Autism Diagnosis

What will you do with any diagnosis? Everyone is on the spectrum somewhere by definition. Recognising traits and behaviours is probably more helpful in daily situations such as work. A diagnosis won’t help with that (unless you have some detailed inclusion policies 😉)

When this has come up before, a common question that gets raised is "what will the official diagnosis actually give you?"

Now that you have recognised that you may have the condition perhaps there are other avenues that you can look into if you feel like you need 'get better/act normal' (whatever that is)

Edit: snap - by 40 seconds

Everyone is on the spectrum somewhere by definition

That’s a (assumed unintentional) controversial statement. I’m no expert but I’ve been reading lots about autism recently. The medical name for autism is Autism Spectrum Disorder. This acknowledges the fact that those who are autistic occupy a wide spectrum of abilities. It does not mean that everyone is on the spectrum. Your point is still valid - many people who are not autistic might show one or more autistic traits, but it does not mean they are on the autistic spectrum. Bit of a technicality, I know, but I have read that some people who are on the spectrum would rather not have the condition belittled by saying, essentially, we’re all a bit autistic.

Here's the thread where I raised similar questions - might be something in there relevant to you

https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/adult-autism-assessment-anyone-been-through-it/

I have read that some people who are on the spectrum would rather not have the condition belittled by saying, essentially, we’re all a bit autistic.

Aye, I've come across similar too.

I can imagine a diagnosis might be comforting in and of itself, but be prepared for a potentially long process if you do decide to persue it. We're about four years in with my middle daughter and the waiting list is still reportedly another two years long ☹️

Bit of a technicality, I know, but I have read that some people who are on the spectrum would rather not have the condition belittled by saying, essentially, we’re all a bit autistic.

Well said.

The subtext there is essentially were all a little bit autistic so what are you complaining about.

This was the narrative of some of our family and friends when our daughter was initially diagnosed. It showed to us an unwillingness to listen, although they were probably thinking they were helping to diffuse our anxiety by normalising it.

Anyway, as others have said, what would a diagnosis mean to you?

Personally, I'd consider not going the NHS route, but going private.

The NHS route is principally to establish whether you meet the criteria whereby you may have access to assistance. It's for those who are in need. You may be in that category, I don't know.

Plus, it can take ages.

Private diagnoses are useful if you are looking for some assurance for yourself, and ultimately those whom you interact with. It's useful for obtaining workplace assistance or the like. Private can be a bit more work if you want to pursue PIP and disability services, but it just depends on what your particular struggles are.

What will you do with any diagnosis?

Speaking on behalf of my missus who was diagnosed a couple of years ago:

general stuff:

Not feeling like you "should" feel differently about various things than you do, and that you "should" behave differently than you feel comfortable with because that's how "normal" people roll.

Specific stuff, an example might be:

Stop failing to get jobs you would be awesome at because you're not well equipped to deal with the way recruitment processes and specifically interviews don't always get the best out of autistic candidates. Use an official diagnosis to request reasonable adjustments (in her case, advance sight of interview questions since she knows her stuff, can give awesome answers, but not so much when put "on the spot").

What will you do with any diagnosis?

(and similar)

I understand this view but, well, it's a little blasé. I've always known I was slightly off-kilter and once awareness was sufficiently raised I strongly suspected that I was either on the ASD or ADHD scale somewhere. But to actually hear it come out of the mouth of a professional, albeit unofficially (we were seeking a diagnosis for my partner) was like a hammer blow. Suddenly the world made sense. I struggle with some things that everyone else takes for granted but it's not my fault.

What will you do with a diagnosis? Well, why do you have to do anything with it? A better question might be, "what will a diagnosis bring you?" And for me that was validation and acceptance. It was the difference between feeling like a weirdo and realising that it's actually a superpower.

Consider, there's a Dunning-Kruger type effect at play here. Those on the spectrum lack the emotional introspection to really understand that they're on the spectrum. (I've literally just thought of this right now, I like it a lot and I'm naming it the Stunning-Cougar effect.😁)

Good luck.

It showed to us an unwillingness to listen, although they were probably thinking they were helping to diffuse our anxiety by normalising it.

It's not normal.

We're better than that. 😁

I was assessed at work a couple of months ago. Basically, I don't have any sympathy or empathy which has never been a secret but it's what has caused some issues at work with the way I react, or in some cases don't, to things or things said. I also suffer from ADD.

