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Interesting Question
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"I'm often asked if I'm autistic. The answer is probably 💜" What makes you think that? Looking at myself, and thinking about what was said to me, I think it is possible, but I don't know how to process it just yet. (I was only asked in the last hour) | |||
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"I'm often asked if I'm autistic. The answer is probably 💜 What makes you think that? Looking at myself, and thinking about what was said to me, I think it is possible, but I don't know how to process it just yet. (I was only asked in the last hour)" I would say you definitely are | |||
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"I was asked once, I have no idea how to answer it. And at nearly 50 years of age, knowing isn’t gonna make on iota of difference to my existence. " I'm slightly older than you, so maybe it won't make much difference, but it might explain why I am the way I am. (An oddball) | |||
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"I'm often asked if I'm autistic. The answer is probably 💜 What makes you think that? Looking at myself, and thinking about what was said to me, I think it is possible, but I don't know how to process it just yet. (I was only asked in the last hour) I would say you definitely are " Explain. | |||
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"I was asked once, I have no idea how to answer it. And at nearly 50 years of age, knowing isn’t gonna make on iota of difference to my existence. I'm slightly older than you, so maybe it won't make much difference, but it might explain why I am the way I am. (An oddball)" It can certainly explain a lot of things but not justify them | |||
"I think sometimes we all get overwhelmed with the constant bombardment of information and communications and struggle to keep up, feel overwhelmed. What might once have been thought as on the autism scale is possibly now just our brains saying enough I need to step back. " I can understand that in this day and age, but I have been like this for as long as I can remember. | |||
"I don't think everyone is on the autistic spectrum. I think that if you have it, it's a spectrum in terms of how it's displayed etc." Exactly this it plays out in different people in different ways and it’s about realising and learning about yourself | |||
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"I was asked once, I have no idea how to answer it. And at nearly 50 years of age, knowing isn’t gonna make on iota of difference to my existence. I'm slightly older than you, so maybe it won't make much difference, but it might explain why I am the way I am. (An oddball) It can certainly explain a lot of things but not justify them" Justification is not what I am looking for I just want to understand ME. | |||
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"I think sometimes we all get overwhelmed with the constant bombardment of information and communications and struggle to keep up, feel overwhelmed. What might once have been thought as on the autism scale is possibly now just our brains saying enough I need to step back. I can understand that in this day and age, but I have been like this for as long as I can remember." Then you could well be. But it could be your superpower,thinking differently to those around you. | |||
"Oddly enough, I haven't. And I have an autism diagnosis, too. I don't think it's a rude question, particularly. Unless the person asking was the type to think that being autistic can only be a negative." It wasn't being rude, more out of concern. | |||
"I think sometimes we all get overwhelmed with the constant bombardment of information and communications and struggle to keep up, feel overwhelmed. What might once have been thought as on the autism scale is possibly now just our brains saying enough I need to step back. I can understand that in this day and age, but I have been like this for as long as I can remember. Then you could well be. But it could be your superpower,thinking differently to those around you. "  I likethat! | |||
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"Like others have said it’s a spectrum so while you may have it it’s not as a big a deal as some make out. The wait times on the nhs is a while " Yes, I don't even think a diagnosis would make much difference at my advanced years! | |||
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"I don't think everyone is on the autistic spectrum. I think that if you have it, it's a spectrum in terms of how it's displayed etc." That is the correct meaning of the term "autism spectrum". | |||
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"I've just been asked an interesting question, and I don't know the answer... I was asked if I am on the autistic spectrum, because of my way of thinking and communicating, and because of my introverted nature. Have any others been asked about this, and how did you deal with it? (e.g. What was your outcome?) SENSIBLE ANSWERS ONLY, PLEASE, as this is a serious question." Internet search an AQ10 form. Ideally get someone to read it to you and score it. | |||
"I'm often asked if I'm autistic. The answer is probably 💜 What makes you think that? Looking at myself, and thinking about what was said to me, I think it is possible, but I don't know how to process it just yet. (I was only asked in the last hour)" My excessive need for clarity, tendency to overthink the shades of grey until they're either entirely black or white. Ever since I stopped working in hospitality and so didn't need to do the customer service mask it's been a question I get asked regularly. I do have a lot of traits commonly associated with it. I don't worry about it. I probably am, but I'm managing it pretty well if so, and don't want to deal with chemicals or therapy to change me from the person I am. I've always known my brain was somewhat out of kilter with most people's. I connect an awful lot easier with the blatantly neurospicy people than the 'normal' ones. Some people find something meaningful to them in a diagnosis or explanation. I'm happy to just be. Even if my dearest friend likes to point out how I'm obviously autistic as fuck. It doesn't actually matter to me. | |||
"I don't think everyone is on the autistic spectrum. I think that if you have it, it's a spectrum in terms of how it's displayed etc." Agreed I also think some people 'want' to be on the spectrum cos it helps to explain away their behaviours, helps them make sense of it Some people need a definition, as opposed to just accepting the way they (dis)function I suspect, just from some of my behaviours / hobbies that I may be on there somewhere, but I'm not far enough along to need or want definition for them I am fully on board with be both unique and individual That is not the decry those that do need the confirmation / affirmation Nor is it meant to demean those that go about their lives either not recognising their position or who function the best they can without ever seeking to confirm | |||
"I don't think everyone is on the autistic spectrum. I think that if you have it, it's a spectrum in terms of how it's displayed etc." This. | |||
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"Than you all. I am going to take a bit of time to thoroughly read all the replies, and do some thinking." Possibly best to talk to someone qualified rather than taking advice from the literati of Fab.  | |||
"Than you all. I am going to take a bit of time to thoroughly read all the replies, and do some thinking. Possibly best to talk to someone qualified rather than taking advice from the literati of Fab. "Unfortunately it’s a very long wait on the NHS to get an appointment and to go privately is very expensive | |||
"Than you all. I am going to take a bit of time to thoroughly read all the replies, and do some thinking. Possibly best to talk to someone qualified rather than taking advice from the literati of Fab.
