Autistic without rituals/compulsions?
Options
dant9
Community member Posts: 3 Listener
Hello
I have struggled with MH issues for many years and particularly suffer with general and social anxiety. I have many of the difficulties that people on the autistic spectrum experience with social interaction, have felt that I never 'fitted in', and I like a routine and structure to reduce my anxiety etc. I get obsessive thoughts but what I don't have is any ritualistic or compulsive behaviour. I hope to discuss this with my GP shortly but I wondered if it is possible to be diagnosed as being on the spectrum without showing these symptoms.
I have struggled with MH issues for many years and particularly suffer with general and social anxiety. I have many of the difficulties that people on the autistic spectrum experience with social interaction, have felt that I never 'fitted in', and I like a routine and structure to reduce my anxiety etc. I get obsessive thoughts but what I don't have is any ritualistic or compulsive behaviour. I hope to discuss this with my GP shortly but I wondered if it is possible to be diagnosed as being on the spectrum without showing these symptoms.
Comments
-
Well your GP is the right person to ask.
But....many autistic people have many different symptoms.
It doesn't work on a 'if you don't do this you don't have it' kind of thing
Good luck...and Welcome! -
Hi welcome to the community,I have autism myself and autism itself is a spectrum condition meaning everyone with autism is different and has different difficulties, so one person can have alot of the traits or another can have only a few traits. Every single person in the world will have some autistic traits but to be diagnosed you have to have certain difficulties or traits. (I don't know the exact criteria)Theres a PDF on what the term spectrum means if you want some more information: Understanding the Spectrum - PDF
I think its best to speak to your GP and perhaps get a referral for a diagnosis if you feel you fit the symptoms of Autism, just be aware that there is a long wait for assessments at the moment.Hope this helps.
I have Autism, ADHD, Schizophrenia, Gilberts Syndrome and Crohn's Disease and have knowledge in these areas. -
Thanks for the comments. A lot of the info I had read seemed to focus on the OCD type of symptoms/traits. I will definitely discuss things with my doctor.
-
Welcome to the community @dant9 There are often quite a few crossovers of symptoms between conditions, so it can be hard to know which one is right for you. I agree that your doctor would be a good person to talk to, as they'll be best placed to help you identify what you're experiencing and how to move forwards.
Are you getting any support for your mental health at the moment? -
Yes, I'm well supported, thanks.
Brightness
Categories
- All Categories
- 13K Start here and say hello!
- 6.6K Coffee lounge
- 104 Games lounge
- 416 Cost of living
- 4.3K Disability rights and campaigning
- 1.9K Research and opportunities
- 199 Community updates
- 9.3K Talk about your situation
- 2.1K Children, parents, and families
- 1.6K Work and employment
- 776 Education
- 1.7K Housing and independent living
- 1.4K Aids, adaptations, and equipment
- 615 Dating, sex, and relationships
- 363 Exercise and accessible facilities
- 737 Transport and travel
- 31.5K Talk about money
- 4.3K Benefits and financial support
- 5.2K Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- 17.1K PIP, DLA, and AA
- 4.9K Universal Credit (UC)
- 6.3K Talk about your impairment
- 1.8K Cerebral palsy
- 868 Chronic pain and pain management
- 180 Physical and neurological impairments
- 1.1K Autism and neurodiversity
- 1.2K Mental health and wellbeing
- 319 Sensory impairments
- 824 Rare, invisible, and undiagnosed conditions