autism. And I am very surprised, at my advanced age of 65. The doctor (a neurologist/psychiatrist), said I had it since babyhood. It certainly explains why I’ve ever had only a very few friends.
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The doctor said it explained why I was such a lousy driver my whole life. It also explained my teenage bulimia. She said it would end up explaining a lot of things. I have to read about it. Especially the stuff she sent me.
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When I discovered that I’m autistic, it really shook my sense of identity. It took years for me to accept.
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I’m sorry you suffered so long without getting help.
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I went through two separate assessments… The ados and adi r. I felt the same after finding out . Explained a lot to me.
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There are those of us here who lost friends as a result of becoming severely mentally ill, and those of us who had very few friends,if any,to lose in the 1st place. I do think we are seeing an increasing number with a dual sz/sz-a +ASD dx.
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I personally think it may have to do with increasing awareness. The only reason I haven’t gone for an evaluation is because it costs thousands of dollars. Most people cannot afford that. So by that logic many autistics will go without a proper diagnosis. Especially if theyre level 1 or high functioning. But through self education people are able increasingly to see the signs within themselves.
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@firemonkey I was one of those who didn’t have any friends to lose.
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My insurance paid for it all @POET @firemonkey.
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I possibly have it. Im social but only because i learned specific skills such as counting how long for eye contact, when to look away, how to ask questions to get people to steer conversation, facial expressions for interest etc lol.
I also have trouble with being very abrupt or blunt. Its like an automatic response i try to avoid.
Maybe one day ill get tested
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well I guess that’s a relief…are you sad about it? I find it kind of sad.
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That sounds like masking. A lot of high masking people go undiagnosed.
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No, I’m not sad about it. I just take it as a matter of fact and I’m even rather relieved as it explains a lot of things that have puzzled me all my life. @jukebox
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in my assessment report I was advised to learn how to unmask, masking is very exhausting… have a read about it @SkinnyMe
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Thank you @Ish. I will. I have to wait about two weeks before I get my assessment report.
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