They have suggested some things to help with work and have also recommended I have some 1 to 1 "chats"

Anyway, as others have said, what would a diagnosis mean to you?

Answer questions that have plagued across a lifetime. But while it answers many question, it also poses a great deal more.

Autism diagnostic tools -

1.Are you a pain in the arse* ?.

2. Do you have zero friends ?

3. Do you harp on incessantly about a single subject.

If you can answer yes to these three questions, then there is a possible chance that you are on the autistic spectrum.

.* I understand this applies to many here, but its usually answered yes while in conjunction with the other two questions. that we have our overall answer.

3. Do you harp on incessantly about a single subject.

Eg a passat or a boiler?

Guilty of the others but I fail on 2. I have plenty of close friends.

Er. I think. 👀

Stop failing to get jobs you would be awesome at because you’re not well equipped to deal with the way recruitment processes and specifically interviews don’t always get the best out of autistic candidates. Use an official diagnosis to request reasonable adjustments (in her case, advance sight of interview questions since she knows her stuff, can give awesome answers, but not so much when put “on the spot”).

Taken in isolation, I could say the same about lots of folk.

That’s a (assumed unintentional) controversial statement.

not really. We’re also all on the diabetes, dementia and sexuality spectra too. Normality is one edge. Mrs TiRed and I are on average normal on the ASQ. When she filled it in on my behalf, my score didn’t change despite her protestations that “it couldn’t be that high!”.

It is what it is, and at my age I probably have enough self-awareness to not bother with diagnostic paths. I do have to mentally remind myself to return the open questions people usually opened a conversation with though 😉 I’m also a solid trois points on the dyna-ti scale too.

Aspergers driven heartless ****...

Thats me, spent all my adult life masking and didn't know it, i now understand what i am and accept it.... trouble is my new found enlightenment has removed my masking and my real "dont give a *" character doesn't go down well with people... but i dont give a *

I have been thru this myself over the last few years.  for me I decided against formal diagnosis for 2 reasons 1: that it would not really change my life and 2: that expertise is badly need for more disabled folk

I think the best way to describe those of us on the margins of an autism diagnosis is to say " we appear to have strong autistic traits"  to call us autistic is devaluing to those who really are disabled by it.

To the OP - think carefully about what a diagnosis would achieve.  Its not a simple thing to get.

Fwiw after my thread (up there somewhere) I've just been working on the assumption that my atypical traits stem from ASC and so that's why I am who I am, rather than trying to puzzle out why I'm not fitting in (again). And tbh so far it's working well - this Xmas I've swerved a lot of pointless hours and hours sitting talking about nothing in particular and have cracked on with other stuff instead. No social guilt, no feeling like I'm letting MrsP down, just being honest that I don't want to spend the afternoon with Jim & Doreen or whoever. MrsP has gone on her own to some things but has said that I've been more "me" this year, and I've probably had the least stressful, draining and anxious Xmas that I've had for years.

Guess I'm fortunate that I don't need to unlock any of the support that a formal diagnosis would bring, so I'm just carrying on as if someone in a white coat had told me what I already believe.

(2 out of 3 on dyna-ti's scale, waaaay into the "see a professiona" zone on the ASQ or any of the other ASC tests that I could find when I became unreasonably focused on researching such things.. Hmmm)

I think the best way to describe those of us on the margins of an autism diagnosis is to say ” we appear to have strong autistic traits” to call us autistic is devaluing to those who really are disabled by it.

I think that’s a very nice way to put it tj. I’d put myself in that bucket - several traits that I struggle with myself that tick autistic boxes. But I am not autistic.

Ok, I tried not to engage and I walked away but I’m coming back and I hope not for a fight, but to enlighten and discuss:

1.Are you a pain in the arse* ?.

2. Do you have zero friends ?

3. Do you harp on incessantly about a single subject.

Absolutely wrong. This is a terrible 40 year out of date mischaracterisation of autism. And I do realise it was presented slightly tongue in cheek, but no. Just no.

People who are autistic can be empathetic, loving and caring individuals. They are all unique in this regard. For some it’s not the case.

Autistic people can maintain friendships. For most it’s harder than a neurotypical person, but for many it’s worth the effort.

Autistic people can be obsessive. Here lies their super power 🙂

but i dont give a *

It isntr that you dont give a *, its a case of you dont care enough about it to give a **** to it.

Autistic people can be obsessive. Here lies their super power 🙂

Not sure I would think of that as a super power, unless its designed to repel. 😆

This is a terrible 40 year out of date mischaracterisation of autism.

