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blestwithboys

blestwithboys

Active Member
Hi there! I'm Jenn. I have been a reader here for two years (so says my badge!) but haven't said anything. Midwest USA.
I'm really curious to know the benefits of being formally diagnosed. I have no doubt that I'm on the spectrum. I believe my husband is as well.
We have FOUR high functioning ASD boys (13, nearly 12, nearly 10 & nearly 8). They are totally amazing and on all different rays of the spectrum! We wanted them to be diagnosed so they could have access to services. They're all currently in OT and the younger two are also in Speech. My youngest was in ABA, but I'm super thankful he's not anymore, because I don't get a good feeling about it. Thankfully, he was only in it a couple months.
Anyway, all that to say, there was good reason to have the boys tested for it, but what are the benefits of testing adults? Hubs and I are in our 40s, and on the lower side of middle class, if that makes a difference to your answer.
 
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Hi Jenn, welcome! :)
Being formally diagnosed can give a person access to more services, especially school age children. When I was formally diagnosed, I got extra help in school.
It is entirely up to you whether or not you wish to have your children formally diagnosed. Some people don't seem to mind either way and never seek a formal diagnosis, while for some it can be very helpful.
 
Welcome to AC Jenn! I'm sorry to admit that I don't really have much to say about formal diagnosis, as my doc doesn't think it's necessary; he's extremely positive that I have Asperger's based on my behavior and AQ test results. I still want to welcome you to the best forum on the planet, and to let you know that it's extremely useful and beneficial. So many wonderful folk here that I can learn from, relate to and ultimately help out. It's what we're all here for.
 
Welcome Jenn! Well I was diagnosed age 45. I wish it could have been at least 30 years earlier - my life would have been so much less complicated! Things improved after diagnosis. Now my family, my BF and myself had all the missing pieces in place.
 
Welcome... I hope you find what you seek, and are happy with the results.

Im ASD formal diagnosed as an adult... Mine was NOT about me searching for a diagnosis, it just sort of happened because I kept having really bad panic attacks, and I would (and still do) shut down hard.
Plus I had other things going on that got me a referral, and ultimately this award that states I'm screwed up in all my medical records. My ASD diagnosis is just an umbrella for anxiety disorder, panic disorder, depression, mild OCD, pretty severe SPD, PTSD, and mild Tourettes - so when its all laid out there on paper I feel like some freak. I cant say that I actually like being categorized and made a statistic.

I just want to be me. I do fine most the time... When I don't do fine, its because someone is forcing me to be like them. They just cant get that I cant do that. I can and have to fake it for a short time, but that it. I guess secretly I'm a non-conformist who cant help it. : )

I don't like being seen as disabled, or stupid, or mentally challenged, or as something that needs to be changed.

I am intelligent, I have always supported myself well, but I certainly do not fit into the social standards that people call normal, and truthfully I don't think I want to. I dislike peoples drama, the problems they cause, the greed, the competition, the back stabbing, the controlling others, the hypocrisy... If that is normal, they can just keep calling me whatever they want.

I gained nothing in the way of assistance from the formal diagnosis, but I wasn't seeking any.
It did explain a lot, and I was forced to tell my employer of the diagnosis, but all turned out well.

Being honest I only tell who I have to tell (except in this forum, I speak freely about it)... it just makes people think something needs fixing. They don't understand that this is normal to me. I don't want to be fixed. Yes, I dislike the anxiety, depression, and the shutdowns BUT its all ebb and flow. Without the bad, I would never see whats good... if it was sunshine and roses 24/7 I would be bored and probably truly out of my mind.

Its those ups and downs that allow me to see and feel the good and bad in life. To me, (in my sick head) without ASD, I wouldn't even know what LIFE is. Why does that need changing? I don't hurt myself or others, I just think very different then they do.

I cant say a diagnosis changed anything really. I was offered lots of meds that basically I don't want, and don't take. I have to talk to a counselor and sometimes I don't want too. I hate talking period, and I hate talking about me.

Out in the real world I don't say much at all. I am labeled as "overly quiet" and it has even been seen as me being rude. I don't get it really... If I said what I really feel they would see rude, because I don't like being around people and their gossiping and pot stirring.

I kind of say this a lot... I think I am a little ashamed of the stigma ASD causes, but I'm not ashamed I was born this way. I live a cleaner, more healthy lifestyle (mentally and physically) than most of the so called normal people around me.

I truly think ASD people are more aware in many ways than the world wasters we are surrounded by, but thats just my opinion, and it means nothing.
 
Hi @blestwithboys
Welcome.
You asked about getting diagnosed as an adult.
Getting tested and diagnosed cost me a chunk of savings. For me it was well worth it to gain the clarity, knowledge of self, and an unexpected benefit was an increase in self-worth.
Hope that helps.
~ k
 
