Hi all - Awaiting Diagnosis

[Stevo]

Hello - My name is Stephen. I'm 51 years old. Married with 4 kids. I have always felt different, and a lot of people have said such things about me - as in I am different; interesting; unususal, etc... I know this doesn't necessarily equate to autism, but after watching some of a show called "Love on the Spectrum" on Netflix, I just had to set myself up with an appointment for an evaluation. So I did through the Autism Diagnosis Group. I may not be on the spectrum, but I have a lot in common with people who do. We will see. I will post again after my evaluation. I appreciate forums like these and hope to get some answers soon.

 

[Xinyta]

Welcome to the fold, @Stevo

You are right that being different doesn't automatically make you autistic. It makes you unique. Some would say 'quirky'. But you realizing that there is a connection between those who do have it, and yourself. The likelyhood is most definitely there.

Do keep in mind though. Autistics will have varying sensitivities, stims, and hyperfocuses. But one thing that is a obstacle for us all, at any level of autism, is socail interaction/socail cues. Specifically with neurotypicals. It can be just as simple as misunderstanding someone's joke(taking it literally), and or not picking up on thier sarcasm. Other times, it more about just knowing when to talk and what to talk about. Risking an obsessive rant about a passion, despite the interest, or lack there of, from others.

If you are diagnosed with ASD. Then you have a new chapter added to your journey as a human being.

You don't have to wait to post more. You can post, and read, things here while you wait. Who knows. Maybe you may end up being sure of having it, before you get the results from a professional.

Either way. I hope you enjoy your time with us here. Don't be afraid to ask questions about anything you are unsure about. We'll be happy to answer them

 

[tree]

 

[FayetheAspie]

Welcome!

 

[Rodafina]

Hello and welcome, @Stevo. Hope you enjoy the forum. Let us know if you have any questions as you figure out how things work around here.

 

[grommet]

Hello - My name is Stephen. I'm 51 years old. Married with 4 kids. I have always felt different, and a lot of people have said such things about me - as in I am different; interesting; unususal, etc... I know this doesn't necessarily equate to autism, but after watching some of a show called "Love on the Spectrum" on Netflix, I just had to set myself up with an appointment for an evaluation. So I did through the Autism Diagnosis Group. I may not be on the spectrum, but I have a lot in common with people who do. We will see. I will post again after my evaluation. I appreciate forums like these and hope to get some answers soon.

I had not heard of autism. I started dating a woman who said she had it. I did not know what she meant, what it was. I tried to find out and I was surprised because it did not seem like autism, it seemed like regular people. I thought that because I saw that I did all those things too. It was a while before I saw too many things in common with autistic people and I asked to be tested. I did not feel good when the doctor diagnosed me as autistic.

I did feel very good though when I started meeting other autistic people and for the first time in my life, things made sense. I always felt bad because I did not fit in and I did not understand that world. Everyone else seemed to. Then I went to in-person autism meetings and the world made sense for the first time. It was like my life starting. I understood everyone in the room. All my life I was not wrong. I was not around my own people. When I was, everything about me worked.

I felt angry and happy. A lifetime feeling so bad and thinking such bad thoughts about myself but I was okay, it was not that something was wrong with me, I always believed that but that was not true. I found out I was okay.

 

[Stevo]

Welcome to the fold, @Stevo

You are right that being different doesn't automatically make you autistic. It makes you unique. Some would say 'quirky'. But you realizing that there is a connection between those who do have it, and yourself. The likelyhood is most definitely there.

Do keep in mind though. Autistics will have varying sensitivities, stims, and hyperfocuses. But one thing that is a obstacle for us all, at any level of autism, is socail interaction/socail cues. Specifically with neurotypicals. It can be just as simple as misunderstanding someone's joke(taking it literally), and or not picking up on thier sarcasm. Other times, it more about just knowing when to talk and what to talk about. Risking an obsessive rant about a passion, despite the interest, or lack there of, from others.

If you are diagnosed with ASD. Then you have a new chapter added to your journey as a human being.

You don't have to wait to post more. You can post, and read, things here while you wait. Who knows. Maybe you may end up being sure of having it, before you get the results from a professional.

Either way. I hope you enjoy your time with us here. Don't be afraid to ask questions about anything you are unsure about. We'll be happy to answer them

Thank you. I do have a quirky sense of humor, but have trouble "reading the room" and can at times say inappropriate things at inappropriate times. I've always had issues meeting new people. And also with reading social cues, especially from the opposite sex. I'm looking forward to my evaluation. There is a lot to my story, but I'll save that for another day. Thank you for the warm welcome.

 

[Stevo]

I had not heard of autism. I started dating a woman who said she had it. I did not know what she meant, what it was. I tried to find out and I was surprised because it did not seem like autism, it seemed like regular people. I thought that because I saw that I did all those things too. It was a while before I saw too many things in common with autistic people and I asked to be tested. I did not feel good when the doctor diagnosed me as autistic.

I did feel very good though when I started meeting other autistic people and for the first time in my life, things made sense. I always felt bad because I did not fit in and I did not understand that world. Everyone else seemed to. Then I went to in-person autism meetings and the world made sense for the first time. It was like my life starting. I understood everyone in the room. All my life I was not wrong. I was not around my own people. When I was, everything about me worked.

I felt angry and happy. A lifetime feeling so bad and thinking such bad thoughts about myself but I was okay, it was not that something was wrong with me, I always believed that but that was not true. I found out I was okay.

Thanks, grommet! I really like this post. Honestly, a positive diagnosis would be quite a relief for me at this point in my life.

 

[Stevo]

Thank you all for the warm welcomes