Actually its not, its pretty much on the mark 😆 . OK, one or two friends in truth.But I think of them as long suffering friends who have pretty much gotten used to you over the years.

The key to this is that if you are working, or live, with people who understand neurodiversity then the fact that you know, or suspect, your diagnosis can bring them a lightbulb moment. It can then explain a lot of the ways that you and they interact. The very fact that now understand what is going on means that the prism through which the world is viewed switched to an ASD one (or other neurodiversity) means that a whole lot of pressures get lifted.

I am crap at explaining this, but my wife and I came to the same conclusion about her ASD after years of us helping our kids out going through various diagnoses for them. It was quite literally eye opening. It just explained pressure points in our relationship and lots of little things clicked in to place.

Once you do it in one situation you then see it all over the place. A neourotypical world is set up to push back against those that think differently and it can lead to all sorts of issues. The more I learn the more I am able to help both my kids and people at work, as well as figuring out why I do the things I do. You have to have a bit of luck in the workplace, as I have (scientific based with a lot of people that once you start talking about it have a whole range of diversity which helps in their job, not not necessarily in the wider world).

Here are some questions to ask:
1) will telling key people in your life about what you suspect help you both? It can be about learning, or changing how you interact, to achieve a better outcome. Alternatively you find that they don’t change and want you to alter who you are so allows you to assess the situation in light of the new understanding of how you operate.
2) has gaslighting of you occurred that you can now see is now not your fault, but due to the fact that you’d didn’t realise the ASD made you act in a certain way? It can cause a multitude of things that keep going “wrong” and you can start to look at that.
3) could talking to someone with the right skills to help you figure out what you need in your life to keep things in check and help things work better.

Sorry, a bit of a ramble, but living in an ASD dominated home has given me a few things that have worked for my family.

Interesting one here, I’ve also been wondering what difference a formal diagnosis would make for me.

End conclusion was very like TJ, in there are people who need the resources more. I need to be more accepting of myself but realise I need to be more careful about how other people feel which I find incredibly hard.

All came to a head with work this year with a bad review and getting a new manager who is further along the spectrum than I am really helped. She made a big difference actually, so the interpersonal and communications issues are coming up less often as I’ve taken on their feedback and tried to change the “rules” I use for interacting with people.

A lot of pieces fell into place about my coping strategies from childhood to now, which I need to adjust again as the results I’ve been getting in my relationships and professionally have not been the ones I want.

Came out ~200 on the RAADS-R test, science masters/PHD, now work in software financial sector. Would be very interested to see how the scoring aligns to industry.

P.s. my wife is a saint and the only person ever to ask me about my renewable energy PhD and really mean it which is how we got talking in the first place 😂

Actually its not, its pretty much on the mark 😆

It is out of date thinking, so wide of the mark you missed the target and hitbyourself in the foot, and part of the problem and why lots of girls do not get the diagnosis they need.

I'm with @goldfish24 on this. My son kept slipping through the net and it took a lot to advocate on his behalf, because teachers saw he has friends and can be empathetic.

Similar with the spectrum wording, I'm guilty of using it in the past. I get what folk mean by it but it can be demeaning to those with autism, plenty of folk say they are on the spectrum and can cope so why can't you.  My son isn't bothered by this but others are so why continue to use terminology that can cause upset?

And to the OP, best wishes for whichever path you take.

Similar experience to edlong, wife diagnosed a couple of years ago.

This now has helped her not to beat herself up as much when she struggles to do what other neuro typical people might find easy.

On a practical note, it might include allowing herself more down time, especially after things that take a lot out of her, such as social interactions.

The diagnosis has also allows her to have 'reasonable accomodations' made at work, not that she's made use of that yet.

Taken in isolation, I could say the same about lots of folk.

Taken in isolation, lots of folk can't run 100 metres in under 10 seconds. Those who are fat knackers can suck it up. Those who are Olympic standard athletes but have limbs missing get special treatment and a levelled playing field on which to compete for medals.

Thanks for all the responses, particularly manton69 and goldfish24. Want to respond more but OH is unusually not-busy and keeps wanting to talk to me every time I think I've got a moment to myself!

I can't afford to go private. What options are there for speaking to someone about this? I feel talking to someone knowledgeable about it could help. One of the things Autism on the Inside says is the best way to find out about autism is to speak to someone who has autism. Funnily enough though, I know very few people, my social circle consists of family and work-colleagues (some of whom use the 'definitely on the spectrum' slur about people), only real friend I've made in my adult life is my partner.

