How do you know if you have Autism Spectrem Disorder

amazingblazing62
amazingblazing62 Online Community Member Posts: 20 Listener
in Autism and neurodiversity
How do you know if you have Asd I just wondered as I have to do things in a specific order everyday and if my clothes get dirty I have to change them stright away.
And I get really frustrated if things are not done my way.


Amazing62

Comments

  • Albus_Scope
    Albus_Scope Posts: 10,798 Scope Online Community Coordinator
    Heya @amazingblazing62 and a good question!
    I think it can vary from person to person, but many just get that feeling that things feel a bit off with how everyone else does things. I did a lot of research before I went for my assessment, mostly Youtube videos to be honest, but I saw a lot of similarities in what people were saying.  It could be worth speaking to your GP and ask for a referral for assessment. 
  • Amaya_Ringo
    Amaya_Ringo Online Community Member Posts: 401 Championing
    The spectrum affects everyone a little differently. As a kid I knew I was different somehow and that I was making a lot more effort to fit in - I knew I was masking without knowing what masking was, and strategising to deal with or avoid situations without really understanding why. 

    One person's experience is not necessarily the same as another's, though. I was diagnosed as an adult, and it answered a lot of questions, but I have only really learned how to categorise and describe the factors that challenged me as a kid since that point. 

    This is just my experience, but I'm not really routine driven. When I do follow routine it's more because my executive function is terrible and I am trying not to forget something/get from a to b without getting lost. I think I do build patterns in order to function but it's difficult to explain the difference. (Disclaimer: I'm probably AuDHD, which might impact my experiences. It's next to impossible to get ADHD screenings here, though, so I only have a formal diagnosis for autism).

    I agree with Albus, it's a good idea to do some reading and research and talk to your GP if you want a formal diagnosis. The characteristics you describe could be related but might not be, and could be something different - it's important you get the right answers.


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