How Did You React To Being Diagnosed?

[joshodude1308]

I am always contemplating on things associated with AS.

 

[robertwnielsen]

I thought to myself, "Well, that explains a few things...".

Same here, when I got my diagnosis of what was then Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified. (Of course, now under the DSM-V, it's simply "autistic spectrum disorder.") And interestingly enough, a lady I went to school with, whose son has the same DX as I do, told me (on Facebook) that when her son got diagnosed, she thought of me, and remembered how I was in high school. (Her son has many of the same behavioral issues that I did back then.) And I told her that when I was diagnosed, I was like, "Okay, now I get it. I get why I was the way I was back then."

 

[Joshua717]

It was shocking cause it explains everything that happens in my life , I'm 14 years old , from California and do have trouble socializing with other kids my age like when I'm around them I get really nervous , noises , bothers me a lot . I have no friends in real life due to my weirdness but I'm proud of it cause my mom said I'm unique . I can't do well at sports either like I get really clumsy and then everyone around me laugh at me . So yeah that's my story


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[robertwnielsen]

It was shocking cause it explains everything that happens in my life , I'm 14 years old , from California and do have trouble socializing with other kids my age like when I'm around them I get really nervous , noises , bothers me a lot . I have no friends in real life due to my weirdness but I'm proud of it cause my mom said I'm unique . I can't do well at sports either like I get really clumsy and then everyone around me laugh at me . So yeah that's my story


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Joshua717, I had many of the same problems when I was your age (I'm 43 now). If I had a dollar for every time people laughed at me because of my clumsiness, I would be so rich...it wouldn't even be funny! But, like you, when I was diagnosed, I felt like I finally had an explanation for why I am the way I am.

 

[paloftoon]

I am reluctant to get diagnosed, I'm not sure what will it will mean. I have twin boys with ASD and it's through them that I discovered Autism. Everything began to make sense, from the incredibly hard time I have connecting with other people, to the weird desire to be as precise as possible about what I mean when I speak. It was a relief, but being that I am already well into my adult years, I see very little benefit in getting a diagnosis.

I don't think there's much benefit as an adult unless you are so extreme that you cannot do things for yourself. If you are in this situation as I am, the best you can do is look for autism groups and forums where you can officially say that you do belong. Also keep in mind, even in the aspie world, people are not always looking out for your best interests.

 

[Jordan]

I reacted in a way that was obscene to another person. I'd always used to blame it on my AS, even though I didn't realize I was doing it. I swear I have some sort of attention deficit, because I'm always easily distracted by other people and what they are doing. But now, I've come to a better understanding, and thanks to this forum, I am taking life through little steps. I am learning what to say, and what not to say to offend people.

When I found out that it was common with people with Aspergers, I did in fact realize that the problems I have been having have a real connection to my AS. I don't recognize subtle tones of voice, and sometimes when in a meltdown, I do not recognize someone crying. Often that means I struggle to guess the mental state of others. It's troublesome and can cause so much confusion.

This year I have been trying to learn not to loose my rag with people, while having Aspergers, that can cause real difficulties in the long run.

Since I got referred and my diagnosis pertained to Asperger Syndrome, I've been coming more and more accepting of my aspieness since my diagnosis back in February 2013. But at the same time, I feel my family are saying to me "Don't use it as an excuse". Well I cannot help it if I disagree with something that could lead on to over-the-top behavior. I suppose being a smart-ass can have certain consequences sometimes.

I am, for the foreseeable future, taking everything in my stride. And to take every support opportunity I can get. Although others think I am lazy for not completing work, they have to realize that it's really exhausting for an aspie.

I am celebrating the fact that I am wired differently, and I love the fact that I have a different view on the world that most people find refreshing and new. Often, people don't like it when I am too smart or too quiet. Aspies can never win the fight, but the battle isn't over!

 

[Spinosaurus kin]

I reacted in a way that was obscene to another person. I'd always used to blame it on my AS, even though I didn't realize I was doing it. I swear I have some sort of attention deficit, because I'm always easily distracted by other people and what they are doing. But now, I've come to a better understanding, and thanks to this forum, I am taking life through little steps. I am learning what to say, and what not to say to offend people.

When I found out that it was common with people with Aspergers, I did in fact realize that the problems I have been having have a real connection to my AS. I don't recognize subtle tones of voice, and sometimes when in a meltdown, I do not recognize someone crying. Often that means I struggle to guess the mental state of others. It's troublesome and can cause so much confusion.

This year I have been trying to learn not to loose my rag with people, while having Aspergers, that can cause real difficulties in the long run.