Understand the not wanting to take resources from those who really need it stance, and I am functional, but perhaps it would give certainty about one thing in my life. The other week when I felt certain I most probably am autistic. the dots lining up connecting, things suddenly making sense felt good.

Not autistic myself but have someone on my team who was diagnosed a year ago as an adult and having that diagnosis helps her and also me as it allows me to understand and try to accommodate her requirements.

I have learned that not everyone communicates in the same way and that what I would have taken as a great opportunity at her age (getting a chance to present at a meeting) terrifies her. I now try and make sure I communicate in writing a bit more as it gives her time to digest the information an shape her response. I also make sure she is only involved in small meetings as larger groups make her clam up.

My son kept slipping through the net and it took a lot to advocate on his behalf, because teachers saw he has friends and can be empathetic.

That pretty much sums up our experience. Our son is on a 2+ year waiting list for an assessment/diagnosis. We’re considering going private if we can afford it because of the potential for damage to his future that could result from waiting that long. But it’s been a battle to get school to recognise that the approach they were taking wasn’t always supportive or constructive.

@northernsoul it's tough, my son had a really tough time switching to senior school and went into a mental health crisis. Ended up going private for psychiatric care, but Covid then came along and we lost a year in the system, NHS. Took a couple of years to get the diagnosis, and even longer to sort the EHCP.

Mainstream schools can't cope with SEN kids and funding.

I can't give you a route map unfortunately as the systems are broke and every authority seems different, but keep plugging away, you're their best advocate don't settle for anything you're not 100% with.  Happy to help out where I can, open to messages if that helps.

I was left feeling convinced I am autistic.

OK. Maybe you are and maybe you aren't, but late stage diagnosis isnt going to give you any revelations and could go on with you becoming depressive.

Theres a whole slew of symptoms, many leading to autism, but also to adhd, or dyspraxia amongst others, so even getting some sort of a test, it might not give you the answer you were seeking and may well just lead to more and more internal questioning.

Incidentally, while my earlier comments we somewhat tongue in cheek, there is no 'mis-characterizations' Aspies are difficult to get on with, mainly due to those traits.

Incidentally, while my earlier comments we somewhat tongue in cheek, there is no ‘mis-characterizations’ Aspies are difficult to get on with, mainly due to those traits.

Bollox to that

I know one diagnosed and obviously autistic young man.  He is friendly and outgoing and has friends.  What you are doing is perpetuating a stereotype and an outdated and pejorative one at that.  Its far too simplistic a viewpoint.  Myself despite my autistic traits managed to be a decent staff nurse - a job requiring empathy.  What I couldn't do and where the disability became obvious was that i was a useless boss - because I could not always understand others motivations if they were not being open and honest.  I can see and empathise with folk being open.  I cannot see beyond a well maintained pretense.

Every one with autism or autistic traits is an individual with different needs abilities and disabilities

I can’t afford to go private. What options are there for speaking to someone about this?

Where are you and what do you want to talk about?

There is a local (to me) charity called Action for ASD who were brilliant. If you 'just want to talk' to someone, anyone, then PM me and I'll happily talk with you in a "I'm Aspie and terrified of phones" sort of manner.

Incidentally, while my earlier comments we somewhat tongue in cheek, there is no ‘mis-characterizations’ Aspies are difficult to get on with, mainly due to those traits.

For once in your life, don't be a nob.

What you say might have an element of truth, but there's ways and means of expressing that. I'm painfully aware that I can be hard work, I don't need reminding. Have you taken any tests yourself?

@twistedpencil thanks I may take you up on your offer at some point. At present we’re getting advice from a friend of my OH who specialises in SEN. The process so far has been hard work - challenging forms, numerous phone calls etc. Lots of people have been very helpful, but it feels very under resourced.

What you say might have an element of truth, but there’s ways and means of expressing that. I’m painfully aware that I can be hard work, I don’t need reminding. Have you taken any tests yourself?

Well yeah obviously. I've aspergers, I've pointed it out often enough I'm surprised you havent taken note 🙄

but there’s ways and means of expressing that.

Hiding it you mean ?. Personally I feel it helps nobody*. Besides I should be allowed to look at the constraints of my own condition and disorder and derive a bit of black humour out of it.

*Big subject.

