Any advice for Autism?

[curiousandhonest]

I am in my 40s and have just been diagnosed with Autism. I didn't think I would be and only seeked medical diagnosis as I have been told on a number of occasions that perhaps I am. Will now look in to exactly what it is but thought maybe a few opinions on here will be a welcome addition. TIA

*couldn't figure out how to change category

[sportsman_MD]

I could help you out a lot more if I knew whether you were high-functioning/Asperger's or low-functioning. You can message me that information if you want more help.

In general, autism is a lack of social skills due to your brain developing in favor of other areas first. Autism Spectrum Disorder (or autism) comes on a spectrum, from low-functioning where practically none of the brain developed properly to high-functioning, also known as Asperger's syndrome, where your brain first prioritized development in areas that contribute to your memory and reasoning skills. This is why high-functioning autistics, or "aspies," have higher IQs. You could be anywhere on that spectrum, so the doctor who diagnosed you should have told you whereabouts on it you are. Plus, you'd know if you are on either end, as both LF and HF autism cause very significant symptoms.

As a neurologist, I recommend

1. See a psychologist a few times a year. It's not that there is anything wrong. The purpose of this is to prevent you from ever feeling socially isolated. When people feel really isolated, no matter how used to it they might have been, drastic things can happen.

2. Look into some research on Autism Spectrum Disorder. One of the best researchers on autism today is Dr. Kristen Brennand at Yale. Go onto PubMed and look at her works as well as other doctors who study it. If it interests you, and especially if you're high-functioning, you might enjoy going to some of the research conferences.

3. Keep up with organizations like Autism Speaks. They are always trying to help people with ASD, and this is a good time to get help because there's still a lot of bias in the government and politics about mental disorders. Call them if you need to.

[curiousandhonest]

Thank you for this. I get my report in 4 weeks but I imagine I am towards the hf end

[RandomGirl42]

I really don't know much about it except what I've read and stuff but I really hope all the best for you! I know there are some good resources out there. 😊

[curiousandhonest]

Cheers. Mainly will give answers and reasons for certain traits of mine

[RandomGirl42]

And TY for the MHO

[Telekinetic-Potato]

David plummer has a book that is helpful. I related to his story and for what he was doing you can't really get much more successful then he is.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/6vkgBVc1yhM

To be honest, I still don't think anyone knows what the hell autism actually is but maybe if a bunch of "autistic" people can share helpful advice that means something.

[curiousandhonest]

Thanks I can watch this tonight

[Abbycado]

Being autistic, as I understand it, can mean many things. The best thing is to talk to the person or people that diagnosed you and ask them their opinions on advice for your specific case.

[curiousandhonest]

I get my report but in 4 weeks

[Abbycado]

That’s good. I’d wait to see it before you make any decisions.

[egan3141]

Remember that they took this and other disorders, made them a spectrum, and now the percent of people that "have it" has sky rocketed. I'm nearly certain being more than some amount different than normal is enough to be diagnosed. I'm sure if I got tested, they'd say I'm on the spectrum in some way. It's kind of sickening how easy it is to be diagnosed with something. Bit of an insult to the people that actually have a disorder.

[curiousandhonest]

Thanks for your input anyway

[FreyaRed]

You survived 40 years with autism I'm sure you can survived next 40 years either.

[chickychickyparmparm]

if you made it to 40 and have been successful, who cares if you have autism?

[curiousandhonest]

Well it actually provides answers and reasons for some of my behaivioral traits. And successful isn't a term used to describe me. But thanks nonetheless