Since I got referred and my diagnosis pertained to Asperger Syndrome, I've been coming more and more accepting of my aspieness since my diagnosis back in February 2013. But at the same time, I feel my family are saying to me "Don't use it as an excuse". Well I cannot help it if I disagree with something that could lead on to over-the-top behavior. I suppose being a smart-ass can have certain consequences sometimes.

I am, for the foreseeable future, taking everything in my stride. And to take every support opportunity I can get. Although others think I am lazy for not completing work, they have to realize that it's really exhausting for an aspie.

I am celebrating the fact that I am wired differently, and I love the fact that I have a different view on the world that most people find refreshing and new. Often, people don't like it when I am too smart or too quiet. Aspies can never win the fight, but the battle isn't over!

I think some people forget that someone who seems like a complete genius in the classroom or workplace may not understand things that they consider simple. But my counter argument is this; if you lived in a world of aspies, you would have "Neurotypical Syndrome" of course that wouldn't be what it is called, but that doesn't matter. Your basic understanding would not be the norm in that world, and people would say that your idiosyncrasies are weird and that you are using your condition as an excuse for "unusual" behaviour, like being bored of a routine and speaking in more nuance and expecting people to read between the lines. That would be a mental condition in that world.
So I would argue it like that.

 

[Jordan]

I think some people forget that someone who seems like a complete genius in the classroom or workplace may not understand things that they consider simple. But my counter argument is this; if you lived in a world of aspies, you would have "Neurotypical Syndrome" of course that wouldn't be what it is called, but that doesn't matter. Your basic understanding would not be the norm in that world, and people would say that your idiosyncrasies are weird and that you are using your condition as an excuse for "unusual" behaviour, like being bored of a routine and speaking in more nuance and expecting people to read between the lines. That would be a mental condition in that world.
So I would argue it like that.

Your statement has confused me. Are you saying other people who target me has "Neurotypical Syndrome"? Because that doesn't make any sense. Anyway, there are some people in the world that are like what you said and they tend to bash aspies and NTs. It's rude and unethical.

It's often when other people would spark me off and say "it's your fault". As I am wired differently, I'd take that literally and counteract the argument on their part. But I wouldn't go as far as to hurt someone.

EDIT:
I lack of communication skills, it's not the case of me hating people's social norms.

What I was trying to say was is that my diagnosis had an affect on the way my thought processes go. And more than anything it was a misunderstanding on my part by not explaining the situation to you fully. I do apologize for that.

Yes, I have Aspergers, but my diagnosis was an information overload to me, so that made me over-think different situations. That doesn't necessarily mean that I catch people off guard with what they have said. It has taken me a year to understand myself, and because of anxiety, I never spoke to anyone fully, or I'd miss what they said to me because of social communication.

Thanks for being understanding.

 

[paulb]

It was shocking cause it explains everything that happens in my life , I'm 14 years old , from California and do have trouble socializing with other kids my age like when I'm around them I get really nervous , noises , bothers me a lot . I have no friends in real life due to my weirdness but I'm proud of it cause my mom said I'm unique . I can't do well at sports either like I get really clumsy and then everyone around me laugh at me . So yeah that's my story


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That's me exactly when I was your age. Couldn't wait to get out of high school and go away to college. No more PE.
Dorm life was a big and better change in the way I felt about myself. Everyone there was concerned about getting on with their own life. Scary the first few months, but at least you are in more control of events.

 

[Andy R]

Mine was relief. It just answers so many questions. Shame I had to go so far through life before finding out!

 

[Spinosaurus kin]

Your statement has confused me. Are you saying other people who target me has "Neurotypical Syndrome"? Because that doesn't make any sense. Anyway, there are some people in the world that are like what you said and they tend to bash aspies and NTs. It's rude and unethical.

It's often when other people would spark me off and say "it's your fault". As I am wired differently, I'd take that literally and counteract the argument on their part. But I wouldn't go as far as to hurt someone.

EDIT:
I lack of communication skills, it's not the case of me hating people's social norms.

What I was trying to say was is that my diagnosis had an affect on the way my thought processes go. And more than anything it was a misunderstanding on my part by not explaining the situation to you fully. I do apologize for that.

Yes, I have Aspergers, but my diagnosis was an information overload to me, so that made me over-think different situations. That doesn't necessarily mean that I catch people off guard with what they have said. It has taken me a year to understand myself, and because of anxiety, I never spoke to anyone fully, or I'd miss what they said to me because of social communication.

Thanks for being understanding.

