Is it Aspergers/Autism, or something else? (self diagnosing)

[sati769leigh]

Aspergers/Autism are getting a great deal of attention now. Because of this, there are a fairly large number of adults self diagnosing themselves with AS.

While I do believe many do actually have Aspergers, many are confusing shyness or social anxiety with Aspergers. This does both those with Aspergers, and themselves, a disservice. I have read (on another site), of a woman who went to several doctors trying to get an AS diagnosis, and all said she was incorrect. While I believe we know ourselves better than anyone, we're also best able to lie to ourselves.

Why would someone lie to themselves about having AS? Well, quite honestly, this diagnosis can give one a sense of relief, and a sense of belonging, after being "different" your entire life. However, people must be aware, that is is not the ONLY diagnosis for those with social problems. There are many, and getting the wrong diagnosis, can be hurtful. If you do not find the true cause, you can never fully address the issue, nor find a solution.

I did self diagnose before I was formally diagnosed, but not just because I was shy, or didn't relate well to others.

Here is a partial list of my issues:

-Aspergers and Autism are common in my family. I have family members all over the spectrum, from severe to HFA.

-I was precocious in speech and reading as a young child. I have always been overly formal with speech, particularly when discussing my favorite topics. I discussed my interest in becoming chiropractor and my interest in meteorology at length, as a 10 year old girl.

- I was sensory seeking, and inappropriate in my behavior. In school, I was repeatedly reprimanded for biting another girl's braid. I simply liked the feeling between my teeth, and would follow her around. On the other hand, I had a strong aversion to certain textures in food and cloth.

- My voice was often described as monotone by friends. I was also told my expressions were stiff, and I always looked uncomfortable when engaging in social activities.

- I stim when upset, and bounce, tip toe walk, and handflap when excited. I also have meltdowns when overwhelmed, that involve crying, shutting down, and rocking.

-I am not terribly shy, but am overwhelmed by other people. I tried, quite hard, for many of my school years to make friends. I was not terribly successful, and couldn't understand why there was a disconnect between myself and others.

-I have a hard time expressing my emotions, though I do feel them.

-I seem to function by a mental "to do" list, and often things like emptying my bladder, or cleaning up a mess, will be put off for a ridiculously long amount of time, while I do what I believe must be done first.

-I am very clumsy, and rather inept when it comes to spatial awareness. I didn't get my driver's license until 26, and am still not a terribly good driver. I am also prone to running into walls, tripping, or hitting things with the grocery cart.

-I focus so much on correctness and my version of fairness, that I have alienated a great deal of people. I am also mistreated because others assume that I'm a cerebral narcissist, or aloof, because of my formal manner of speaking.

[sati769leigh]

Oct. 25, 2009 at 5:03 PM

((((hugs)))) and thanks for sharing. autism is the ADD/ADHD of the current times. there was a time those two things were the catchall. now autism is. i think there are wayyyy fewer cases of actual autism in adults and children as diagnosed.

but it sounds from your description as if you are on the spot and doing what you need to do i hope to do something about it. there is always hope to get help with some of the issues assocaited with autism spectrum disorders at any age.

[aurorabunny]

Oct. 25, 2009 at 5:11 PM

I agree with this journal.  All of the self-diagnosing irritates me because to some extent it truly does feel trivializing.

But I have to say autism is NOT the ADD of the current times, and there really AREN'T tons of children running around with incorrect diagnoses.  I don't think that's really what the OP was trying to say.

Oct. 25, 2009 at 8:56 PM

Aurora is correct, that is not my point in this journal.

 

Anonymous (Original Poster)

[MrsBeasley]

Oct. 27, 2009 at 12:36 AM This journal has helped me. I have two cousins on the spectrum, at opposite ends. I was fairly young when they were diagnosed but over the years babysitting them, etc came to learn certain signs, and then of course I pay attention to the media and drs since I've had children. My oldest has just started speech therapy, but for a while it was at the back of my head that she might be. I talked with my aunt and unlce extensively and while she has some autistic tendancies I am hesitant to seek out a diagnosis for fear of it being a label. Thank you for all your points--it has given me more to look for and also more direction when talking to her teacher and dr.