Board index › General Discussion › General Autism Discussion

Autism Traits Intensifying with Diagnosis

Page 2 of 2 [ 24 posts ]  Go to page Previous  1, 2

Previous topic | Next topic

cyberdad
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 21 Feb 2011
Age: 58
Gender: Male
Posts: 36,036

16 Mar 2015, 1:00 am

F10ona1 wrote:
My five year old son got his ASD diagnosis last summer, and since a while before then I've started suspecting I am on the autism Spectrum myself. I've done lots of Autism/Aspie online tests now, and have surprised myself by the huge list of my own traits and it seems really obvious to me now that I too have Autism.
But I've also noticed that these traits are stressing me out so much more than they ever did before, (I'm 39) and I'm finding my ability to tolerate really getting worse.

My question is would this intensifying of traits after self diagnosis be normal? Or would this show that I'm loosing my marbles? And just being influenced by all the stuff I'm reading and watching. I can't stop watching and reading stuff about Autism.... It's like it's become my special interest.


Yes this sounds exactly like me. Until my (then) 5yr old daughter was diagnosed with ASD I had no idea I also might have autistic traits. Infact most of the males on my dad's side of the family could also have autistic traits. However a few years on WP and I realised it's largely confirmation bias on my part. I was looking for autistic traits and discounting evidence against my new pet theory. I think I'm fairly NT...

Although I sometimes lack empathy and tend to be introverted - the truth is I make friends very easily, enjoy social gatherings (when the occasion arises), do well in job interviews and am a fairly competent public speaker. With this in mind I suggest getting a formal diagnosis and don't rely on your subjective feelings.



Verdandi
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 7 Dec 2010
Age: 56
Gender: Female
Posts: 12,275
Location: University of California Sunnydale (fictional location - Real location Olympia, WA)

16 Mar 2015, 1:18 am

In contrast, I determined based on research and interactions with others that I might be autistic, and in January 2011 I put myself down as "undiagnosed autistic" on this forum. In April 2011, I was diagnosed as autistic.

Which is to say, you know you better than anyone else knows you. If you think you're autistic, then it's worth exploring that possibility, however you choose to do so (whether satisfied as you are now or wish to seek professional diagnosis). You might conclude in a few years that your initial impression was wrong, and that's fine too. Being wrong about something isn't the end of the world, and is often a learning experience.



cyberdad
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 21 Feb 2011
Age: 58
Gender: Male
Posts: 36,036

16 Mar 2015, 5:08 am

Of course having a formal diagnosis will give you more peace of mind.



Waterfalls
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 21 Jun 2013
Gender: Female
Posts: 3,075

16 Mar 2015, 6:01 am

Symptoms can intensify with stress. Was your son having more difficulty? that's typically what triggers a diagnosis, and of course worrying about one's child is very stressful. 5 is when many children start school and that can be hard



rugulach
Toucan
Toucan

User avatar

Joined: 14 Jun 2014
Age: 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 282

16 Mar 2015, 7:14 am

You can become more aware of your symptoms by becoming more aware that they are symptoms and not normal behaviors.



will@rd
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 15 Mar 2015
Gender: Male
Posts: 709

16 Mar 2015, 1:40 pm

Rocket123 wrote:
Will@rd - Um - There was a user named Willard who used to frequent WP. His name, occupation, age and location are remarkably similar to yours. Are you the same person and are you back? If so, welcome back. Count me as one person in this odd, wacky world who missed reading your posts. I hope you are back, for good.


Forgot my old password and switched email addresses some time ago, so I couldn't access the old account. I don't know if I'm anywhere for good, but thanks for your kind words, that means a lot.


_________________
"I don't mean to sound bitter, cynical or cruel - but I am, so that's how it comes out." - Bill Hicks


dianthus
Veteran
Veteran

Joined: 25 Nov 2011
Gender: Female
Posts: 4,138

16 Mar 2015, 6:09 pm

will@rd wrote:
Forgot my old password and switched email addresses some time ago, so I couldn't access the old account. I don't know if I'm anywhere for good, but thanks for your kind words, that means a lot.


Very glad to see you back here, I missed your posts.



ASPartOfMe
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 25 Aug 2013
Age: 68
Gender: Male
Posts: 39,637
Location: Long Island, New York

16 Mar 2015, 6:27 pm

will@rd wrote:
Rocket123 wrote:
Will@rd - Um - There was a user named Willard who used to frequent WP. His name, occupation, age and location are remarkably similar to yours. Are you the same person and are you back? If so, welcome back. Count me as one person in this odd, wacky world who missed reading your posts. I hope you are back, for good.


Forgot my old password and switched email addresses some time ago, so I couldn't access the old account. I don't know if I'm anywhere for good, but thanks for your kind words, that means a lot.


Glad you are back. You were a great guide when I was first diagnosed and got here. Your knowledge, wisdom and experience in ASD's (yep that is what it is officially now) is still intact and needed.


_________________
“Self Acceptance is a process not a performance”
“You are autistic enough. And you always have been”

Professionally Identified and joined WP August 26, 2013
DSM 5: Autism Spectrum Disorder, DSM IV: Aspergers Moderate Severity.