But the point on this thread, is the OP asking, should he get an autistic test, as in a proper one, not something online that you answer yourself with unconscious bias.

My advice there would be unless it is seriously affecting your day to day life then dont bother. I've said in other forums about this subject, that it can pose too many questions and could lead to a loss of personality.

What I personally found helpful was talking with two pals who are special needs teachers with autistic family members.  discussions on here as well.  I took a few years but I am now comfortable with my quirks

to the OP - PM me if you want to discuss this in more detail

While official confirmation would help in some situations (the interview example above) I have always thought that wearing a t-shirt pointing it out may help more!
Then at least everyone would know and not just put me down as that anti social, very blunt person and wonder what his 'problem' is.
Luckily I got a job in IT, with all my brothers and sisters :-), at 19 which was down to an IQ type test rather than the shockingly bad interview and now I am judged on what I deliver rather than who I am and have done well.

My wife has been great over the last 20+ years and helped me to act in ways seen as the norm while not actually trying to change me but just a bit of coaching after certain events. I am different now that I was at 16 (zero eye contact, no small talk) so knowing who you are and dealing with it in certain ways can may your life a bit easier.

Well yeah obviously. I’ve aspergers, I’ve pointed it out often enough I’m surprised you havent taken note 🙄

I hadn't. I'll try to bear it in mind, apologies.

Out of interest, those who have done the test on aspie tests website. What was your score?

For the AQ test it seems I may also show traits, as I scored 32 which they say is the threshold for suspected asd. With neurotypical makes averaging 23.1.

I'd always put myself down as a nerdy, introverted person rather than displaying ASD traits. But it may go some way to explain my logical approach only belief system and how I struggle to understand how people don't follow the same logic I do. Though I do accept people are vastly different, I just struggle with the understanding. It's never knowingly caused me direct issues, I just avoid situations I don't like.

AQ test I scored 39

My other half doesn't believe in Aspergers and thinks i have made a lifestyle choice...

Funny as ****

Test

Validation.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11439754/

I fall in the mathematics/science bin. Test-retest has been accurate, but I’ve probably memorised the questions and my previous answers by now. Last time I took it was 44, when Mrs TiRed filled it in I was TJ. It punishes numeracy - see the Mathematics Olympiad winners in the paper 😏

Broken link is broken.

https://www.mdapp.co/autism-spectrum-test-quotient-calculator-496

BTW - autism and an autism diagnosis self diagnosed or official is not an excuse or reason to be an arse

So that test came out at 36, I'm ok with it. I like and accept who I am, though haven't always done so in my youth.

Edit, for what it's worth. Logic/maths has always been my thing since a kid, now I'm employed as an engineer.

Broken link is broken.

Is that part of the test?

15 here although I suspect my family would disagree with some of my answers.  No excuse for me being an arse then 🙁

good discussion though, it's helpful

Hmmm online tests. Unlikely to be worth the paper they’re written on. Having taken one for a condition (neurological but not autism or anything related) I do actually have (it said I didn’t have it) I wouldn’t use them anything. In fact I’d actively avoid them.

Beware of confirmation bias. Seek a proper diagnosis if you think it might help.

39. Not surprised.

I do think I might have scored lower when younger though so not sure if it's just being more curmudgeonly.

Beware of confirmation bias. Seek a proper diagnosis if you think it might help.

Absolutly.  there are two separate things tho - gaining some understanding of oneself and getting a formal diagnosis to access services and support

Learning more about ASD has helped me but at my point in life a formal diagnosis would do little

So, the US handbook (DSM-5) no longer recognises Aspergers and (I think) groups anything on the autism spectrum as ASD. Uk uses the ICD (think it still recognises AS) is different. If my research is correct the AQ test was devised by Baron Cohen (et al) which prefers ASC (i.e. condition rather than disorder) as being on the spectrum doesn’t necessarily result in significant impairment… Something that would appear to be borne out in the sample of this (and other recent AS threads…).

Apparently most people with ASC will score 35 on the AQ test.

ETA: of course, you could just follow TiReds validation link… 🤦🏼‍♂️

In the past, I’ve scored 36…

Would a diagnosis (completely) change my life? No, but it would help me understand myself better (i.e. I am a weirdo, autistic or just a **** at times). When I first started down this road I was happy not to have one, now I’d prefer to know. But the whole NHS situation at present, I’m way down the hierarchy of need on this one, I’d much rather someone who would gain better outcomes get the (extremely limited) resource.

