Autism

[YoungCosmo]

So I have strong belief that I might be autistic, a higher functioning one mind you but one nonetheless. All my family and friends are telling me if I DO have it, that it's psychosomatic and they're so idealistic and believe in all this complete free will BS it sounds like it is all right out of The Secret. They're telling me I am the way I am because I chose to be the way I am. Therefore, I am the way I am. Circular argument BS, it kind of has me mad that people are so insensitive to real developmental problems. They just keep telling me, "Oh, you only have societal anxiety. See a therapist and you'll be fine."

Essentially, they've also been implying an autistic person can choose not to be autistic anymore, no matter where they fall on the spectrum. It's pretty ****ing irritating to see this sort of ignorance. The worst part about it is they all imply people who believe they're autistic and get checked out are only doing it to find excuses. Not one of these people has any ****ing idea how hard it is to do anything in life. All of them have been popular and well-liked but I'm the only one who hasn't ever been.

Let's hear your thoughts regarding autism being a scam or purely a matter of volition.

[basilandthyme]

When my son was diagnosed, I found out that there were a few people around me who had to go. I removed from my life a select few who thought I was over-reacting or who weren't accepting that there actually was a problem.

While it wasn't the case for me, there also can be cultural issues with many disabilities. When we were in special needs playgroup, there were people from some cultures who were virtually disowned for having a disabled child. Is this an issue in your cultural background?

Another problem is that those who have ASD don't *look* disabled. If you've got a kid who's got Down Syndrome distressed in a mall....and a kid who's ASD having the same behaviour, the kid with Down Syndrome will get far more sympathy and understanding because people can see there's a problem. Hence some Tshirts I've seen with the words "I'm not naughty - I have autism"

Anyway, given that they aren't open to the idea, don't talk about this with your family and friends right now. First of all, find out if you are Aspie and THEN deal with it. Come back to this thread to vent if you need it. I'll keep a lookout for you.

[basilandthyme]

Did you see the specialist yesterday? How did it go?

[YoungCosmo]

Haven't seen them yet. Soon, hopefully..In the meantime, I just got my first paycheck at the new job and am trying to buy a car this week,.

[fearoflove]

Another self-pity thread from YC.

[YoungCosmo]

Shut up. You don't understand.

[basilandthyme]

YC and FOL, you're as bad as each other with trolling each other's posts. If you don't like it, then be the first to leave the other alone.

[basilandthyme]

Congrats on the job. What are you doing?

And good luck with the car hunting. I hate car hunting but finding a nice car is worth the effort. What are you looking to buy? (please post links because your cars are different to ours)

[HeartIsAching]

He's in a good spot to find a decent used vehicle. So many rich dipshits out there that have to have brand-new cars every year.

Cosmo - it may be true that you're a high-functioning autistic, but don't rely on that until you've had a real diagnosis. Once you've had a real diagnosis, don't use it as an excuse. It's not a mental illness or even necessarily a handicap - many autistic people, particularly high functioning ones are savants in one way or another. Yes, you'll have some difficulty in interpersonal relationships, but treat it realistically.

Good luck to you.

[Wakeup]

So I have strong belief that I might be autistic, a higher functioning one mind you but one nonetheless. All my family and friends are telling me if I DO have it, that it's psychosomatic and they're so idealistic and believe in all this complete free will BS it sounds like it is all right out of The Secret. They're telling me I am the way I am because I chose to be the way I am. Therefore, I am the way I am. Circular argument BS, it kind of has me mad that people are so insensitive to real developmental problems. They just keep telling me, "Oh, you only have societal anxiety. See a therapist and you'll be fine."

Essentially, they've also been implying an autistic person can choose not to be autistic anymore, no matter where they fall on the spectrum. It's pretty ****ing irritating to see this sort of ignorance. The worst part about it is they all imply people who believe they're autistic and get checked out are only doing it to find excuses. Not one of these people has any ****ing idea how hard it is to do anything in life. All of them have been popular and well-liked but I'm the only one who hasn't ever been.

Let's hear your thoughts regarding autism being a scam or purely a matter of volition.

Why do you go on like you've already been diagnosed when you haven't been. Wisen up, chum.

After you've had a proper texting and diagnosis, then and only then can you say the things you're complaining about in your Opost. There is no sense trying to councel you on how to cope with something you've not even been diagnosed as having yet.

They just keep telling me, "Oh, you only have societal anxiety. See a therapist and you'll be fine."

Gee were'nt you always the one that said they'd not allow you to go to therapy because there is such a stima attached to it in your culture?

Another sef pity thread from YC

People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

[YoungCosmo]

Gee were'nt you always the one that said they'd not allow you to go to therapy because there is such a stima attached to it in your culture?

I tried to sneak in seeing a psychiatrist without my dad knowing...but he found out.

[dem862]

I tried to sneak in seeing a psychiatrist without my dad knowing...but he found out.

Oh Christ. Now he's gonna get out the belt.

A psychologist is better to diagnose Autism. Psychiatrist mainly prescribe meds for anxiety, depression, and psychotic disorders.

[basilandthyme]

Oh Christ. Now he's gonna get out the belt.

A psychologist is better to diagnose Autism. Psychiatrist mainly prescribe meds for anxiety, depression, and psychotic disorders.

Both can diagnose equally well.

[basilandthyme]

I don't see anything wrong with identifying with the disorder prior to diagnosis. Though it's kinda hard to help when he's not sharing his online test results or the parts of the disorder that he's identifying with.

YC, we're all aware that you've got some impaired social skills - but a diagnosis takes in far more than that. What other traits are you seeing?

[fearoflove]

People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

I don't think I have ever made a self-pity thread on this forum. I am probably the polar opposite of YC when it comes to attitude.