Unfortunately it’s a very long wait on the NHS to get an appointment and to go privately is very expensive "Still got to be better options then taking advice from random strangers on a swingers site  | |||
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"I don't think everyone is on the autistic spectrum. I think that if you have it, it's a spectrum in terms of how it's displayed etc." This ❤️🧡💛 | |||
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"Than you all. I am going to take a bit of time to thoroughly read all the replies, and do some thinking. Possibly best to talk to someone qualified rather than taking advice from the literati of Fab. "I will, but I find the experiences of those who have replied useful. | |||
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"Autism, is a complex condition that can look very different from person to person. The word we tend to use, "spectrum" is really important here because it reflects just how much variation there is in the way people experience autism. Some individuals might have significant challenges with communication and need a lot of support, while others might be very verbal but struggle with things like understanding social cues. It’s crucial to remember that each person with autism is unique, with their own specific needs and strengths. One thing I’ve noticed is that there’s a lot of confusion about what autism really is. Sometimes, people think that just because they have a few traits associated with autism—like preferring routine or feeling awkward in social settings—that they might be autistic. However the reality is that autism is much more complex and involves a pattern of behaviors that affect daily life in a significant way. Plus, there are other conditions, like ADHD or anxiety, that can share some of these traits, which is why it’s so important to get a proper assessment from a professional. It’s easy to make assumptions based on what we think we know, but understanding autism really requires an open mind and a willingness to see each person as an individual." This is an amazing answer. | |||
"I think it's human nature for us all to be on the spectrum somewhere 🤔 Maybe a tad rude to just ask someone though " It's a mischaracterisation. Autism as a diagnosis isn't more or less, it's a collection of clusters. If you have more than a certain degree of clusters, you're likely within the range. If you don't, you're not. This idea that neurotypicals exist on the autism spectrum is strange to me. | |||
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"I think it's human nature for us all to be on the spectrum somewhere 🤔 Maybe a tad rude to just ask someone though It's a mischaracterisation. Autism as a diagnosis isn't more or less, it's a collection of clusters. If you have more than a certain degree of clusters, you're likely within the range. If you don't, you're not. This idea that neurotypicals exist on the autism spectrum is strange to me." People mistake spectrum for gradient. | |||
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"I think it's human nature for us all to be on the spectrum somewhere 🤔 Maybe a tad rude to just ask someone though It's a mischaracterisation. Autism as a diagnosis isn't more or less, it's a collection of clusters. If you have more than a certain degree of clusters, you're likely within the range. If you don't, you're not. This idea that neurotypicals exist on the autism spectrum is strange to me. People mistake spectrum for gradient." Indeed. I just find it irritating that people who are not on the spectrum insist that they must be. No, that's not how this works. That's not how any of this works. | |||
"Seek a professional opinion from a medical expert for diagnosis - that would be the sensible answer Too many people self diagnose themselves as autistic these days." Access to diagnosis isn't something everybody has. Some people find value in considering the world differently on their own, and that's valid too. I did for many years, before I had access to diagnosis. It made my life easier, and it hurt exactly nobody. | |||
"Seek a professional opinion from a medical expert for diagnosis - that would be the sensible answer Too many people self diagnose themselves as autistic these days." Some people who have coping mechanisms in place and are happy. May just leave it at self diagnosis as not to overwhelm an already overstretched service for those who need help. | |||
"Seek a professional opinion from a medical expert for diagnosis - that would be the sensible answer Too many people self diagnose themselves as autistic these days." The waiting list in my area for an NHS adult assessment is now 8 years. | |||
"Seek a professional opinion from a medical expert for diagnosis - that would be the sensible answer Too many people self diagnose themselves as autistic these days. The waiting list in my area for an NHS adult assessment is now 8 years. " There was no access to adult assessment for my area until 2019. (this is a yes and comment, not one-upping) | |||
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"Seek a professional opinion from a medical expert for diagnosis - that would be the sensible answer Too many people self diagnose themselves as autistic these days. The waiting list in my area for an NHS adult assessment is now 8 years. There was no access to adult assessment for my area until 2019. (this is a yes and comment, not one-upping)" I’m trying desperately to remember where I was teaching a few months ago. The local trust was only just starting adult diagnoses. I think it may have been Plymouth. But I wouldn’t swear to it. | |||
"Seek a professional opinion from a medical expert for diagnosis - that would be the sensible answer Too many people self diagnose themselves as autistic these days. The waiting list in my area for an NHS adult assessment is now 8 years. There was no access to adult assessment for my area until 2019. (this is a yes and comment, not one-upping) I’m trying desperately to remember where I was teaching a few months ago. The local trust was only just starting adult diagnoses. I think it may have been Plymouth. But I wouldn’t swear to it." Yeah, this idea that you can get a diagnosis just like that would be hilarious if it wasn't so scary | |||
"Seek a professional opinion from a medical expert for diagnosis - that would be the sensible answer Too many people self diagnose themselves as autistic these days. The waiting list in my area for an NHS adult assessment is now 8 years. There was no access to adult assessment for my area until 2019. (this is a yes and comment, not one-upping)" It's utterly tragic, especially when the following is taken into consideration: "Autistic adults with no learning Disability are 9 X more likely to die by suicide than the general population • It is the second leading cause of death for autistic people. Average life expectancy for autistic people is just 54 years old. (Swedish study of over 27,000 cases) • Up to 66% of autistic adults have considered suicide • Adult autistics significantly more likely to die by suicide than the general population. • Suicide attempts tend to be more aggressive and lethal • Autistic children are 28 X more likely to think about or try suicide • One study showed that 15% of autistic children had suicidal thoughts compared to 0.5% of typically developing children • In the 86 days leading up to the first Lockdown and up to the 56 days after ¼ of young people who died by suicide were autistic or had ADHD. Autistic people make up approximately 1% of the population but 11% of suicides. | |||
