New here - is it possible i have autism/aspergers

[-Reece]

Hi, my name is Reece and I'm 16 years old. I have always kind of thought I was "different" but who doesn't? From a young age, I have struggled with depression and anxiety but I just recently found the courage to find help so I was only diagnosed a few months ago. I just couldn't shake the feeling that that was all that was causing my problems. I have been doing some research which lead me to sites about autism and Aspergers. From what I have read a lot of my symptoms match but I don't know how to tell for sure. I read that it is only fairly recently that there have been more studies about autism in girls so many of them are misdiagnosed or missed completely. Does anyone have thoughts on what I should do next, more research or something? I'm just not really sure what to do at this point.

 

[Streetwise]

i was referred to an autism diagnosis team by a gp,but i was nearly 46, maybe a psychologist may recognise what you say .
been asking for years, i was sent everywhere ,but nobody agreed autism, just exhaustion and anxiety.

 

[Judge]

Welcome to AF, Reece.

There are lots of tests regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder out there. At least they may give you some direction in one's quest to determine if they might be on the spectrum of autism. Here are just a few:

Dr. Simon Baron-Cohen's "Autism-Quotient" Test: The AQ-test; The Autism Spectrum Quotient

Ritvo Autism Asperger's Diagnostic Scale Test: The Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R)

Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale: Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale

Just keep perspective though that these are tools. Not objective diagnostics to substitute in the absence of professional medical evaluation. To help you, but not be definitive that you either have or don't have a form of autism or other comorbid conditions.

And of course to use this forum to compare yourself with others through lots of reading and perhaps even direct interaction.

 

[tree]

 

[The Midge]

Hi, my name is Reece and I'm 16 years old. I have always kind of thought I was "different" but who doesn't? From a young age, I have struggled with depression and anxiety but I just recently found the courage to find help so I was only diagnosed a few months ago. I just couldn't shake the feeling that that was all that was causing my problems. I have been doing some research which lead me to sites about autism and Aspergers. From what I have read a lot of my symptoms match but I don't know how to tell for sure. I read that it is only fairly recently that there have been more studies about autism in girls so many of them are misdiagnosed or missed completely. Does anyone have thoughts on what I should do next, more research or something? I'm just not really sure what to do at this point.

Welcome Reece!

I was diagnosed late in life too. Diagnosis is not the answer to all your problems but can be a great help especially if you are younger.

What to do next depends on your circumstances and where you are. At your age in the UK there may be several points of access for diagnosis including your GP. However the school nurse or a specialist agency may be better at spotting and screening for autism spectrum conditions, especially as you are female and will probably be better than males at masking your symptoms.

best wishes on your journey.

 

[-Reece]

Welcome to AF, Reece.

There are lots of tests regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder out there. At least they may give you some direction in one's quest to determine if they might be on the spectrum of autism. Here are just a few:

Dr. Simon Baron-Cohen's "Autism-Quotient Test: The AQ-test; The Autism Spectrum Quotient

Ritvo Autism Asperger's Diagnostic Scale Test: The Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R)

Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale: Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale

Just keep perspective though that these are tools. Not objective diagnostics to substitute in the absence of professional medical evaluation. To help you, but not be definitive that you either have or don't have a form of autism or other comorbid conditions.

Thanks, I will check these out. I know nothing will be 100% unless I go to a professional but hopefully it will at least give me a better idea of where I stand

 

[Judge]

Thanks, I will check these out. I know nothing will be 100% unless I go to a professional but hopefully it will at least give me a better idea of where I stand

Well, in all honesty be aware that not even professionals necessarily can provide a correct diagnosis. The whole system itself isn't "on the same page" potentially compounding the whole process of a formal diagnosis. (ICD-10 vs. DSM-V)

That in essence under the present circumstances there's probably nothing reflecting a "100%" guarantee and assurance.

 

[-Reece]

Welcome Reece!

I was diagnosed late in life too. Diagnosis is not the answer to all your problems but can be a great help especially if you are younger.

What to do next depends on your circumstances and where you are. At your age in the UK there may be several points of access for diagnosis including your GP. However the school nurse or a specialist agency may be better at spotting and screening for autism spectrum conditions, especially as you are female and will probably be better than males at masking your symptoms.

best wishes on your journey.

Thank you, I would like to be a little more confident about where I'm at before I go to someone but when/if I do that is good advice

 

[-Reece]

Well, in all honesty be aware that not even professionals necessarily can provide a correct diagnosis. The whole system itself isn't "on the same page" potentially compounding the whole process of a formal diagnosis.

What is the best way to know then? is there any way that is better than others, in your opinion

 

[Judge]

What is the best way to know then? is there any way that is better than others, in your opinion

It's just my opinion, but I've stated many times that I wouldn't even consider a formal diagnosis by anyone less than a board-certified MD specializing in neurology and/or psychiatry pertinent to autism. Yes, in the US it would no doubt be expen$ive. Personally I can't imagine seeking a diagnosis for such a complex neurological condition through a psychologist or social worker.

I am presently self-diagnosed, though under my present circumstances (being elderly and not seeking any form of government entitlements for this condition alone) I don't see a critical need to seek such a diagnosis which would likely cost me thousands of dollars.

I've been an active member of this online community for four years now, and am thoroughly convinced that I was born on the spectrum of autism. With far too many traits and behaviors reflecting ASD/high-functioning autism. Though IMO the most important thing one can walk away from being here is to be self-aware and do what you can to possibly improve your life in whatever ways may be possible.

