Autistic without rituals/compulsions?
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.
-
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
- 13.3K Start here and say hello!
- 7K Coffee lounge
- 101 Games lounge
- 482 Cost of living
- 4.6K Disability rights and campaigning
- 1.9K Research and opportunities
- 230 Community updates
- 9.6K Talk about your situation
- 2.1K Children, parents, and families
- 1.6K Work and employment
- 806 Education
- 1.7K Housing and independent living
- 1.4K Aids, adaptations, and equipment
- 666 Dating, sex, and relationships
- 374 Exercise and accessible facilities
- 845 Transport and travel
- 32K Talk about money
- 4.6K Benefits and financial support
- 5.2K Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- 17.1K PIP, DLA, and AA
- 5K Universal Credit (UC)
- 6.4K Talk about your impairment
- 1.8K Cerebral palsy
- 885 Chronic pain and pain management
- 183 Physical and neurological impairments
- 1.1K Autism and neurodiversity
- 1.3K Mental health and wellbeing
- 328 Sensory impairments
- 832 Rare, invisible, and undiagnosed conditions