"Seek a professional opinion from a medical expert for diagnosis - that would be the sensible answer Too many people self diagnose themselves as autistic these days. The waiting list in my area for an NHS adult assessment is now 8 years. There was no access to adult assessment for my area until 2019. (this is a yes and comment, not one-upping) It's utterly tragic, especially when the following is taken into consideration: "Autistic adults with no learning Disability are 9 X more likely to die by suicide than the general population • It is the second leading cause of death for autistic people. Average life expectancy for autistic people is just 54 years old. (Swedish study of over 27,000 cases) • Up to 66% of autistic adults have considered suicide • Adult autistics significantly more likely to die by suicide than the general population. • Suicide attempts tend to be more aggressive and lethal • Autistic children are 28 X more likely to think about or try suicide • One study showed that 15% of autistic children had suicidal thoughts compared to 0.5% of typically developing children • In the 86 days leading up to the first Lockdown and up to the 56 days after ¼ of young people who died by suicide were autistic or had ADHD. Autistic people make up approximately 1% of the population but 11% of suicides. " Plus the high proportion of people (both diagnosed and undiagnosed) in the prison system. And I had a conversation with a woman whose trust would not even consider “testing her” as she was adopted. The lack of knowledge around female/male presenting. Over medication Employers discrimination ….. | |||
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"And I had a conversation with a woman whose trust would not even consider “testing her” as she was adopted." What?? I can't get my head around that at all. | |||
"Seek a professional opinion from a medical expert for diagnosis - that would be the sensible answer Too many people self diagnose themselves as autistic these days. The waiting list in my area for an NHS adult assessment is now 8 years. There was no access to adult assessment for my area until 2019. (this is a yes and comment, not one-upping) It's utterly tragic, especially when the following is taken into consideration: "Autistic adults with no learning Disability are 9 X more likely to die by suicide than the general population • It is the second leading cause of death for autistic people. Average life expectancy for autistic people is just 54 years old. (Swedish study of over 27,000 cases) • Up to 66% of autistic adults have considered suicide • Adult autistics significantly more likely to die by suicide than the general population. • Suicide attempts tend to be more aggressive and lethal • Autistic children are 28 X more likely to think about or try suicide • One study showed that 15% of autistic children had suicidal thoughts compared to 0.5% of typically developing children • In the 86 days leading up to the first Lockdown and up to the 56 days after ¼ of young people who died by suicide were autistic or had ADHD. Autistic people make up approximately 1% of the population but 11% of suicides. Plus the high proportion of people (both diagnosed and undiagnosed) in the prison system. And I had a conversation with a woman whose trust would not even consider “testing her” as she was adopted. The lack of knowledge around female/male presenting. Over medication Employers discrimination ….." I think it's one of those things where early investment would pay economic dividends, even if I didn't care about human suffering. And/or seeing if some autism creators make sense to you on YouTube might help you (general you) as an individual. | |||
"Seek a professional opinion from a medical expert for diagnosis - that would be the sensible answer Too many people self diagnose themselves as autistic these days. The waiting list in my area for an NHS adult assessment is now 8 years. There was no access to adult assessment for my area until 2019. (this is a yes and comment, not one-upping) I’m trying desperately to remember where I was teaching a few months ago. The local trust was only just starting adult diagnoses. I think it may have been Plymouth. But I wouldn’t swear to it. Yeah, this idea that you can get a diagnosis just like that would be hilarious if it wasn't so scary " The idea of self diagnosis is just as hilarious if it wasn’t so scary, too. | |||
"Seek a professional opinion from a medical expert for diagnosis - that would be the sensible answer Too many people self diagnose themselves as autistic these days. The waiting list in my area for an NHS adult assessment is now 8 years. There was no access to adult assessment for my area until 2019. (this is a yes and comment, not one-upping) I’m trying desperately to remember where I was teaching a few months ago. The local trust was only just starting adult diagnoses. I think it may have been Plymouth. But I wouldn’t swear to it. Yeah, this idea that you can get a diagnosis just like that would be hilarious if it wasn't so scary The idea of self diagnosis is just as hilarious if it wasn’t so scary, too. " So you've not read any of the above, about why it's not possible, and what it might cost in time, money, opportunities, risk of suicide, etc? Or do you just not care? | |||
"Seek a professional opinion from a medical expert for diagnosis - that would be the sensible answer Too many people self diagnose themselves as autistic these days. The waiting list in my area for an NHS adult assessment is now 8 years. There was no access to adult assessment for my area until 2019. (this is a yes and comment, not one-upping) I’m trying desperately to remember where I was teaching a few months ago. The local trust was only just starting adult diagnoses. I think it may have been Plymouth. But I wouldn’t swear to it. Yeah, this idea that you can get a diagnosis just like that would be hilarious if it wasn't so scary The idea of self diagnosis is just as hilarious if it wasn’t so scary, too. So you've not read any of the above, about why it's not possible, and what it might cost in time, money, opportunities, risk of suicide, etc? Or do you just not care?" I care. The answer isn’t self diagnosis, though. | |||
"I’ve been told I have ADHD traits & should be tested. I’m quite happy being the disaster I am without knowing " Chaos theory ❤️❤️❤️ | |||
"Seek a professional opinion from a medical expert for diagnosis - that would be the sensible answer Too many people self diagnose themselves as autistic these days. The waiting list in my area for an NHS adult assessment is now 8 years. There was no access to adult assessment for my area until 2019. (this is a yes and comment, not one-upping) I’m trying desperately to remember where I was teaching a few months ago. The local trust was only just starting adult diagnoses. I think it may have been Plymouth. But I wouldn’t swear to it. Yeah, this idea that you can get a diagnosis just like that would be hilarious if it wasn't so scary The idea of self diagnosis is just as hilarious if it wasn’t so scary, too. So you've not read any of the above, about why it's not possible, and what it might cost in time, money, opportunities, risk of suicide, etc? Or do you just not care? I care. The answer isn’t self diagnosis, though. " So what should people do if they can't access diagnosis (soon or ever)? I spend the better part of two decades in diagnosis limbo (my parents refused a diagnosis in my teens, all my MH people (who couldn't diagnose) said I probably was, and I acted accordingly). It really helped my life. Maybe saved it, I'm not sure. I think poo-pooing self-diagnosis outright is a form of neurotypical privilege: well I don't have a problem, if I did, it wouldn't be that hard, and even if it were, I have no concept of how difficult it is to live with a diagnosis, therefore suck it up. | |||
