Is it Autism?

[Crossbreed]

Neuro-psychs who are familiar with Dr. Lorna Wing and subsequent work are autism-competent.
Autism quacks are camped around Dr. Leo Kanner.

 

[Matthias]

That said, most neurotypicals know when behavior is "off",...and although they may not be able to articulate exactly what they are being confronted with,...the amygdala triggers their brain, and causes them to distance themselves from us.

Do you think this applies to autistic people as well? I used to sense that neurotypical behavior was "off", became uncomfortable, and distanced myself from NTs because of it. It resulted in me gravitating toward friends with autistic traits before I knew anything about autism.

 

[Crossbreed]

Do you think it's possible that the human brain is hardwired to fear people who are seen as different?

I don't think that it is so much fear as it is not meshing well; a type of culture shock.

 

[Ronald Zeeman]

A diagnosis of autism in adults is more of an art than a science. If you paid for 10 evaluations, 5 psychiatrists might say you're autistic and 5 might say you're not autistic. Diagnosing any mental illness is mostly subjective. If you saw 3 psychiatrists, each one might diagnose you with a different condition.

If it helps, I'm willing to identify as a professional and diagnose you with shame illness, a condition that causes feelings of shame. To treat this condition, I'd recommend you stop thinking of yourself as a failing neurotypical and start thinking of yourself as an unsupported unique person trying your best in a difficult environment which doesn't require anyone to diagnose you with autism.

that's how I do it .

I don't think that it is so much fear as it is not meshing well; a type of culture shock.

Could be the uncanny valley effect.

 

[Gwildor]

A diagnosis of autism in adults is more of an art than a science. If you paid for 10 evaluations, 5 psychiatrists might say you're autistic and 5 might say you're not autistic. Diagnosing any mental illness is mostly subjective. If you saw 3 psychiatrists, each one might diagnose you with a different condition.

If it helps, I'm willing to identify as a professional and diagnose you with shame illness, a condition that causes feelings of shame. To treat this condition, I'd recommend you stop thinking of yourself as a failing neurotypical and start thinking of yourself as an unsupported unique person trying your best in a difficult environment which doesn't require anyone to diagnose you with autism.

It seems that an Autism diagnosis is a difficult thing to pin down. My brain doesnt like that lol. It tells me anything that is nebulous or vague is hard to trust.

I certainly resonate with aspects of many personality, attachment and developmental disorders. Schitzoid, OCPD, Avoidant. It seems quiet hard to pick them apart. ......yes yes I know, before anyone says it, get a professional opinion lol. seems easier said than done. Much like not experiencing shame ha.

 

[Gwildor]

I don't think that it is so much fear as it is not meshing well; a type of culture shock.

I'd say there is some fear, definately in the absence of understanding, and with a predisposed neurochemistry.....With the 'right' neurochemistry more likely curiosity/excitement.

 

[Suzanne]

One day, one of my faith's magazine featured a story about a sister life as a child and that she was diagnosed with aspergers syndome and as I read, I could not help but think: wow, she seems worse than me, but goodness me, this could be how I have been all my life.

I tried to ignore it, because I felt that I would be laughed at and besides, there were elements that I certainly do not have, such as a montoned voice; bland expression, which to me, seems to oust the possibility of the spectrum. However, it kept going through my mind and I got obsessed with searching online and after feeling the waters, so to speak with mentioning it to others, I got such negative feedback, that it made me withdraw and then, found out that rarely are females diagnosed, which is ironic, since it was about a sister I read lol

I finally found this site, in the hope that I might find concrete answers, as it seems more and more likely, I was on the spectrum.

I wanted a formal diagnoses, but it seemed impossible, since I reside in France ( not French) and they do not even recognise aspergers, but one day, on seeing my psychiatrist, my husband asked if I could get tested and after the therapist asking why I felt it necessary and so glad I had premptied him for once, because it did not take too long for him to be satisfied with my answers, and sent a referral. It was very fast arriving and after doing several tests twice, the lady said that I had got a typical aspie score and then, what was supposed to take a two year waiting list, to see the expert in autism, happend the following week. I saw him twice and was asked a lot about my childhood and my husband was also able to testify for me. I then was told that I do have aspergers. Grade 2, leaning towards grade 3.

After a few years of diagnosis, things have got better, because I am more bold with things I am unable to cope with and after speaking to a spiritual sister, now going to try and apply to be registered as disabled, in order to receive financial help. I would rather work, but sadly, unable to.

