work
I came across this blog about what it's like to receive an autism diagnosis at the age of 24. I could relate to a lot of what they said, though they still have hope for acceptance
I found out yesterday that there are 17,000 people on the waiting list for assessment for autism in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Mental health services in East Anglia are in a desperate state of affairs, whatever funding is available is totally inadequate and after care services non-existent to the point that the mental health hospital in Norwich has the majority of its beds taken up by people who are equipped to leave but there is no where for them to go.
My hope is that the situation is better for those affected elsewhere in the country.
Wow! That's a shocking amount waiting for a diagnosis. I hardly had to wait at all for my initial assessment, however I am 2yrs into an 18mth waiting list to see a specialist for therapy and I can't get antidepressants without self sectioning as there's not enough CPN's with the relevant training.
Even after 3 suicide attempts in the past year hasn't given me access to the support I need, I'm considering a 4th go as my circumstances will never change. As the woman in the OddMumOut (sorry for the fb link above) said "the natural difficulties I experienced as a child, teenager and young adult will never cease. They won't go, as they are things that I'll face on a daily basis, because I can never change that I'm autistic.
I thought it would be better when I received a diagnosis and that people would be more accepting, after all we are all there to support the parents of autistic children. People forget that these children grow into adults (if they haven't committed suicide, 66% of autistic people have attempt suicide and the average life expectancy is 47 for autistic women, the highest suicide risk group) Autism and its constant stigmatisation is a gift to NT's, it allows them to bond over their awkward children, they make a career out of it and become a pillar of the community.
If there was a cure I'd take it
What can I say aweeshoe - gonna no do that? Your GP should surely still be able to see you for antidepressants?
I am looking for a little advice as well. My "journey" into understanding my oddness / ASD traits has led me a bit into anxiety as I am now realising more of the odd things I have done and said that previously I was oblivious to are now more obvious. Clearly its a good thing I now have more understanding but the anxiety especially over things I have done and said at work is starting to build up to the point that having been on holiday for nearly 2 weeks I am beginning to panic about going back tomorrow.
I don't quite know how to express this properly but its been a long while since I have been so anxious about work. thoughts?
Tj, it'll not go to plan so be prepared. For the first day back I like to get my uniform and the things I need ready the night before as that's the only thing you can practically do. I find it hard to plan in advance as there's so many variables in an average day that I never know which potential situation to prepare for. I take each moment at a time, and only focus on what I have to do next, then it doesn't get too overwhelming. Do you have somewhere at work where you can take a few quiet moments? Even if it's just the toilets, I find that having a few minutes can help me carry on without a shutdown or meltdown. More often than not I wonder what I was stressing about when I get there and just slip into my routine
TJ it may be because your recent routine has changed.
Ta
New boss as well which of course is disruption as she is changing things. It just feels like I am more sensitive now to the odd things I do and say and thats what is giving me the anxiety. I'm done too - couple of years off retirement and I have little energy and enthusiasm left after 40 years
good point about routine. I have already started. Lights on the commuter charged, uniform ready. I never realised before just how ritualised some of this stuff is.
Night shift as well which doesn't help.
Ta.
Tj; I've got a new boss too, just as I thought I'd learned how to get on with my old one. The new one is a proper boss, a former tesco executive, whereas the last one was a managers' son and couldn't give a toss. I get the impression that it's best that I avoid him, just in case I go and say something like "is that excuse applicable for me too?" or "if I had a dick you'd listen"
I'm really anxious about what I say and do, both inside and outside of work. It didn't help that someone I know said that I "have odd mannerisms" and that I'm "nippy", "weird", "special", "different" and "bot" amongst other comments, I don't socialise anymore and hide behind my keyboard because of it
Piece of Mind podcast with Professor Jeremy Hall, Director of Cardiff University's Neuroscience and Mental Health Research. He discusses some of the latest research into autism and how autistic people are more likely to experience mental health problems like depression and anxiety.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1dvPUAV2TG02JYSWRczqUM?si=UD3r_fPnTRmJgzEiCIYTog
I was told by a private senior and experienced autism physc. that anti depressants need to be treated carefully for the autistic. Probably why your GP won't prescribe them as they do not have the relevant experience and a mental health hospital will have a physc with the the relevant experience and knowledge. So your GP probably isn't being unhelpful just inexperienced.
Hope this does not put you off getting help.
That's similar to what my gp said, when I asked why he just said that autistic people can react differently, then when I asked how he didn't have a reply. I've asked to see a regular therapist or cpn but they're insisting that it has to be an autism specialist, I'd have hoped something was better than nothing especially as I have kids. I do worry about the negative impact I have on them as I struggle to provide a nurturing environment for them
“diagnosed with Aspergers 2 years ago”
Technically you’d have been diagnosed with ASD 2 years ago, as was I. Asperger’s is no longer a recognised thing.
A lady at work in conversation last week said she thinks I may have Aspergers due to some traits I have. Since then I have done several online tests for Autism/Aspergers out of curiosity (don't know how accurate they are?) and doing them, I always fall in the very high borderline.
Never ever considered Autism/Aspergers
@Kuco the tests are an indicator that you may be autistic, it does need a formal diagnosis to confirm it as there are other conditions and disorders that are similar but may not have the difficulties which autistic people experience. If there are areas in which you struggle ask the Dr for a referral, your area might have support services
I've never considered my "traits" as a problem though they have got me into and also out of trouble on various occasions.
Might be worth mentioning it at my next doctors visit?
My traits have never been a problem for me either, it's other people that have a problem with them lol
🙂
My traits have never been a problem for me either, it’s other people that have a problem with them lol
Too true. I don't have a problem with my traits but they do hold me back in certain aspects of life (i.e. expected behaviour at social gatherings, expected personality types for certain jobs/levels of job)
I have long accepted that is not going to change and make the best of the traits I do have in areas that others struggle (non-emotional and objective approach to analysis with a clear and very focused mind). I was lucky that I found a job where that has be in my favour.
Kucu - how old are you? What difference would having a formal diagnosis make to your life? It won't change who you are. Formal diagnosis is not easy and takes a fair bit of your time and professionals time that is in short supply and needed for people with severe difficulties.
Only you can decide if its worth going for a formal diagnosis but I at 58 years old decided that a formal diagnosis would not really make any difference to me. Whats more important to me is understanding myself and understanding the coping strategies needed t make life run smoothly
aweeshoe, when you said 'how' - they can make you worst.
about getting a diagnoses - it's nice to know for sure though - or not as the case may be.
@trumpton I could feel worse?! I'm not sure that's possible, I have suicidal thoughts daily. It surprises me that the greater need you have the less support you receive. I can understand it though, I'd not wish to be the medic tasked with a patient beyond my expertise and the implications that may have.
I have long accepted that is not going to change and make the best of the traits I do have in areas that others struggle
I find it hard to accept that it won't change, I don't wish to live with the loneliness of it. It sounds pathetic but social media is the only socialising that I do at the moment, most of it is because I'm a lone parent too so there's little opportunity to meet people and when I do they're put off by my traits. I didn't realise that when you go to book club it's actually about the host's decor and shoes, you shouldn't mention the hair either 😂