"And I had a conversation with a woman whose trust would not even consider “testing her” as she was adopted. What?? I can't get my head around that at all." Because they needed evidence of what she was like as a child When I questioned why foster families etc couldn’t be approached she almost laughed “That wasn’t acceptable” to the trust…. I was so appalled. | |||
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"And I had a conversation with a woman whose trust would not even consider “testing her” as she was adopted. What?? I can't get my head around that at all. Because they needed evidence of what she was like as a child When I questioned why foster families etc couldn’t be approached she almost laughed “That wasn’t acceptable” to the trust…. I was so appalled. " wtaf? My trust tested me without my parents' involvement on the grounds that my parents lived in Australia. | |||
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"And I had a conversation with a woman whose trust would not even consider “testing her” as she was adopted. What?? I can't get my head around that at all. Because they needed evidence of what she was like as a child When I questioned why foster families etc couldn’t be approached she almost laughed “That wasn’t acceptable” to the trust…. I was so appalled. " That's ridiculous! It wasn't appropriate for my parents to be involved in my assessment in 2018, for various reasons, so I took all my old school reports in from age 4-18. My Trust accepted it without any bother. | |||
"Seek a professional opinion from a medical expert for diagnosis - that would be the sensible answer Too many people self diagnose themselves as autistic these days. The waiting list in my area for an NHS adult assessment is now 8 years. There was no access to adult assessment for my area until 2019. (this is a yes and comment, not one-upping) I’m trying desperately to remember where I was teaching a few months ago. The local trust was only just starting adult diagnoses. I think it may have been Plymouth. But I wouldn’t swear to it. Yeah, this idea that you can get a diagnosis just like that would be hilarious if it wasn't so scary The idea of self diagnosis is just as hilarious if it wasn’t so scary, too. So you've not read any of the above, about why it's not possible, and what it might cost in time, money, opportunities, risk of suicide, etc? Or do you just not care? I care. The answer isn’t self diagnosis, though. So what should people do if they can't access diagnosis (soon or ever)? I spend the better part of two decades in diagnosis limbo (my parents refused a diagnosis in my teens, all my MH people (who couldn't diagnose) said I probably was, and I acted accordingly). It really helped my life. Maybe saved it, I'm not sure. I think poo-pooing self-diagnosis outright is a form of neurotypical privilege: well I don't have a problem, if I did, it wouldn't be that hard, and even if it were, I have no concept of how difficult it is to live with a diagnosis, therefore suck it up." ‘Neurotypical privilege’ - what utter nonsense. A non medical professional should not be diagnosing a medical issue. Ever. | |||
"Seek a professional opinion from a medical expert for diagnosis - that would be the sensible answer Too many people self diagnose themselves as autistic these days. The waiting list in my area for an NHS adult assessment is now 8 years. There was no access to adult assessment for my area until 2019. (this is a yes and comment, not one-upping) I’m trying desperately to remember where I was teaching a few months ago. The local trust was only just starting adult diagnoses. I think it may have been Plymouth. But I wouldn’t swear to it. Yeah, this idea that you can get a diagnosis just like that would be hilarious if it wasn't so scary The idea of self diagnosis is just as hilarious if it wasn’t so scary, too. So you've not read any of the above, about why it's not possible, and what it might cost in time, money, opportunities, risk of suicide, etc? Or do you just not care? I care. The answer isn’t self diagnosis, though. So what should people do if they can't access diagnosis (soon or ever)? I spend the better part of two decades in diagnosis limbo (my parents refused a diagnosis in my teens, all my MH people (who couldn't diagnose) said I probably was, and I acted accordingly). It really helped my life. Maybe saved it, I'm not sure. I think poo-pooing self-diagnosis outright is a form of neurotypical privilege: well I don't have a problem, if I did, it wouldn't be that hard, and even if it were, I have no concept of how difficult it is to live with a diagnosis, therefore suck it up. ‘Neurotypical privilege’ - what utter nonsense. A non medical professional should not be diagnosing a medical issue. Ever. " So you care, but if unemployment, misery, trauma, and suicides are the price that you have to pay to feel that people's self help is legitimate, then that's a price you're willing to pay in other people's blood  | |||
"Seek a professional opinion from a medical expert for diagnosis - that would be the sensible answer Too many people self diagnose themselves as autistic these days. The waiting list in my area for an NHS adult assessment is now 8 years. There was no access to adult assessment for my area until 2019. (this is a yes and comment, not one-upping) I’m trying desperately to remember where I was teaching a few months ago. The local trust was only just starting adult diagnoses. I think it may have been Plymouth. But I wouldn’t swear to it. Yeah, this idea that you can get a diagnosis just like that would be hilarious if it wasn't so scary The idea of self diagnosis is just as hilarious if it wasn’t so scary, too. So you've not read any of the above, about why it's not possible, and what it might cost in time, money, opportunities, risk of suicide, etc? Or do you just not care? I care. The answer isn’t self diagnosis, though. So what should people do if they can't access diagnosis (soon or ever)? I spend the better part of two decades in diagnosis limbo (my parents refused a diagnosis in my teens, all my MH people (who couldn't diagnose) said I probably was, and I acted accordingly). It really helped my life. Maybe saved it, I'm not sure. I think poo-pooing self-diagnosis outright is a form of neurotypical privilege: well I don't have a problem, if I did, it wouldn't be that hard, and even if it were, I have no concept of how difficult it is to live with a diagnosis, therefore suck it up. ‘Neurotypical privilege’ - what utter nonsense. A non medical professional should not be diagnosing a medical issue. Ever. So you care, but if unemployment, misery, trauma, and suicides are the price that you have to pay to feel that people's self help is legitimate, then that's a price you're willing to pay in other people's blood "Urgh. Yes, if you say so.  | |||
"And I had a conversation with a woman whose trust would not even consider “testing her” as she was adopted. What?? I can't get my head around that at all. Because they needed evidence of what she was like as a child When I questioned why foster families etc couldn’t be approached she almost laughed “That wasn’t acceptable” to the trust…. I was so appalled. wtaf? My trust tested me without my parents' involvement on the grounds that my parents lived in Australia." The difference between counties in all sorts of social and health care is absolutely bizarre. | |||
