Awaiting diagnosis... still unsure...

[LisaMBer]

Hi All,
My son was diagnosed with autism last year and after learning more and more about autism, I started to realise I had similar behaviours. It was only when I started looking into autism in girls and women, it all made sense. I listed all the things I struggled with and took them to the gp. She strongly believe that I am definitely somewhere on the spectrum and referred me for an official diagnosis.

But even with that acceptance, I still wonder if I am. I’ve mimicked others around me for so long and I’m scared I’ve just done the same again. It’s no denying I have real issues socialising and just having to speak to the doctor caused days of anxiety, mood swings, loss of interest in everything... even my kids.

Just wondering if anyone else went through this?

 

[tree]

 

[Nitro]

Hi Lisa

 

[As sweet as-pie]

Welcome to AC. I hope you find some answers here

 

[Major Tom]

Hello and welcome. I also have an autistic son. He's the reason I realized I too am autistic, however nowhere near as severely. I was officially diagnosed about a year ago. I believe that autism is definitely heriditary, my family has a lot of people on the spectrum.

 

[Tom]

Yes, it certainly does run in familys. That doesn't prove anything with you, but does increase probability/possibilty a bit. The spectrum varies in type and severity, and at the HFA (High Functioning Autism) end can be so close to NT (neurotypical) that it is hard to tell. And it is generally said with females it is even more difficult to determine. I think sometimes an immediate yes or no answer is unobtainable. There is no test per se for autism. For me personally, it took time and I had to examine all the aspects and interact with other Aspies. Its like shoes. You sometimes can't instantly tell if they fit. You have to walk around in them a while. It was the last factor, seeing myself in other Aspies, that made me sure.

 

[LisaMBer]

Thank you

 

[CC Witch]

I can totally relate to what you're saying about mimicking for so long that you fear this is just another occasion in which you are mimicking.

When I first heard about Asperger in girls and women, the trait that puzzled me the most was precisely that thing about Aspie girls being able to cope with social situations through mimicking. I can see myself in that. I've always unconsciously mimicked the manners, gestures, and patterns of speech of the people I like the most. So I can relate to that feeling of "what if I'm mimicking this too only because it fits so well?". Or even "Why if I don't get a diagnose because, thanks to mimicking, no the evaluator won't believe me I struggle with social situations?"

But I guess the mere existence of the mimicking trait says that something is not entirely normal.
So well, I don't know. I send you good vibes. I'm also waiting for a diagnose and I understand the stress, the anxiety, and constant insecurity. You are not alone in this.

 

[Myway]

Welcome. And Hello.