I went through 55 years of my life not knowing who- or what I am. That I don't wish on on anyone. Not being on the spectrum itself, but rather simply not knowing it.

 

[The Midge]

Thank you, I would like to be a little more confident about where I'm at before I go to someone but when/if I do that is good advice

It is your decision all the way. You will be asked before a formal test if you want to know- to ensure there is no one putting pressure on you. It might be worth talking about if you ever see someone about depression or anxiety. School nurses are good, if you have one, as they see a lot more of their patients than a GP and can spend a bit longer with you. It never harms to talk, as they keep things confidential and are free.

 

[xudo]

Welcome

Does anyone have thoughts on what I should do next, more research or something?

I would seek a professional who specialises in Autism.

 

[-Reece]

It's just my opinion, but I've stated many times that I wouldn't even consider a formal diagnosis by anyone less than a board-certified MD specializing in Neurology and/or Psychiatry. Yes, in the US it would no doubt be expen$ive.

Personally I can't imagine seeking a diagnosis for such a complex neurological condition through a psychologist or social worker.

I am presently self-diagnosed, though under my present circumstances (being elderly and not seeking any form of government entitlements for this condition alone) I don't see a critical need to seek such a diagnosis which would likely cost me thousands of dollars.

I've been an active member of this online community for four years now, and am thoroughly convinced that I was born on the spectrum of autism. With far too many traits and behaviors reflecting ASD/high-functioning autism. Though IMO the most important thing one can walk away from being here is to be self-aware and do what you can to possibly improve your life in whatever ways may be possible.

I went through 55 years of my life not knowing who- or what I am. That I don't wish on on anyone. Not being on the spectrum itself, but rather simply not knowing it.

Thanks for your help, this is alot to think about and honestly I'm a little scared at the possiblity. I dont know how my parents would react and so you can understand how I want to be firm in my position if I talk to them

 

[-Reece]

It is your decision all the way. You will be asked before a formal test if you want to know- to ensure there is no one putting pressure on you. It might be worth talking about if you ever see someone about depression or anxiety. School nurses are good, if you have one, as they see a lot more of their patients than a GP and can spend a bit longer with you. It never harms to talk, as they keep things confidential and are free.

You're right and I might do that. I don't know my nurse well though so I am a little hesitant

 

[-Reece]

Welcome



I would seek a professional who specialises in Autism.

I would like to be more firm in my position before speaking to a professional because I don't know how my parents will respond to this. If I do decide I want to find a professional, how would you go about finding the right person?

 

[Judge]

Thanks for your help, this is alot to think about and honestly I'm a little scared at the possiblity. I dont know how my parents would react and so you can understand how I want to be firm in my position if I talk to them

Indeed you're kind of in a bind on two counts:

1) As a minor you're not in an advantageous situation to dictate terms to parents.

2) Parents who refuse to consider such a prospect, largely based on their own ignorance and fear of autism. And a driving notion that their child is perfect and can't possibly be on the spectrum of autism!

Under such circumstances perhaps being knowledgeable about the subject may be of more value than being firm about it.

Sadly in my own case my own parents suspected something was very different about me. And yes, they pursued it with professional medical people who at the time weren't even aware of Asperger's Syndrome. I was pronounced "normal" from their perspective and that was that. Never mind I didn't even speak in sentences until at the age of four!

One thing always worth mentioning is so an overwhelming number of people who suspect they might be on the spectrum of autism go onto confirm it professionally with what they already knew in both their hearts and minds.

 

[-Reece]

Indeed you're kind of in a bind on two counts:

1) As a minor you're not in an advantageous situation to dictate terms to parents.

2) Parents who refuse to consider such a prospect, largely based on their own ignorance and fear of autism. And a driving notion that their child is perfect and can't possibly be on the spectrum of autism!

Under such circumstances perhaps being knowledgeable about the subject may be of more value than being firm about it.

That's probably true, it was a big step for me to tell them about the depression/anxiety and honestly, they did not have the best reaction. I think they were disappointed to a certain extent. They said all the right things but they mostly ignore it and if I bring it up they don't really validate it. I am afraid if I brought up something like autism they would just think I was trying to get attention or something

 

[Judge]

That's probably true, it was a big step for me to tell them about the depression/anxiety and honestly, they did not have the best reaction. I think they were disappointed to a certain extent. They said all the right things but they mostly ignore it and if I bring it up they don't really validate it. I am afraid if I brought up something like autism they would just think I was trying to get attention or something

Apart from my self-diagnosis of ASD I was formally diagnosed in 1982 with both clinical depression, social anxiety and OCD. All classic comorbid conditions to autism.

 

[Judge]

That's probably true, it was a big step for me to tell them about the depression/anxiety and honestly, they did not have the best reaction. I think they were disappointed to a certain extent. They said all the right things but they mostly ignore it and if I bring it up they don't really validate it. I am afraid if I brought up something like autism they would just think I was trying to get attention or something

As an adult I would have prefaced telling much of anyone with the following: "Need-to-know" only.

As much as many of us want to tell the world what we already know, most of that world simply doesn't want to know. So you must be aware of this dynamic as well. In essence, most people you tell will not understand and only relate to it from their Neurotypical point of view.

 

[Streetwise]

autism society in your country or google therapists specialising in aspergers syndrome,in the uk private psychologists still use that term and advertise diagnosis of teens and children.

I would like to be more firm in my position before speaking to a professional because I don't know how my parents will respond to this. If I do decide I want to find a professional, how would you go about finding the right person?