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"Seek a professional opinion from a medical expert for diagnosis - that would be the sensible answer Too many people self diagnose themselves as autistic these days. The waiting list in my area for an NHS adult assessment is now 8 years. There was no access to adult assessment for my area until 2019. (this is a yes and comment, not one-upping) I’m trying desperately to remember where I was teaching a few months ago. The local trust was only just starting adult diagnoses. I think it may have been Plymouth. But I wouldn’t swear to it. Yeah, this idea that you can get a diagnosis just like that would be hilarious if it wasn't so scary The idea of self diagnosis is just as hilarious if it wasn’t so scary, too. So you've not read any of the above, about why it's not possible, and what it might cost in time, money, opportunities, risk of suicide, etc? Or do you just not care? I care. The answer isn’t self diagnosis, though. So what should people do if they can't access diagnosis (soon or ever)? I spend the better part of two decades in diagnosis limbo (my parents refused a diagnosis in my teens, all my MH people (who couldn't diagnose) said I probably was, and I acted accordingly). It really helped my life. Maybe saved it, I'm not sure. I think poo-pooing self-diagnosis outright is a form of neurotypical privilege: well I don't have a problem, if I did, it wouldn't be that hard, and even if it were, I have no concept of how difficult it is to live with a diagnosis, therefore suck it up. ‘Neurotypical privilege’ - what utter nonsense. A non medical professional should not be diagnosing a medical issue. Ever. So you care, but if unemployment, misery, trauma, and suicides are the price that you have to pay to feel that people's self help is legitimate, then that's a price you're willing to pay in other people's blood
Urgh. Yes, if you say so. "It's what you're saying. People above have talked about all the barriers to diagnosis, the harms with not being diagnosed, and you're prepared to be an absolutist about diagnosis. I believe in harm reduction first and foremost. I've yet to see a harm of self diagnosis, apart from neurotypicals losing their shit. And that's a price I'm willing to pay | |||
"And I had a conversation with a woman whose trust would not even consider “testing her” as she was adopted. What?? I can't get my head around that at all. Because they needed evidence of what she was like as a child When I questioned why foster families etc couldn’t be approached she almost laughed “That wasn’t acceptable” to the trust…. I was so appalled. wtaf? My trust tested me without my parents' involvement on the grounds that my parents lived in Australia. The difference between counties in all sorts of social and health care is absolutely bizarre." I absolutely understand why the parental interview is important (although if I'm going to nitpick, I wish they'd develop a testing system more appropriate for adults. I don't play with toys, I'm in my 30s, wtf is this shit). But things are rarely perfect in medicine and its periphery, and we make do. Is the way I see it, anyway. | |||
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"Seek a professional opinion from a medical expert for diagnosis - that would be the sensible answer Too many people self diagnose themselves as autistic these days. The waiting list in my area for an NHS adult assessment is now 8 years. There was no access to adult assessment for my area until 2019. (this is a yes and comment, not one-upping) I’m trying desperately to remember where I was teaching a few months ago. The local trust was only just starting adult diagnoses. I think it may have been Plymouth. But I wouldn’t swear to it. Yeah, this idea that you can get a diagnosis just like that would be hilarious if it wasn't so scary The idea of self diagnosis is just as hilarious if it wasn’t so scary, too. So you've not read any of the above, about why it's not possible, and what it might cost in time, money, opportunities, risk of suicide, etc? Or do you just not care? I care. The answer isn’t self diagnosis, though. So what should people do if they can't access diagnosis (soon or ever)? I spend the better part of two decades in diagnosis limbo (my parents refused a diagnosis in my teens, all my MH people (who couldn't diagnose) said I probably was, and I acted accordingly). It really helped my life. Maybe saved it, I'm not sure. I think poo-pooing self-diagnosis outright is a form of neurotypical privilege: well I don't have a problem, if I did, it wouldn't be that hard, and even if it were, I have no concept of how difficult it is to live with a diagnosis, therefore suck it up. ‘Neurotypical privilege’ - what utter nonsense. A non medical professional should not be diagnosing a medical issue. Ever. So you care, but if unemployment, misery, trauma, and suicides are the price that you have to pay to feel that people's self help is legitimate, then that's a price you're willing to pay in other people's blood
Urgh. Yes, if you say so.
It's what you're saying.
People above have talked about all the barriers to diagnosis, the harms with not being diagnosed, and you're prepared to be an absolutist about diagnosis.
I believe in harm reduction first and foremost. I've yet to see a harm of self diagnosis, apart from neurotypicals losing their shit. And that's a price I'm willing to pay "Who’s losing their shit? Who’s neurotypical? Are you assuming I am? Self diagnosis of any medical ailment should be discouraged. I can tell you feel very strongly about this and anyone with a different opinion you will try to force your beliefs on them. Very authoritarian. I’ve read the comments above, I understand the issues and I’ll standby my statement that self diagnosis isn’t the way forward. Funding, yes. Awareness, yes. More trained medical staff, yes. Self diagnosis, no. | |||
"Seek a professional opinion from a medical expert for diagnosis - that would be the sensible answer Too many people self diagnose themselves as autistic these days. The waiting list in my area for an NHS adult assessment is now 8 years. There was no access to adult assessment for my area until 2019. (this is a yes and comment, not one-upping) I’m trying desperately to remember where I was teaching a few months ago. The local trust was only just starting adult diagnoses. I think it may have been Plymouth. But I wouldn’t swear to it. Yeah, this idea that you can get a diagnosis just like that would be hilarious if it wasn't so scary The idea of self diagnosis is just as hilarious if it wasn’t so scary, too. So you've not read any of the above, about why it's not possible, and what it might cost in time, money, opportunities, risk of suicide, etc? Or do you just not care? I care. The answer isn’t self diagnosis, though. So what should people do if they can't access diagnosis (soon or ever)? I spend the better part of two decades in diagnosis limbo (my parents refused a diagnosis in my teens, all my MH people (who couldn't diagnose) said I probably was, and I acted accordingly). It really helped my life. Maybe saved it, I'm not sure. I think poo-pooing self-diagnosis outright is a form of neurotypical privilege: well I don't have a problem, if I did, it wouldn't be that hard, and even if it were, I have no concept of how difficult it is to live with a diagnosis, therefore suck it up. ‘Neurotypical privilege’ - what utter nonsense. A non medical professional should not be diagnosing a medical issue. Ever. So you care, but if unemployment, misery, trauma, and suicides are the price that you have to pay to feel that people's self help is legitimate, then that's a price you're willing to pay in other people's blood
Urgh. Yes, if you say so.
