Autism spectrum disorder

[Former-Member]

Hello,

I have been told ASD is not a mental illness? Is there people here on the spectrum? I haven't been diagnosed but I like to find out more about it, as it has been suggested that I'm on the spectrum, formerly Asperger.

What does that mean for people who have a mental illness as well?

[Former-Member]

Hi @Former-Member - I don't believe that ASD is a mental illness its kind of just a different way of being/doing... I've read it called neurotypical and neuroatypical before. I have 4 kids with ASD that im working with this year and my son has some traits of asd but has a diff diagnosis, however a lot of strategies for kids with ASD work best for him too...
I'm going to tag @Phoenix_Rising would feel up to joining this conversation?

[Phoenix_Rising]

Hi @Former-Member and @Former-Member,

ASD is definitely not a mental illness, it is a neurodevelopmental disorder. At least, that's what the "experts" say, but really, it is simply a different way of being in the world. I tend to use the term neuro-atypical (and thus I use "neurotypical" to describe people without ASD). 

I figured out a few years ago that my issues couldn't all be explained by my psychiatric diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. Over a couple of years I put together the pieces of the puzzle and figured out I had ASD. I then paid for a formal assessment because no-one believes you unless an "expert" has made the diagnosis. 

ASD is often missed in females because it presents differently to in males. I know my life would be very different now if one of the bazillion mental health professionals I've seen over the past two decades had picked up the tiny little detail of AUTISM. Grrrrrrrr!!!!

There is an organisation in Australia called "yellow ladybugs" which is specifically focused on ASD in girls (and women). A quick google search will help you find them. I hope that helps @Former-Member. 

[Former-Member]

Thank you @Former-Member and at phoenix_rising

I still cannot grasp what influence a formal diagnosis could have on my life, but I have asked for an appointment. I find it distressing as it adds another diagnosis to my portfolio. When did I stop being me and became a file? All my life I remember asking why I always had to adjust to fit into society and why people couldn't just accept me.

[Phoenix_Rising]

@Former-Member I found the ASD diagnosis super validating. I am extremely ok with being Aspie. I also find that it helps others (those who put the effort into understanding ASD) to communicate better with me and be more tolerant of my quirks. For me it isn't a defect, it is simply who I am. I am Australian, I am a woman, I am autistic. It isn't "bad" it is simply me. 😊

[Former-Member]

@Phoenix_Rising

I just feel my life that I've worked for so hard running like sand through my hands. I fought all my life to beat everything that happened when I was young and laughed away the insults and tried to fit in. My past has come to haunt me and I see a diagnosis as something terrifying- I think it's just because my life has changed so drastically and is still changing and I feel like there is a bottomless pit.