 

[Neonatal RRT]

firstly would you say that autistic traits could be 'conditioned' out of someone? You touched on therapy as being a driver of that but my own example would be more a process of learning that many of my own neurodivergent traits were unnaceptable/ shameful, and forceably applying effort to overcome them.... with a side effect of burnout and mental health struggles.

And you mentioned about neurotypicals realizing something is 'off' when interacting with autistics. And I could definately see that as being fairly bvious in people with significant support needs. But I have seen many people with an official diagnosis of autism where I could not tell at all.

Autism seems like such a hard thing to define. Especially with so many overlaps between different mental health conditions.

1. "Applying effort" as you put it,...yes,...this is the conscious effort put forth to produce the change that one is seeking. Over time, it may become easier,...with repetition leading to "habit",...and less conscious effort. Some "neuroplasticity" is part of the process, as well. Regardless, though, there is an "effort" put forth,...and although neuropathways can be strengthened over time with regular usage,...understand that the life cycle of a neuron,...a brain cell,...is on the order of several decades,...some have claimed that brain cells last your entire life if they remain healthy. Given that autistic brains have known characteristics in terms of the cell structures and migrational patterns in each part of the brain,...it is highly unlikely that one can change the underlying anatomy. Anatomy often dictates the physiology,...the physiology often dictates the symptomatology and behaviors. Hence, this idea that autistics typically have to override their natural tendencies in order to behave similarly to a neurotypical,...and can lead to mental exhaustion. Certainly, this has been my experience. I consider myself "a work in progress",...constantly learning how to socialize and communicate better,...and it takes a considerable amount of effort on my part,...it does not appear easy or natural in any sense. I am "forcing" myself to be different, which takes some level of motivation and commitment.

2. The fact that an autistic may not recognize a "brother from a different mother",...unless it is "obvious" may be influenced by the autism condition, itself,..."reading" people,...or the lack thereof. Whereas,...in general,...most neurotypicals appear to be much better equipped to reading all the subtle nuances of micro-expressions, body language, voice modulation, eye contact, etc. So, like I suggested,...a NT may sense something is "off" without necessarily understanding what it is,...and an autistic may be totally oblivious unless they are suspecting and intently looking for autistic symptomatology or traits.

3. You are correct that there are overlaps,...and the presence of co-morbidities can certainly confuse the issue. This is why being familiar with the DSM is helpful in separating these conditions from one another.

 

[Matthias]

It seems that an Autism diagnosis is a difficult thing to pin down. My brain doesnt like that lol. It tells me anything that is nebulous or vague is hard to trust.

I certainly resonate with aspects of many personality, attachment and developmental disorders. Schitzoid, OCPD, Avoidant. It seems quiet hard to pick them apart. ......yes yes I know, before anyone says it, get a professional opinion lol. seems easier said than done. Much like not experiencing shame ha.

I agree. Unless you get someone else to pay for a diagnosis, I think it's a waste of money. Reading self-help books for social skills, emotions, and relationships can help anyone so I'm not sure it makes much difference which condition you're diagnosed with.

 

[Gwildor]

I agree. Unless you get someone else to pay for a diagnosis, I think it's a waste of money. Reading self-help books for social skills, emotions, and relationships can help anyone so I'm not sure it makes much difference which condition you're diagnosed with.

Thats a good point matthias. There are strategies which are universally helpful.

I think however there is some purpose to knowing your diagnosis for the purposes of treatment. Different conditions respond better to different therapies and pharmaceuticals.

In the problem solving methodology used by many of the big companies for business purposes, the first step is almost always to know/ identify the problem. I think thats relevant to solving our interpersonal problems too.

An example I could give is perhaps a worst case scenario. But imagine many of someone's communication and axiety problems were caused by something like a brain tumour or lesion to certain areas, or perhaps some sort of endocrine dysfunction. Then someone getting a false diagnosis of Autism might seriously hamper their recovery.

My example is arbitrary and extreme to highlight a point. I'm not saying the two would have similar enough symptoms to get confused. But Im sure there are quiet a lot of issues that overlap but have completely different causes and treatment.

A second reason for me personally is partly ethical. I get really edgy when I see people who get offended when someone tells them they dont look autistic, but identify with being autistic for example. For me I think its completely valid for a neurotypical to say "you dont look autistic" and assume the person is not. Considering what prenatal said earlier that most NT's gave a 6th sense for this stuff. It makes me question why the diagnosed autistic would have such a defensive reaction. And perhaos have suspicions they themselves doubt their diagnosis and are acting out of insecurity.....instead of accuracy. which is important to me. Including my own doubt about my self 'diagnosis'.