It's what you're saying.
People above have talked about all the barriers to diagnosis, the harms with not being diagnosed, and you're prepared to be an absolutist about diagnosis.
I believe in harm reduction first and foremost. I've yet to see a harm of self diagnosis, apart from neurotypicals losing their shit. And that's a price I'm willing to pay
Who’s losing their shit? Who’s neurotypical? Are you assuming I am?
Self diagnosis of any medical ailment should be discouraged. I can tell you feel very strongly about this and anyone with a different opinion you will try to force your beliefs on them. Very authoritarian. I’ve read the comments above, I understand the issues and I’ll standby my statement that self diagnosis isn’t the way forward.
Funding, yes. Awareness, yes. More trained medical staff, yes. Self diagnosis, no. "Authoritarian? Do you know what words mean?  | |||
"I don't think everyone is on the autistic spectrum. I think that if you have it, it's a spectrum in terms of how it's displayed etc." Yep this is correct. It's not a spectrum in some people being "a little autistic" and some being "a lot autistic" exactly. It's a spectrum condition in the sense that there's a number of symptoms of autism and one autistic person can display some of those very strongly and others only a little and another person can display completely different symptoms strongly and others only a little so therefore those two people can both be autistic despite very differing presentation. The autistic colour wheel is a very good visual for explaining it in my opinion  . | |||
"I don't think everyone is on the autistic spectrum. I think that if you have it, it's a spectrum in terms of how it's displayed etc. Yep this is correct. It's not a spectrum in some people being "a little autistic" and some being "a lot autistic" exactly. It's a spectrum condition in the sense that there's a number of symptoms of autism and one autistic person can display some of those very strongly and others only a little and another person can display completely different symptoms strongly and others only a little so therefore those two people can both be autistic despite very differing presentation. The autistic colour wheel is a very good visual for explaining it in my opinion ."Agreed | |||
"Seek a professional opinion from a medical expert for diagnosis - that would be the sensible answer Too many people self diagnose themselves as autistic these days. The waiting list in my area for an NHS adult assessment is now 8 years. There was no access to adult assessment for my area until 2019. (this is a yes and comment, not one-upping) I’m trying desperately to remember where I was teaching a few months ago. The local trust was only just starting adult diagnoses. I think it may have been Plymouth. But I wouldn’t swear to it. Yeah, this idea that you can get a diagnosis just like that would be hilarious if it wasn't so scary The idea of self diagnosis is just as hilarious if it wasn’t so scary, too. So you've not read any of the above, about why it's not possible, and what it might cost in time, money, opportunities, risk of suicide, etc? Or do you just not care? I care. The answer isn’t self diagnosis, though. So what should people do if they can't access diagnosis (soon or ever)? I spend the better part of two decades in diagnosis limbo (my parents refused a diagnosis in my teens, all my MH people (who couldn't diagnose) said I probably was, and I acted accordingly). It really helped my life. Maybe saved it, I'm not sure. I think poo-pooing self-diagnosis outright is a form of neurotypical privilege: well I don't have a problem, if I did, it wouldn't be that hard, and even if it were, I have no concept of how difficult it is to live with a diagnosis, therefore suck it up. ‘Neurotypical privilege’ - what utter nonsense. A non medical professional should not be diagnosing a medical issue. Ever. So you care, but if unemployment, misery, trauma, and suicides are the price that you have to pay to feel that people's self help is legitimate, then that's a price you're willing to pay in other people's blood
Urgh. Yes, if you say so.
It's what you're saying.
People above have talked about all the barriers to diagnosis, the harms with not being diagnosed, and you're prepared to be an absolutist about diagnosis.
I believe in harm reduction first and foremost. I've yet to see a harm of self diagnosis, apart from neurotypicals losing their shit. And that's a price I'm willing to pay
Who’s losing their shit? Who’s neurotypical? Are you assuming I am?
Self diagnosis of any medical ailment should be discouraged. I can tell you feel very strongly about this and anyone with a different opinion you will try to force your beliefs on them. Very authoritarian. I’ve read the comments above, I understand the issues and I’ll standby my statement that self diagnosis isn’t the way forward.
Funding, yes. Awareness, yes. More trained medical staff, yes. Self diagnosis, no.
Authoritarian?
