Hello

[superstarbucksstan]

Hi,

A bit about me - I live in NYC and my therapist thinks that I may have ASD based on six sessions of evaluation and discussion. When I ask friends, many of them disagree with this notion. I am mid 30s, would consider myself high functioning, though I do have traits and habits that support my therapist's theory.

Strength Finders: Learner, Input, Intellection, Deliberative, Analytical
MBTI: INTJ
Enneagram: 5w6


Why I am here - I am trying to learn more about ASD, and have not yet decided on whether I will get officially tested/diagnosed. I have several unanswered questions I am hoping to answer or learn more about:
1) What does having ASD actually mean - is it a cognitive state that exhibits symptoms, or is it simply the presence of the symptoms themselves?
2) if I know I have some symptoms (social limitations, say), does it matter if I get an official diagnosis, instead of simply trying to work on these limitations without the diagnosis?
3) Having read some materials regarding ASD, the value propositions of being diagnosed seem to be peace of mind regarding one's state or condition, as well as being able to communicate to others that there is a diagnosed reason for certain behavior. It allows people a certain freedom and peace among others in saying 'I am the way I am because of a diagnosis." It is unclear whether this would actually be good for me.
4) How much should I trust a diagnosis - is it possible that if I have indicative traits for other reasons, I may be misdiagnosed as having ASD? Similar question in the opposite direction as well.

Thanks - hoping to learn, and to spread constructive and positive energy.

 

[Streetwise]

diagnosis can help if you need medical attention in the form of psychiatric therapy as autistic people react differently !it also helps if you are studying as you would receive accommodations and also at your place of employment you would receive accommodations in theory !.
personally I feel exactly the same as the second before I was diagnosed! it's been two years I still don't fully understand it.
diagnosis is very thorough !if you are given a diagnosis! it is very definite !especially in the USA where diagnosis is rigorous !
it depends on the attitude of the people around you whether they will give you respect
autism isn't a symptom !it's a lack of development !it isn't classified as an illness by autistic people ! some Neuro typicals
that is people with typical neurology might disagree.
you can't change autistic neurology you just learn coping mechanisms.

 

[tree]

 

[clg114]

Welcome to Aspies Central!

 

[Nitro]

Hi superstarbucksstan

 

[superstarbucksstan]

Thank you all for the warm greetings

@Streetwise Thank you for the specific feedback and the awesome image - makes me feel warm When you say that autism is a lack of development - the question this raises for me is whether it is a lack of development or an inability to develop at the pace or to the extent of a 'neuro typical'. I'm sure I will have a better idea as I research more. Thanks again!

 

[Thinx]

Hi Superstarbuckstan, welcome. I d call it different development, a different brain. Hence it works differently and there can be mismatches with neurotypical expectations. I was glad when I realised what this was in relation to my lifelong puzzling experiences in certain areas. It gave me useful ideas about where to focus my developmental efforts and also how come certain situations or issues were difficult for me despite my best efforts. Understanding myself continues to be an interesting journey. I have self diagnosed and don't feel a need for more . I hope you enjoy it here, people are friendly and helpful and there's plenty of useful information and threads to read and respond to.

 

[Progster]

Hi, welcome to the forum!

1) What does having ASD actually mean - is it a cognitive state that exhibits symptoms, or is it simply the presence of the symptoms themselves?

Nobody really knows exactly what causes it, but the brain develops differently and its connections are different, and that affects your cognitive functioning, your behaviour and your personality.

2) if I know I have some symptoms (social limitations, say), does it matter if I get an official diagnosis, instead of simply trying to work on these limitations without the diagnosis?

As an adult, perhaps not, but you might be able to get access to help if out of work, or to accommodations if you work or study. It can also provide closure and peace of mind for you and your family.

4) How much should I trust a diagnosis - is it possible that if I have indicative traits for other reasons, I may be misdiagnosed as having ASD? Similar question in the opposite direction as well.

I don't think that any diagnosis for anything can be trusted 100%, but it's far more likely that you would be (mis)diagnosed with another condition such as social anxiety or OCD or ADHD, when what is really going on is ASD.

 

[Anthracite]

I see autism as a different operating system, like Android vs Microsoft. They both have their good points and bad points, but the reason we autists have so much trouble is because the world is built for NTs. Imagine being the only one who had an Android (impossible nowadays I know) in a world full of MS - no wonder you're gonna have trouble trying to make it work when all you have are MS instructions and programmes. Same with us, only we have issues with socialising, sensory differences and processing skills.

Whether you pursue a diagnosis really depends on what you gain from it. If you want closure, understanding or official help it might be worth going for (I needed it so I could claim certain benefits cos I can't work full time, plus I'm a curious sod).