Is it helpful getting a diagnosis?
I've always been considered a bit quirky even when I was a kid. And I've mostly just accepted I'm a bit weird, don't really have many friends and struggle socially especially face to face with people I don't know well.
It's been suggested by a few different people that maybe I have an autistic streak which would explain why my behaviours aren't *normal*.
I think I'm being kind but come across as being a push over, I think I'm helping by being there but I'm told I don't contribute ideas. The way I am has massively impacted my friendships (or lack thereof) and relationships (partner of 10+ years wants to break up).
My question is, is it helpful getting a diagnosis? Has it made any changes positive or negative to your lifestyle? I'm just wondering if it is something I should pursue.
Thanks for reading
@conscientiousNickel7021
Hi there, and good question. By pursuing a diagnosis it could be something that helps you understand yourself more, or a step towards receiving any support you may need. Your decision of course, and if it turns out you’re not, then there’s nothing wrong with being quirky.
Best of luck with whatever you decide 🌹
Getting an official diagnosis doesn't actually change anything about who you are, if you are diagnosed you've had it your entire life. What it can do is help you accept it easier and understand yourself. I was diagnosed in my early 20s (not long ago) and since then it has made it easier to understand myself and why I've always felt different. I've always been like this, but having something specific to research and understand has been a bit help, and getting a diagnosis just made it easier to accept and feel sure that I'm not just "making things up" or "being dramatic." Everyone is different, but this has been my experience with it.
Thank you that is helpful and of course we are who we are. I'm just not sure what it would add to my life getting a diagnosis. I'm certainly not looking for anything in particular. I think I just feel easily overwhelmed sometimes of getting lost in the little things which doesn't help me or those around me.
I had a feeling I was autistic for over 5 years. Finally got tested this year and confirmed. With the confirmation my therapist and I have been finding ways to help me that we didn't explore before. I like having the better understanding of myself.
@conscientiousNickel7021 I'm still not sure if I have an official diagnosis, a PhD therapist was 99% sure I'm on the high-functioning part of the spectrum, but a doctor said I'm "too high functioning." I learned about autism anyway. Me, my mother and my daughter all fit the criteria. That's been a huge comfort for me and my daughter, we both stopped fighting against the symptoms and instead are learning to accept ourselves as-is and try to adapt one day at a time. Unfortunately my mom died in 1992, she could have been helped so much, she could have been understood.
My current doctor accepts the diagnosis, she's very aware of and helpful with the sensory issues I have. I'm on a long waiting list to see a therapist, though.
@conscientiousNickel7021 Oops I forgot to say. I wish I had been diagnosed when I was with my ex, D. He had ADHD. We had problems communicating. Looking back its so obvious, I could have said things differently, our neurodivergence could have bonded us together as a team. I remember he never understood why I wouldn't "yell back" at him, he took it as my not caring enough. I saw it as me being overwhelmed by loud noise and preferring to talk after it calmed down.
@mamdalamom314 that's really interesting to hear your story. I do think that with accessibility to information being a lot easier these days it is easier to get information and notice common patterns amongst individuals who may be neuro divergent. I do also think that a significant number from older generations may have been misdiagnosed because there wasn't an understanding of autism or spectrum related behaviours. Yes navigating relationships can be a challenge, I always get told my communication skills are shocking. Usually because I like to communicate when I'm ready, calmed down, away from confrontation.