Oh what I meant was the sorts of people who see a behaviour and think you are using aspergers as an excuse because you seem intelligent. I meant that in the same way they think things we find hard are easy and it is just something we can't be bothered to do, in a world where the tables were turned, the opposite would likely happen. And I would say that to someone who is NT who says that I am too intelligent or normal to have problems in such simple areas. I used "Neurotypical syndrome" in a joking sense, obviously it wouldn't be called that. It was more of an appeal to absurdity.

I should have applied context to he specific part of the post I was referring to. My apologies for miscommunication.

 

[Jordan]

Oh what I meant was the sorts of people who see a behaviour and think you are using aspergers as an excuse because you seem intelligent. I meant that in the same way they think things we find hard are easy and it is just something we can't be bothered to do, in a world where the tables were turned, the opposite would likely happen. And I would say that to someone who is NT who says that I am too intelligent or normal to have problems in such simple areas. I used "Neurotypical syndrome" in a joking sense, obviously it wouldn't be called that. It was more of an appeal to absurdity.

I should have applied context to he specific part of the post I was referring to. My apologies for miscommunication.

Right, thank you for the apology. And sorry for the miscommuncation on my part. In that context though I thought you meant me!

 

[arthousesalem]

I always knew I was different. I knew that I was clever, people had been telling me that since I was very young. It didn't bother me that I found it hard to make friends because I was normally content playing on my own.

I found out a year ago and was relieved, it answered all the questions I had about myself. I have never understood NT's they never made sense to me. One rule applies in this situation but not in that one. Peoples body language and there intensions are really confusing. I have meltdown when I can't cope with something especially situations out of my control. I enjoy my own company and space and anything that disrupts that makes me anxious. I was always told I was ECCENTRIC as a teenager and child and that I was moody with biting or hitting my hand in certain situations. My parents have always told me that there was nothing wrong with me. As a child I always knew that that was not the case. I knew that something was not right, I felt it and saw it in how others interacted with me.
My diagnosis was the best thing I have ever had. I was previously diagnosed as Bioplar2 but I knew I wasn't, the diagnosis didn't gel with me. Aspergers males are different than females. Females learn to mimic and role play from watch tv shows to learn how to interact and socialize. Pity no one tell us when we are young that life and human interaction is not a soap opera.
I got tested with my son. We are both Aspergers. For my son whose 20 it meant nothing, he just felt that the people he works with wall on egg shells around him like his fragile. He hates it.
For me (and I work in disabilities) it explain why I understood what triggered my students into meltdowns And why they had difficulty making friends. I got diagnosed at 40. I was angry that I had lived so much of my life without a diagnosis and I felt that if someone had picked it up earlier I would had felt that life was such a battle and struggle just to exist when I was younger.
I bless my diagnosis best thing that happened to me!

 

[giraffesec]

I was DX'd by my late 30's I didn't react at all I kinda guessed that was the result I had taken the AQ test so many times to prove my wife wrong as I said I wasn't Aspergers. So wifety was right. As per


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[rx7chick]

I experienced immense relief, that has lasted. Knowing it,goes with me all day, and has give me a kind attitude toward myself, and a greater, more relaxed acceptance of why I am a loner, and embrace the comfort of solitude. I no longer struggle socially, or strive to form friendships. I do have people in my life who accept me as I am, and when they don't I walk away, because I know trying to get them to understand me is pointless and will only make me suffer. I am very kind to myself now.

 

[wyverary]

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*high-five*

 

[Cerulean]

My first contact with Aspergers was via internet forums- some kind of geek disability that everyone thinks they have but don't. Not being a huge geek, I dismissed it as irrelevant to me and kept on.

It was suggested to me by my husband in the worst possible way- out drinking one night, after one of his psychology classes, hey Cerulean I think you're autistic. I was furious, it didn't exactly sound like a compliment.

Over time learning about it and meeting others I've learned what it really means, found explanation for many puzzling aspects of my past, and forgiven myself for a lot of mistakes I've made. I still don't have a formal diagnosis but thinking about myself on the spectrum has calmed from anger and denial to embracing it.

 

[Warwick C]

Good on you Cerulean, for embracing it now may you enjoy a informative journey now.

 

[Cerulean]

Thanks Warwick!

 

[cjwebber68]

I have been diagnosed with ADHD primary inattentive type over 12 years ago. I SUSPECT it's aspergers as I have a way of reacting to frustration that I don't think is ADHD or neuro typical. I'm trying to get to a specialist that can tell me for certain one way or another and am having trouble finding the time to search. I work with autistic kids as an ABA therapist


cjwebber68