I think I may have autism. How do you know?

[Anonymous]

It’s complicated but social interactions often baffle me. I am so very empathetic and want to help others. Yet sometimes others feel slighted by me and it catches me off guard and I don’t understand.

Maybe family history matters? My father is a very strange gentleman. I would not be surprised at all if he were on the autism spectrum. My uncle too.

[Oliverlogan263]

Yo, that's really interesting what you're saying. A few things that might indicate autism:

- Difficulty reading social cues and knowing how others are feeling without being directly told. Social stuff can be super confusing.

- Strong focused interests in certain topics that you could info dump about for hours. Hard to carry on “small talk” conversations.

- Sensory issues with loud noises/textures of clothes etc. Sometimes need things a certain way.

- Repetitive behaviors like stimming (flapping, lining stuff up, etc). Doing the same routine stuff over and over.

- Family history makes it more likely, like if dad and uncle seem autistic too. Autism does tend to run in families.

The empathy part doesn’t rule it out either - autistic folks can care deeply about others.

If a lot of those things resonate it may be worth looking into an evaluation. Don’t diagnose yourself but getting an official assessment could help explain a lot! Don’t be scared to advocate for yourself sis. Let me know if you need any other thoughts!

[Asker]

1, 2 and 5 of your list resonate.

[Pete671]

You can do online tests from Cambridge Research, but they are only indicative, what country you are in will affect how you can get a clinical diagnosis, first step is contact your GP and ask to see a clinical psychologist. welcome to PM me if you wish, I have a clinical diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome,

[Asker]

I’m in the U S of A :)

[Daniela1982]

Get tested. A lot of adults have autism and have no idea they have it.

[Asker]

Good advice. Thank you.

[BoopBoopBeep]

The autistic people I know aren't particularly empathetic. I understand the literature says they are capable of empathy, but communicating it is the difficult part, however that's just not what I've experienced. Maybe you're one of them.

[Jamie05rhs]

Nah, bro. Communicating empathy CAN be very difficult, even if you feel it.

[BoopBoopBeep]

@Jamie05rhs Yeah it can be, agreed. I'm just going off taking them sayingi "no i don't actually care" at face value.

[CozyCoffin]

Get a test, which is usually several thousand dollars, otherwise just think of yourself as socially awkward.

[Asker]

Lol. I’m sorry. This made me laugh.

[FunkyMonkee]

Everybody has it now. It's all the rage, these days.

[laly520]

do not self diagnose
go to a psychologist

[Asker]

I have been to a psychiatrist. I did not like him at all. 😕

[laly520]

go to another one

[JayBones]

If you are asking, you have it.

[Asker]

I kinda think so too

[JayBones]

I think you are right. We know our selves better. Nothing wrong with it. Your just not normal amd normal is boring.

[Asker]

I’m definitely not normal lol. Thanks.

[JayBones]

No I'm not either. "What the fuck is wrong with you" is a common question I am asked. My answer is usually "I don't care"

[Asker]

Aww. That sounds like a harsh thing for people to say.

[JayBones]

Life is harsh. That's a tap on the nose.

[Anonymous]

Get tested, I did and got confirmation at 21

[Jamie05rhs]

In what ways do others feel slighted by you?

[Asker]

Your question is worded interestingly.

But, to break it down I have had several puzzling social interactions in my life.

It’s almost as if people have hit a breaking point with me, friendship ending breaking point, and I am completely blindsided by it and utterly baffled as to what just happened.

[Jamie05rhs]

Can you give an example?

[Asker]

Lately it’s been with my friends who are moms. I was showing my friend pictures of the day my son was born and I didn’t realize that it was upsetting her and suddenly she freaked out and started crying because she had a really traumatic birth with her daughter. I felt so bad. I knew about the traumatic birth. But I didn’t know my pictures would upset her so bad and remind her.

I can think of 2 other similar examples where me just saying something I did with my kids or a memory with my kids upset someone I considered a good friend at the time and we are not friends anymore. These were long-time friends too. Some since elementary school.

[Asker]

I got the feeling like other things I’s said in the past had really upset her without me realizing and this was just the last straw and she was done with me. I was blindsided. I had no idea. I would not have showed her the pictures if I knew it would make her feel that bad and end our friendship.

[Jamie05rhs]

Aw man. I'm sorry. Those people sound really thin-skinned and over-sensitive. I know you didn't mean any harm. I'm sorry they overreacted like that.

[Jamie05rhs]

People really need to communicate their feelings to others. They shouldn't make you play a guessing game.

[Asker]

I thought that. But it’s happened so many times. I have to think I’m the common denominator. I don’t have any irl friends anymore. At least not any I’m in touch with. It’s too exhausting.

[Asker]

But thank you. I do appreciate you saying that. And you are right I did not mean any harm. Which is why I felt so bad.

[Jamie05rhs]

Aww 😰

[Jamie05rhs]

You are welcome! 💙

[In_Trance]

stop self diagnosing