Expectations for an autism forum

[BK201]

There are many reasons people are afraid to seek a formal dx.

That doesn't automatically mean they have ASD, so a certain degree of skepticism is justified.

The problem with the DSM is that it is written by people who don't have and aren't affected by the conditions they are describing.

I don't see a problem there. Cardiologists don't have to suffer from heart disease, nor gynecologists from STDs, nor psychiatrists from mental illness, in order to be competent doctors. If there is a problem with psychiatry, it is that it has to rely on subjective measures for a diagnosis: questionnaires, self-assessments, interviews with the patient - instead of lab work, MRI, etc.

 

[Progster]

I don't see a problem there. Cardiologists don't have to suffer from heart disease, nor gynecologists from STDs, nor psychiatrists from mental illness, in order to be competent doctors. If there is a problem with psychiatry, it is that it has to rely on subjective measures for a diagnosis: questionnaires, self-assessments, interviews with the patient - instead of lab work, MRI, etc.

The subjective nature of the diagnosis is the very reason why they need to have people who have the condition on board to give some input in compiling the tests, lists of traits/symptoms, etc. to ensure the traits lists accurately reflect what the person with the condition is experiencing, from an inside point of view, not just the viewpoint of an outsider looking in. An insider's viewpoint in these matters is extremely valuable and helpful.

 

[BK201]

The subjective nature of the diagnosis is the very reason why they need to have people who have the condition on board to give some input in compiling the tests, lists of traits/symptoms, etc. to ensure the traits lists accurately reflect what the person with the condition is experiencing, from an inside point of view, not just the viewpoint of an outsider looking in. An insider's viewpoint in these matters is extremely valuable and helpful.

That's true.

 

[wadorama]

Perhaps if you broke down the problems into categories and then posted them one at a time onto new threads, then we could help you troubleshoot them. You might even find some solutions that are, if not definitive, then at least one step closer to where you want to be in life. I would be happy to help you troubleshoot and I guess many others here would be glad to help, too.

thank you sir. that is exactly what I have been doing. it is mostly the want and life I struggle with now.

 

[Chance]

I'm surprised how many people are in relationships too. I never connect with anyone.

If your ever do connect... You might consider running and never looking back. Its not easy for me anyway.
Geez.

 

[Streetwise]

If your ever do connect... You might consider running and never looking back. Its not easy for me anyway.
Geez.

ah geez I was thinking the other night all the things I couldn't tell you because you would say geez .

 

[megacomic]

I had no real expectations really but it is kind of suprising how many other Aspies besides me have found romance or experienced it before I have. I'm currently 27 and have never been in a real relationship even though all by buddies have wives or girlfriends. Most people just chalk it to me having attachment issues due to growing up in foster care but honestly it's because women either find me awkward or invisible. It's an endless 20 year cycle since I was a kid. I was bullied because and was loner and I was loner because I was bullied and no one wanted to be my friend. Now its just I'm awkward because I don't know how to talk to women and I cant talk to women because I'm awkward.

 

[Progster]

I must admit that when I first joined, I was a bit surprised at how many ASDers follow a religion or faith - I see numerous references to churches, faith, etc. But when I think about it further, I don't think that there is a larger number than exists in the population as a whole - I come from a non-religious background and was brought up in a country where religion has rather taken a back seat in recent years, so I never was really exposed to religion, whereas here many people come from religious families or backgrounds, so it just seems that way to me. I now don't actually think that there are more religious ASDers than in the general population.

 

[Gracey]

I don't think I expected anything in particular from this forum on first landing.

It was an enormous relief not to be kicked out or told to piss off for being who I am.

There are forum rules to abide by so I guess I expect those rules to be followed? (If I have to state an expectation)


Regarding self dx or formal dx, I'm confused as to why it matters.

 

[Littlemissnaughty9]

I joined to get more of a background and information on Asp/Autism. I am a full time carer for someone who's part of this forum. We are best buddys and live together. It can be challenging however I wouldn't have it any other way. The lack of support network my friend receives is appalling,The community and general people run a mile and cant be bothered when it comes to the realization he has Asperger's. Either they run a mile or treat him like a child..An adult who is not a child and doesn't need to be treated like one even though at times has child like tendencies...I cant stand people who talk down to him because he has Autism. Boils my blood..

 

[Gayspie]

Here is the great gayspies expectation vs reality of this autism forum, after being on here for a while.

1) Expectation: Most people on here would be formally diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum.
Reality: A large number of members on here identify as self diagnosed or unsure if autistic people.

2) Expectation: Very few people on here would be in any form of relationship, let alone married.
Reality: A significant number of members on here are in relationships, some even married like @xudo.

3) Expectation: Most people on here would be rather dependent on other people for practical support.
Reality: A large number of members on here live independently, work full time, drive, study, etc.

4) Expectation: Very few people on here would have any good friends, let alone a circle of close friends.
Reality: A significant number of people on here have large circles of close friends and even best friends.

5) Expectation: Most people on here would love to chat to, get to know, and befriend a fellow gayspie.
Reality: A large number of members on here have been directly or indirectly reluctant to talk to me.

 

[BK201]

Reality: A large number of members on here have been directly or indirectly reluctant to talk to me

I apologize, but I felt increasingly uncomfortable having to answer a neverending list of questions about my physical appearance and sexual inclinations.
I agree with 1 to 4 though.

 

[Fridgemagnetman]

I apologize, but I felt increasingly uncomfortable having to answer a neverending list of questions about my physical appearance and sexual inclinations.
I agree with 1 to 4 though.

4. Small circle may be more accurate.

 

[Streetwise]

I agree with one and three and I'm like BK201 I was uncomfortable talking about my physical appearance or sex and I'm also physically unwell ,so I can't do long conversations with one person over a short period of time ,I'm not strong enough .
i've only ever encountered on this forum two people on the autism spectrum who were homosexual and they don't post very often ,I can't remember one of their names -I have memory problems.