Hi.

[cherryq]

I am 22 and am trying to figure out whether to seek an AS diagnosis. My parents constantly tell me that I am 'just shy' and to 'try harder' when I encounter social situations. They don't understand. I feel like I never fit in and have disconnect with the people and world around me. Hoping to find support here, and answers.

 

[NTgirl4276]

hi! welcome to AC. you're in good and friendly, supportive company here.

 

[Rocco]

Welcome aboard.
This is a great place to communicate and explore, best wishes

 

[wyverary]

Welcome! I think if you search our forums and resources, you will find that AS often goes missed or mis-diagnosed in females. I hope you will find us a supportive and welcoming community.

wyv

 

[Judge]

Welcome to AC. Looks like you'll find you have a lot in common with us. You came to the right place!

Yeah- it's something well beyond simply being "shy"- or even introverted.

 

[Omega]

You have found a great forum. Hope you enjoy your time here. Welcome and good luck!

 

[StephF]

Hi Cherry, this is a good place. I hope you will like it.

 

[Progster]

Hi, welcome to the forum

 

[SPEED RACER]

Hi I was diagnosed last year at 43 years old if I were you I would get diagnosed it helped me to cope with it and at least I know for sure instead of not understanding why I did not fit in with others. GOD BLESS Todd

 

[Tom]

Hi & Welcome,
I guess one place to start is to look up the symptoms of ASD and see how well you match and then take a few ASD self tests. Just keep an open mind and see what your investigation shows.

Parents are notorious deniers in this situation btw, as are we ourselves often at first. Its easy to be hidden when you are talking HFA.

 

[cherryq]

Yeah- it's something well beyond simply being "shy"- or even introverted.

Thanks, Judge. I've been labeled shy, an introvert, been told I'm "too quiet," but also that I talk a lot whenever I get to know someone. I've also been given an unofficial social anxiety diagnosis and general anxiety diagnosis. It's just hard for others to understand that as much as I try to build a connection with someone, it just doesn't work out very well. My parents tell me I just need to "try harder" and it will get easier.

 

[Datura]

I recommend you do some reading and self tests. If after that you still suspect you are on the spectrum then talk to your treating professionals about getting a formal assessment. Present them with a list of the reasons you think you may be on the spectrum.

 

[camerartus]

Agreed. Then again, if you are seeing a professional and he believes you have it, then you don't need to be tested because he'll be treating you the same way. But, if you want to be sure, go for it. It's always a relief to know.

 

[TSS]

I have not gone for an official diagnoses, but my psychologist and I have looked at the self tests I took. We have talked about my autistic traits, and I have been given some good books to read on the subject. Also, my family did research on the subject and they see the signs of aspergers in me. That has been good enough for me to receive the help I need from both by psychologist and my family. When I was growing up I was always called painfully shy. It is good to know why.

 

[cherryq]

So I had an initial evaluation today. No tests or anything, but I learned some key things about myself (about why I am the way I am). Even though much of this I had already deduced myself, I am glad for the professional confirmation. Because no real diagnosis was given today, all of my "traits" are just random word phrases: auditory processing deficits and lack of tone recognition (she asked a question then made a statement with similar wording directly after, and I thought she had asked the question again), stimuli overload, problems with attention span (possibly caused by lack of sleep and not ADD, etc.), and a lack of empathy. Overall, she thinks that I could have Autism Spectrum Disorder/Asperger's and wants me to have some neuropsychological testing to figure out my overall processing skills. In other words, I feel that though I haven't received an official diagnosis, my self-diagnosis is accurate. Main advice that I got today was to carry a notepad with me everywhere and make notes through any conversation (since I don't usually retain/understand things that I hear) and get adequate sleep (we figured out a routine that will be appropriate for my work schedule). Good visit overall, I think.