I’ve a close friend who had an Aspergers diagnosis in his late 30’s after work related issues. He seems to have benefited from it (and has pushes for me towards diagnosis). I’ve certainly benefited from our conversations/discussions over the years (he was the first to send me an AQ test link). I certainly see a lot of similarities in our outlooks and behaviours.

Seek a proper diagnosis if you think it might help.

You know pre-covid mental health referrals were running at 2 years waiting list (unless you are displaying ideation)? I did get referred to a nurse practitioner but that was an hour long ‘consultation’ with pretty much a summary of CBT outcomes and some handouts when I was experiencing strong anxiety (work related, I was even nonverbal at times).

the US handbook (DSM-5) no longer recognises Aspergers

I suspect that's at least in part to distance from Asperger himself.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Am_Spiegelgrund_clinic

Pretty much everyone has a variety of autistic traits - Key to diagnosis (and whether you need one) appears to be ‘how do your autistic traits affect your day to day life?’

If you’re chugging along fine, other than questioning yourself a bit, then it’s possible the impact would not be significant enough for diagnosis - and also likely that a diagnosis wouldn’t really make a practical difference to your life either.

If the variety of traits that you hold are, on the other hand, leading to real problems with relationships, friendships or career (and it’s not uncommon for autistics to mask, seemingly coping fine until they burn out) then things are different

I suspect that’s at least in part to distance from Asperger himself.

I think it’s more to do with whether ‘high’ and ‘low’ functioning characterisations are actually useful or whether they are detrimental…

AQ test I scored 43.

Pretty much everyone has a variety of autistic traits

Pardon me, but this is bollocks, and reasonably offensive bollocks at that. I do wish that people who clearly have no experience or understanding of autism would stop trotting it out.

If you want to do me on here I can probably put you on to a few things, especially how you can help your employer and co workers.

For others I will just give an example of how telling somebody about your Autism changed a relationship for the better: a good friend of ours started dating a guy, who just didn’t seem to trust us and was always looking sideways in social interactions. She happened to mention that he was autistic and everything just clicked. When I got the chance to talk one on one over a bit of diy he was doing I mentioned that his gf had mentioned his autism and shared what the situation was in our family. You could see his shoulders relax and he breathed a deep sigh. He said he was so relieved that he didn’t have to explain why he was like he was. In fact we ended up getting on really well and the fact that we knew to give him space and not always to expect social interaction led to a bit more of a friendship than just a nodding acquaintance.

It is actually more about trust and understanding that you may not act in a “normal” way. If you trust someone not to take offence because you can’t look at them or don’t always want to stop and chat (or even chat at all). It is often said that people should be able to change what they do to fit in, but it isn’t really that. What this means to someone who is neurodiverse is that they have to lie about how they feel, or who they are. That isn’t healthy, and the converse is that you have to just not take offence if someone doesn’t act just like you.

Pardon me, but this is bollocks, and reasonably offensive bollocks at that. I do wish that people who clearly have no experience or understanding of autism would stop trotting it out.

Oh, dear, do get over yourself. It’s well established scientific fact.

https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/autism-traits-common-among-healthy-people/

Saying autistic traits are common across society is not, of course, the same as saying everyone is a bit autistic.

I'm increasingly of the opinion that "normal" can get in the gorram sea.

What is normal? It's just numbers. It is literally that simple, it's a majority vote, there's more of X than Y so you're normal. Well, good for you. Perhaps rather than trying to hang labels onto neurodiversity we should maybe consider redefining "normal" as not being a judgemental prick? What are we diverse from exactly, a larger number of people? If non-normal people were the majority than what we call 'typical' would need a support group.

See also, "you don't look disabled" and a whole host of related ****tery. Fact is, we're all different, how about we all embrace that and crack on?

And who wants to be normal anyway? That sounds monumentally tedious.

I think I need to make a start on the sherry. Happy new year.

Oh, dear, do get over yourself. It’s well established scientific fact.

Autism traits common among healthy people

Woah. So Autism traits are typically reserved for the unhealthy?

The coast is that way. ⬅

From that link above...

many people diagnosed with autism also have ADHD, depression or other mental disorders. But the researchers say they were surprised to find that even people with only one or two autism-related traits are at markedly higher risk.

Depression could of course cause a person to withdraw socially, or communication problems could result in anxiety.

Funny. I was thinking the same myself after doing the AQ test. I wonder how many folk experiencing anxiety are doing so due to some degree of autism?