IM in my 40s lower middle class to working class
diagnosed 18 months ago ,in the UK there is very little support for mild high functioning autism i wonder if it would have been betger to stay with Aspergers syndrome as no one knows h.f.a
the label l.f.a is recognised and as usual put into the leper reaction category.
i feel smug that a doctor who treated me like a HYPOCHONDRIAC was completely incorrect .
IM still a subject of ridicule! but its good if you contact law inforcement in my town- not very good in other towns as you'll have read, it's made me think are the rest of my mam's family aspie ?
shes deceased I'll never know ,also strange motor neurone disease (Lou gehrig's disease) which killed her is comorbid with autism.
the gene marker is being researched.
incidentally she had progressive bulbar palsy which is not a.l.s, there are different forms of m.n.d .
its helpful because the (stabbing in the dar research neurologists have acquired would make providing your health care more accurate ,
there are still no effective drugs for m.n.d ,17 years after my died hope this gives some clarity
blestwithboys said:
Hi there! I'm Jenn. I have been a reader here for two years (so says my badge!) but haven't said anything. Midwest USA.
I'm really curious to know the benefits of being formally diagnosed. I have no doubt that I'm on the spectrum. I believe my husband is as well.
We have FOUR high functioning ASD boys (13, nearly 12, nearly 10 & nearly 8). They are totally amazing and on all different rays of the spectrum! We wanted them to be diagnosed so they could have access to services. They're all currently in OT and the younger two are also in Speech. My youngest was in ABA, but I'm super thankful he's not anymore, because I don't get a good feeling about it. Thankfully, he was only in it a couple months.
Anyway, all that to say, there was good reason to have the boys tested for it, but what are the benefits of testing adults? Hubs and I are in our 40s, and on the lower side of middle class, if that makes a difference to your answer.
Click to expand...
 
Hi Jenn! Welcome to AC! The main reason for getting a diagnosis is access to services, which you already know is mostly for children. I have also read numerous posts on this site which mention validation from others after being formally diagnosed. But if your family accepts a self diagnosis and you are mentally stable, then a formal diagnosis is merely a formality.

After all, we are all unique. Sharing a label makes us similar in certain ways, but far from identical. The most important thing is your ability to function as a wife, mother, and member of society. A diagnosis would be helpful if you ever seek outside help for self improvement. For example, marriage counseling requires a different approach when it is an AS/NT relationship. Sorry if this is long winded; I hope it helps.
 
blestwithboys said:
Hi there! I'm Jenn. I have been a reader here for two years (so says my badge!) but haven't said anything. Midwest USA.
I'm really curious to know the benefits of being formally diagnosed. I have no doubt that I'm on the spectrum. I believe my husband is as well.
We have FOUR high functioning ASD boys (13, nearly 12, nearly 10 & nearly 8). They are totally amazing and on all different rays of the spectrum! We wanted them to be diagnosed so they could have access to services. They're all currently in OT and the younger two are also in Speech. My youngest was in ABA, but I'm super thankful he's not anymore, because I don't get a good feeling about it. Thankfully, he was only in it a couple months.
Anyway, all that to say, there was good reason to have the boys tested for it, but what are the benefits of testing adults? Hubs and I are in our 40s, and on the lower side of middle class, if that makes a difference to your answer.
Click to expand...

Hi Jenn. Welcome to AC. It took me a while to wake up to the idea of looking at newbie posts besides the currently featured ones. It is kind of funny that it took you two years to post on here. I am glad you finally posted.

A diagnosis can be a mixed blessing. For children, it is mostly good since they can get services not available to adults. As an adult you have fewer reasons to be diagnosed. There are many threads on the forum that touch on the subject. You might want to read more of what different members have to say about it.
 
Thanks for all the responses! I wasn't expecting many, so I waited to come back to see if more time brought more replies. ;)
I am not exactly functioning normally. I have had clinical depression since I was in high school, and with each child, went more severely into depression with PPD. I also have anxiety. I also self-diagnosed myself with fibromyalgia. I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea as well. feel like staying in bed most of the time.
This sounds selfish, but one of my biggest worries is that something will happen to my husband, and then what will happen to my boys and me? I don't have a job. I'm really not good at anything other than writing, editing and other online endeavors. Well, singing and drawing, but it's not like I can bring in money with any of this stuff. I don't know. The only jobs I had before kids was taking care of other children. After having my own, I know I would suffocate in a daycare or school setting.
I really appreciate a place to come talk about things!
 
Helen Keller - blind author
Vincent Van Gogh - great artist who suffered from severe depression
Susan Boyle - unthinkable singer with full blown autism
James Durbin - has ASD w/ Tourettes (like mine but worse) but can sing like a crazy man

Never say it cant be done, I can list off 100s of people

I know depression sucks... I live with it but its ebb and flow and more over mindset
Start changing that mindset and your life has to change its law, not mans law, but universal law.
I believe in you and I don't even know you. I believe in you because I proved to myself I could change and if I can anyone can. Is it fast? nope, Does it suck? yep. Is it worth it? I don't think I can even find a word that fits here, but YES. You can be an online editor, draw for a news paper, write music... We are in times where the potentials are endless and we live in a world so rich that all the money cant even be counted.

Reach inside and find the dreams you used to have... GOD put them there for a reason... SO YOU WOULD LIVE and live abundantly.

I cause most of my own suffering... I stared catching myself doing it, so I started figuring out what was happening when this would flare up... Did I fix it all? Heavens no, but I got a glimpse of a me that could have a reasonably normal life and maybe more. I hold to that.

I believe in you unconditionally, all you have to do is the same.
 
If you are struggling, then a diagnosis may be best. If you haven't done so already, seek treatment for your depression. If you are unsure about taking medication, stick with a psychologist or licensed professional counselor. Mention to whoever you see that you would like to be evaluated for autism.
 
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