Do you know what words mean? "Yes, I’m in comparing your demand to comply with your beliefs to that of a Nazi-like regime. But I’m not going to be drawn into a straw man argument. Typical though, you’re trying to belittle me because I don’t agree with you. You tried above to guilt trip me for not agreeing with you. This is obviously the next logical step. | |||
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"Godwin!" Nailed it | |||
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"Godwin!" I love the internet. | |||
"Only on Fab. Some people told me that I gave off neurodivergent vibes. I felt a particular way about it. Personally, I’d never tell anyone something like that if I had such thoughts, even if they told me they were neurodivergent. I don’t think they meant it with any negativity but I took it in a bad way. One person told me they were discussing whether I was neurodivergent with someone else. That one really made me feel good! 🙄 " I have an ND magnet. It's pretty reliable, I get a sense about a person. I might tell the person if it might help them. I wouldn't tell anyone else, except with the first person's explicit consent. | |||
"Seek a professional opinion from a medical expert for diagnosis - that would be the sensible answer Too many people self diagnose themselves as autistic these days. The waiting list in my area for an NHS adult assessment is now 8 years. There was no access to adult assessment for my area until 2019. (this is a yes and comment, not one-upping) I’m trying desperately to remember where I was teaching a few months ago. The local trust was only just starting adult diagnoses. I think it may have been Plymouth. But I wouldn’t swear to it. Yeah, this idea that you can get a diagnosis just like that would be hilarious if it wasn't so scary The idea of self diagnosis is just as hilarious if it wasn’t so scary, too. So you've not read any of the above, about why it's not possible, and what it might cost in time, money, opportunities, risk of suicide, etc? Or do you just not care? I care. The answer isn’t self diagnosis, though. So what should people do if they can't access diagnosis (soon or ever)? I spend the better part of two decades in diagnosis limbo (my parents refused a diagnosis in my teens, all my MH people (who couldn't diagnose) said I probably was, and I acted accordingly). It really helped my life. Maybe saved it, I'm not sure. I think poo-pooing self-diagnosis outright is a form of neurotypical privilege: well I don't have a problem, if I did, it wouldn't be that hard, and even if it were, I have no concept of how difficult it is to live with a diagnosis, therefore suck it up. ‘Neurotypical privilege’ - what utter nonsense. A non medical professional should not be diagnosing a medical issue. Ever. So you care, but if unemployment, misery, trauma, and suicides are the price that you have to pay to feel that people's self help is legitimate, then that's a price you're willing to pay in other people's blood
Urgh. Yes, if you say so.
It's what you're saying.
People above have talked about all the barriers to diagnosis, the harms with not being diagnosed, and you're prepared to be an absolutist about diagnosis.
I believe in harm reduction first and foremost. I've yet to see a harm of self diagnosis, apart from neurotypicals losing their shit. And that's a price I'm willing to pay
Who’s losing their shit? Who’s neurotypical? Are you assuming I am?
Self diagnosis of any medical ailment should be discouraged. I can tell you feel very strongly about this and anyone with a different opinion you will try to force your beliefs on them. Very authoritarian. I’ve read the comments above, I understand the issues and I’ll standby my statement that self diagnosis isn’t the way forward.
Funding, yes. Awareness, yes. More trained medical staff, yes. Self diagnosis, no. "Better all start rocking up at the GP for our diagnosis of a cold or hayfever . | |||
"Godwin!" If the shoe fits. Perhaps be respectful of other people opinions rather than force your own. | |||
"Godwin! If the shoe fits. Perhaps be respectful of other people opinions rather than force your own. " First, they advocated for harm reduction. Then, the ovens 🤣🤣🤣🤣 | |||
"Only on Fab. Some people told me that I gave off neurodivergent vibes. I felt a particular way about it. Personally, I’d never tell anyone something like that if I had such thoughts, even if they told me they were neurodivergent. I don’t think they meant it with any negativity but I took it in a bad way. One person told me they were discussing whether I was neurodivergent with someone else. That one really made me feel good! 🙄 " I feel like the parlance has entered the main stream the same way 'everyone is a little bit bi' has. It carries all the weight of any other small talk platitude for me. People throwing around layman diagnosis as a form of gossip or small talk should probably just put the big words down. | |||
"Only on Fab. Some people told me that I gave off neurodivergent vibes. I felt a particular way about it. Personally, I’d never tell anyone something like that if I had such thoughts, even if they told me they were neurodivergent. I don’t think they meant it with any negativity but I took it in a bad way. One person told me they were discussing whether I was neurodivergent with someone else. That one really made me feel good! 🙄 I feel like the parlance has entered the main stream the same way 'everyone is a little bit bi' has. It carries all the weight of any other small talk platitude for me. People throwing around layman diagnosis as a form of gossip or small talk should probably just put the big words down." It has become a bit much. I don't think it's never valid, but it's never something I'd do casually. | |||
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"Godwin! If the shoe fits. Perhaps be respectful of other people opinions rather than force your own. First, they advocated for harm reduction. Then, the ovens 🤣🤣🤣🤣" Again, rather than debate me you’ve taken to mocking. Hilarious but very typical behaviour. I don’t know why you think my opinion is so controversial that you’ve decided to be unpleasant. | |||
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"Godwin! If the shoe fits. Perhaps be respectful of other people opinions rather than force your own. First, they advocated for harm reduction. Then, the ovens 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Again, rather than debate me you’ve taken to mocking. Hilarious but very typical behaviour. I don’t know why you think my opinion is so controversial that you’ve decided to be unpleasant. " I do, in fact, think it's worthy of disdain to compare vigorous disagreement to Nazism. I also think it's profoundly disrespectful to the victims of the Holocaust, including autistic people. | |||
"the term 'autism spectrum' doesn't mean what quite a few people on this thread (or every day life for that matter) think it means. people who present as autistic aren't on some kind of linear gradient." It's unfortunate that an attempt to increase understanding and move away from the previous tiered diagnosis system and the harmful ideas about things like "high and low functioning" has unfortunately led to a different type of misunderstanding. | |||
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"the term 'autism spectrum' doesn't mean what quite a few people on this thread (or every day life for that matter) think it means. people who present as autistic aren't on some kind of linear gradient. It's unfortunate that an attempt to increase understanding and move away from the previous tiered diagnosis system and the harmful ideas about things like "high and low functioning" has unfortunately led to a different type of misunderstanding. " yes it is. and also quite damaging in a way. | |||
"the term 'autism spectrum' doesn't mean what quite a few people on this thread (or every day life for that matter) think it means. people who present as autistic aren't on some kind of linear gradient. It's unfortunate that an attempt to increase understanding and move away from the previous tiered diagnosis system and the harmful ideas about things like "high and low functioning" has unfortunately led to a different type of misunderstanding. yes it is. and also quite damaging in a way. " ❤️ | |||