Apparently most people with ASC will score 35 on the AQ test.

Well, I did. I think many of my family members would too, both up and down the generations. I don't think a diagnosis would have helped me much. I did OK at work, and I always knew that if I could have been more comfortable around people I could have done better, I'm sceptical that anything could have changed that aspect of my personality.

[edit: It occurs to me that it's been pointed out that I display a lack of empathy on here a few times. Hmmmm....]

I hadn’t. I’ll try to bear it in mind, apologies.

Naw, dont worry about it, and in truth I do this all the time. Bring up some trait of the aspie and highlight it in the negative or at least sort of a jocular way waiting for someone to jump to the defence of all aspies. Bit of a baited hook really 😆 kind of evil of me.

Its just really the obvious which i know myself from being in a room with 30 other aspies, at one of the big meetings the NAS(national autistic society) run from time to time.

I've always felt to have inclusion you have to understand the points of your own condition both good and bad, and theres no reason not to indulge in a little self piss taking.

autism and an autism diagnosis self diagnosed or official is not an excuse or reason to be an arse

Sorry, are you speaking from a personal point of view ? 😆

Learning more about ASD has helped me, but at my point in life a formal diagnosis would do little

You get a free bus pass 😉

Good on link to resources for test comparison and more information:

Autism resources

You get a free bus pass

I get one anyway 🙂

So, the US handbook (DSM-5) no longer recognises Aspergers and (I think)

If I understand it correctly, someone wouldn’t now be diagnosed with Aspergers, but there is caution to continue recognising those who identify as having Aspergers following an earlier diagnosis.

In answer to the OP I would say go for it if you think it would be a positive benef

Apologies for the long post but it's a subject that a large presence in my and my families lives.

I have found social situations mostly torture my entire life and do not seem to understand how banter works. I have in the past been bullied, belittled or teased due to my selective mutism and have regularly been called weird or the quiet strange one. I have also often been perceived as arrogant, stand offish or rude due to my poor communication skills.

I think there are many preconceptions and misconceptions surrounding Autism. While there maybe some commonality of traits, how inviduals and their families lives are affected is very varied.

In my experience an autistic individual's reaction to external stimuli and social interaction tends to be often extreme, (by which I mean in comparison to a neuro typical person). That extreme reaction can manifest at one end of the scale as an overly emotional/ physical reaction such as floods of tears, self harm, rocking, hand flapping, shouting etc. On the other end of the scale the reaction could be deemed extreme because there is the abence of any reaction (where there would be one in a neuro typical person) - which manifests in the idea of a lack of empathy sympathy etc.

I personally think these reactions are linked to how the autistic brain has difficulties dealing with anxiety.

I do believe coping strategies can be learnt by some individuals.

I think we should all give neuro diverse people some dispensation due to the difficulties they often face with social interaction , but I don’t believe it is a carte blanche excuse for someone to act like a .... with impunity, and talk to people as if they are something they just stepped in unchallenged ( just noted TJ put this more succinctly than I earlier).

There has been some discussion in recent years regarding the validity of the use of and application of the term 'spectrum' Some Autistic activists/ advocates purport to speak on behalf of the whole Autistic community, but I believe this can sometimes be problematic due to the broad range of traits, needs etc of autistic individuals. It can mean the views of those on the 'Lower functioning' (FWOABW) end of the spectrum are being supposedly represented by people who have no real life experience of that individual's needs. I don't believe just because you have an autism diagnosis you can automatically speak for every autistic person. I do believe however having autistic people sharing their personal experiences can help people better understand what life can be like for them and other autistic individuals, and also having people with autism leading the charge to help bring about positive changes is a positive thing.

I would also argue that in many cases the views and experiences of parents and care givers that have given 24/7 care to an Autistic child/ service user who has a high level of needs are just as important in helping us better understand how autism affects individuals and their families.

In my personal situation if my daughter was in the care of someone (be they autistic or not) who did not know her specific care plan, there is a high liklihood they could inadvertently put her life in danger.

I can see how some could view the term 'Lower functioning' as having negative connotations and would usually personally use ' higher level of needs', but the uncomfortable fact is a autistic person with commucation difficulties and challenging behaviour functions in society far differently than a 'higher' functioning autistic individual.

My worry is the Autism narrative has become recently more focused on what I would call (FWOABW) the higher end of the spectrum.
It is important to remember that an estimated 40 percent of people with autism are nonverbal. 31% of children with ASD have an intellectual disability (intelligence quotient [IQ] <70) with significant challenges in daily function.