"Godwin! If the shoe fits. Perhaps be respectful of other people opinions rather than force your own. First, they advocated for harm reduction. Then, the ovens 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Again, rather than debate me you’ve taken to mocking. Hilarious but very typical behaviour. I don’t know why you think my opinion is so controversial that you’ve decided to be unpleasant. I do, in fact, think it's worthy of disdain to compare vigorous disagreement to Nazism. I also think it's profoundly disrespectful to the victims of the Holocaust, including autistic people." Nothing to do because you didn’t have an answer for the questions I asked? Perhaps you found my answer sensible but didn’t want to admit it. You created a strawman and haven’t return to the original disagreement since then. Typical. | |||
"Godwin! If the shoe fits. Perhaps be respectful of other people opinions rather than force your own. First, they advocated for harm reduction. Then, the ovens 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Again, rather than debate me you’ve taken to mocking. Hilarious but very typical behaviour. I don’t know why you think my opinion is so controversial that you’ve decided to be unpleasant. I do, in fact, think it's worthy of disdain to compare vigorous disagreement to Nazism. I also think it's profoundly disrespectful to the victims of the Holocaust, including autistic people. Nothing to do because you didn’t have an answer for the questions I asked? Perhaps you found my answer sensible but didn’t want to admit it. You created a strawman and haven’t return to the original disagreement since then. Typical. " Don't flatter yourself, mate. | |||
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"Godwin! If the shoe fits. Perhaps be respectful of other people opinions rather than force your own. First, they advocated for harm reduction. Then, the ovens 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Again, rather than debate me you’ve taken to mocking. Hilarious but very typical behaviour. I don’t know why you think my opinion is so controversial that you’ve decided to be unpleasant. I do, in fact, think it's worthy of disdain to compare vigorous disagreement to Nazism. I also think it's profoundly disrespectful to the victims of the Holocaust, including autistic people. Nothing to do because you didn’t have an answer for the questions I asked? Perhaps you found my answer sensible but didn’t want to admit it. You created a strawman and haven’t return to the original disagreement since then. Typical. Don't flatter yourself, mate." Okay, mate. I will assume that is the case, mate. | |||
"Everyone is on the spectrum. Some are just so far to the one extreme that it’s barely noticeable " no they aren't .... you're either presenting as autistic or you're not | |||
"Everyone is on the spectrum. Some are just so far to the one extreme that it’s barely noticeable " They are really not though. It's just become a common things to say. | |||
"Everyone is on the spectrum. Some are just so far to the one extreme that it’s barely noticeable They are really not though. It's just become a common things to say." It's just a replacement for low and high functioning, and also an excuse to deny assistance to the artists formerly known as high functioning. "Well just over there on the spectrum this not autistic person doesn't get..." OMFG no | |||
"Only on Fab. Some people told me that I gave off neurodivergent vibes. I felt a particular way about it. Personally, I’d never tell anyone something like that if I had such thoughts, even if they told me they were neurodivergent. I don’t think they meant it with any negativity but I took it in a bad way. One person told me they were discussing whether I was neurodivergent with someone else. That one really made me feel good! 🙄 I have an ND magnet. It's pretty reliable, I get a sense about a person. I might tell the person if it might help them. I wouldn't tell anyone else, except with the first person's explicit consent." Fair enough but everyone may not want to know that you have a magnet and that was my point. | |||
"Only on Fab. Some people told me that I gave off neurodivergent vibes. I felt a particular way about it. Personally, I’d never tell anyone something like that if I had such thoughts, even if they told me they were neurodivergent. I don’t think they meant it with any negativity but I took it in a bad way. One person told me they were discussing whether I was neurodivergent with someone else. That one really made me feel good! 🙄 I have an ND magnet. It's pretty reliable, I get a sense about a person. I might tell the person if it might help them. I wouldn't tell anyone else, except with the first person's explicit consent. Fair enough but everyone may not want to know that you have a magnet and that was my point. " That's fair. | |||
"the term 'autism spectrum' doesn't mean what quite a few people on this thread (or every day life for that matter) think it means. people who present as autistic aren't on some kind of linear gradient. It's unfortunate that an attempt to increase understanding and move away from the previous tiered diagnosis system and the harmful ideas about things like "high and low functioning" has unfortunately led to a different type of misunderstanding. yes it is. and also quite damaging in a way. " Yep and unfortunately ‘on the spectrum’ have crept into common usage. There’s no spectrum and even academic medical research has debunked that. But it’s out there unfortunately. | |||
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"I don't think everyone is on the autistic spectrum. I think that if you have it, it's a spectrum in terms of how it's displayed etc. Yep this is correct. It's not a spectrum in some people being "a little autistic" and some being "a lot autistic" exactly. It's a spectrum condition in the sense that there's a number of symptoms of autism and one autistic person can display some of those very strongly and others only a little and another person can display completely different symptoms strongly and others only a little so therefore those two people can both be autistic despite very differing presentation. The autistic colour wheel is a very good visual for explaining it in my opinion ."I rather suspect that in reality it's more like an autistic colour hypersphere. That there are many different components to the way we think, which we might graph in some way with each component as a different dimensional axis of the hypersphere. "Neurotypical" would be people who's brains worked at or near to the zero-zero centre point of the hypersphere, "neurodivergent" would be anyone who's brain mapped out a significant distance from the centre in any dimension or combination of dimensions. We're not well equipped to mentally visualise things in more than 3 dimensions though (at least most of us aren't) and only 2 dimensions pictorially. So it's more convenient to draw one slice of the hypersphere as a circle and say "this one is autism characteristics", and another slice to show maybe sociopathic tendencies, another to show mental/emotional intelligence etc. Ultimately there probably isn't a person alive that truly sits square on the centre point of the hypersphere, nobody that is perfectly "normal" in every characteristic. Or as we from Yorkshire might put it: "they're all queer except thee and me, and oft times I'm not so sure about thee". | |||
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"I was asked once, I have no idea how to answer it. And at nearly 50 years of age, knowing isn’t gonna make on iota of difference to my existence. I'm slightly older than you, so maybe it won't make much difference, but it might explain why I am the way I am. (An oddball) It can certainly explain a lot of things but not justify them Justification is not what I am looking for I just want to understand ME." If your not looking for a diagnosis but just want to understand yourself more there is plenty of autism/adhd books podcasts out there, maybe even ask to be referred for counselling or lookup neurodivergent coaching locally to yourself. | |||