It does sometimes seem the current prevailing perception of an autistic person 'stereotype" is someone like Sheldon (from Big bang theory) or Elon Musk, which is pretty far removed from my own experience.

Apologies for the long post

No need it's welcome.

The difficulty I have is when complex interactions with people I don't know are expected, so I hate weddings, but have no issue as a customer talking to shop staff, fine having a meal with family in a busy pub for instance. In a new job it usually takes me a year to feel comfortable talking with colleagues.

But having been in the same job for nearly a decade, and rarely being in social situations requiring complex interactions, I tend to forget about some of the difficulties I face, my life has adapted... Though I've always felt I could have adapted given the chance, but the gap in social ability only gets larger as we get older, in some ways (ie more socially isolated we become there more difficult it is to reverse that).

Leaning toward no diagnosis from the save-resources-for-those-who-can't-function perspective... But not from the perspective of being depressed/upset if it's a no it's not that it's this instead, or even no, just grow up be more manly or something lol. Can go round in circles like this, and having to be careful to not just vomit the entire contents of my head onto the page.

do not seem to understand how banter works.

Oh, that's easy. It's a term that sociopathic dickheads use to justify being sociopathic dickheads.

That extreme reaction can manifest at one end of the scale as an overly emotional/ physical reaction such as floods of tears, self harm, rocking, hand flapping, shouting etc.

I almost never stim. If I do it's a sure sign that the wheels have properly come off.

My comments about Aspergers was more it’s no longer available as a specific diagnosis under the DSM (but presumably covered under the more general ASD). I think the UK still ‘recognises’ it.

As I have a nephew who is nonverbal and will never be able to live a ‘normal’ unassisted life (those, ahem, challenging behaviours) and seen the effect of this directly on my brother and family I too have concerns about the current concentration on ‘HFA’. Except it doesn’t negate the obvious challenges faced of being ‘different’ In a NT world...

I think the UK still ‘recognises’ it.

Not officially I think.

Not officially I think.

Ah, a quick google says/shows ICD-11 (2022) uses ASD as an overall categorisation as well now:

Autism spectrum disorder in the ICD‐11 incorporates both childhood autism and Asperger's syndrome from the ICD‐10 under a single category characterized by social communication deficits and restricted, repetitive and inflexible patterns of behaviour, interests or activities. Guidelines for autism spectrum disorder have been substantially updated to reflect the current literature, including presentations throughout the lifespan. Qualifiers are provided for the extent of impairment in intellectual functioning and functional language abilities to capture the full range of presentations of autism spectrum disorder in a more dimensional manner.

That would explain it...

Thanks for positive replies I'm always a little reticent to speak about this as my posts do seem a bit of a stream of consciousness.

Like corruptpolitician said it's the forced social interactions with people i don't know which are the most difficult. For the first 15 years of our daughter's life we had the valid 'excuse' of avoiding a lot of social situations because her behaviour was challenging enough that we couldn't leave her with many family members or taking her with us wasn't often an option. As I have got older I have tried to make more of an effort and learn some coping techniques. These are just really trying to visualise situations beforehand in a positive way and trying to think of subjects or current events to bring up in conversations (even writing down a list and taking with me ) . It doesn't always work and I'm often first to leave places, but I think I'm better at talking with strangers than twenty years ago.

Metalheart  I agree. I know I had a bit of a rant but I didn't mean to belittle the real challenges anyone who is neuro-diverse/ autistic faces everyday. In many ways I think it's harder for many autistic people to navigate society with little or no support than someone who may receive one to one or higher care. I really just wanted to highlight that sometimes I think people view autism only from their own frames of reference (which is of course understandable). I know I have at times been guilty of that myself.

I think our western society, world etc is not currently the easiest place for the neuro-diverse, our value systems, views on success, fulfilment and social structures appear to me to favour the highly confident and social individuals and hold more negative connotations for the introverted socially inept.

There is of course the conundrum I think has already been alluded to where it is I feel right for us all to recognise, accept and cater for our differences and diversity (in the many forms they may take), but for many neuro-diverse people it is not easy to change or compromise.

Ah, a quick google says/shows ICD-11 (2022) uses ASD as an overall categorisation as well now:

I think its always been a case of they recognize you (or whomever) as being ASD rather than a specific title like Aspergers or such.