Current Events > I am officially diagnosed with Autism...Ask me anything.

(+) Yeah! (+)

IIRC I briefly touched on being formally diagnosed early this year, and I know the stigma associated with it, so if anyone curious about something hopefully I, or anyone else here on the spectrum can answer it.

how old are you?

Do you see yourself differently now?

if you had a superpower, what would it be?

thronedfire2 posted...

how old are you?

>_> Needed the age calculator again....33

Lokison posted...

Do you see yourself differently now?

It just explains alot as to why I thrive so much in introversion, lack social cues/socializing, and didn't get a gf till 30...Took myself off the board. I was suspecting it when it took me till 30 to obtain independence, and maintained a fugal lifestyle.

ironman2009 posted...

if you had a superpower, what would it be?

Read minds to read the room better. Just because i don't care if i annoy with tangents doesn't mean i want to annoy on purpose. Just wanna be able to switch it off.

One of my main "tics" is...I check to make sure my doors are locked multiple times on impulse before leaving/ entering the home. My memory issues due to MS is part of it as better safe than sorry.

Why'd it take so long to get evaluated? A personal fear, bad logistics, etc?

How'd you get tested? Reference from doctor?

How did you go about getting the diagnosis

Guide posted...

Why'd it take so long to get evaluated? A personal fear, bad logistics, etc?

Well, combination of it being the 90s, and my parent dropping the ball not wanting her child to be "different. Was denied some assistance i should have had despite special education.

My late girlfriend, and her mother suspected it over skype/email messages, and that was the last straw as they were around people on the spectrum alot.

BunkerBoy posted...

How'd you get tested? Reference from doctor?

I straight told my neurologist "Doc...I might have aspergers, or something - you been talking to me to a year, and i'm sure you've been suspecting something by now." So, after his admission he refereed me to a mental health facility where i did some therapy for months while i waited for insurance to approve my test.

Unknown5uspect posted...

How did you go about getting the diagnosis

The test at the mentioned mental health facility...included memory test, and how i process information like grouping things with a computer with no explanation of what to do.

There was some multiple choice sheet to fill out too with a notable question being asking if i played yu-gi-oh. >_>

Sometimes I think I might be but I've seen several psychiatrists since my teenage years and none have ever said anything.

Although most of them weren't very attentive.

Nintendo_Porn posted...

It just explains alot as to why I thrive so much in introversion, lack social cues/socializing, and didn't get a gf till 30...Took myself off the board. I was suspecting it when it took me till 30 to obtain independence, and maintained a fugal lifestyle.

Hey man, good for you becoming independent, even at 30.

I'm 42 and still not independent. Never have been. I have extreme introversion and anti-socialism and social anxiety and all that but I don't think I have autism. I just simply don't want to be independent and nobody's pressuring me otherwise.

TuxedoCyan posted...

I'm 42 and still not independent. Never have been. I have extreme introversion and anti-socialism and social anxiety and all that but I don't think I have autism. I just simply don't want to be independent and nobody's pressuring me otherwise.

What's your current support system like?

I asked about the age thing cause I'm 36 and I've never been evaluated or seen any kind of mental health professional even though I probably should have.

ever since I looked up signs of Autism I've wondered if I'd get diagnosed but then I also wonder if I'd just try to influence my answers to fit so I could explain why I'm so weird. I think my biggest problem is OCD and being very easily addicted to anything that distracts me

so playing yugioh is on the spectrum now?

honestly i wonder just how many people have some form of it and just don't know.

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/8/1/2/AAPa_qAAE1R8.jpg
Would you spare with her?

TuxedoCyan posted...

Hey man, good for you becoming independent, even at 30.

I'm 42 and still not independent. Never have been. I have extreme introversion and anti-socialism and social anxiety and all that but I don't think I have autism. I just simply don't want to be independent and nobody's pressuring me otherwise.

Good. Despise the "parent's basement" stereotype as no one should rush out the home before they are ready - the only shame you should be is burdening by not contributing to the household. Stayed in mom's house when college was a two minute drive away, and it's why i am debt free right now. Can't deny there was quite some luck in me being able to move out, and not have to ask for financial assistance since i've been in here. Take pride in that.

thronedfire2 posted...

I asked about the age thing cause I'm 36 and I've never been evaluated or seen any kind of mental health professional even though I probably should have.

ever since I looked up signs of Autism I've wondered if I'd get diagnosed but then I also wonder if I'd just try to influence my answers to fit so I could explain why I'm so weird. I think my biggest problem is OCD and being very easily addicted to anything that distracts me

Do you become obsessed with anything you get interest in? I went nuts when i took up computer building as it's all i talked about for years. ...Even build a custom jem and the holograms pc being obsessed with her too.

creativeme posted...

so playing yugioh is on the spectrum now?

honestly i wonder just how many people have some form of it and just don't know.

They tried to group it in with "obsessions" for what it's worth.

tremain07 posted...

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/8/1/2/AAPa_qAAE1R8.jpg
Would you spare with her?

Spare, or spar? Either way...she needs pink hair first.

Edit: Post diagnosis i've tried to take special care of my tendency to fly off on tangents, so excuse me if my answers go off track sometimes.

I prefer order, repetitive play, but also have selective attention. I love adhering to plans, and when those plans go tits up i can get pissed.

What do you do for work? Is there a career field you're most interested in?

Nintendo_Porn posted...

Do you become obsessed with anything you get interest in? I went nuts when i took up computer building as it's all i talked about for years. ...Even build a custom jem and the holograms pc being obsessed with her too.

yep

been like that since I was 4(that I can remember)

CRON posted...

What do you do for work? Is there a career field you're most interested in?

Got a bachelor's in criminal justice, but M.S. made me lose a couple of steps mentaly, and wasn't able to get my foot in the door with job coaching after a year, so we changed gears. Was working a phone job selling allstate insurance for the past 3 years, and since covid happened i made decent savings working from home. I loved it as it got me out my shell, and improved my socializing ten fold. Was cool with working it for a decade, but the job's contract ended last sept. Ran the numbers, and realize i don't have to work, so enjoying what i worked for while somewhat healthy.

I have autism and was born in the 90's. I was diagnosed early since I displayed classic traits like lining up toy cars in a row.

I wasn't told until the fifth grade, and I was initially confused about it.

I also hear a fair number of autistic people are LGBTQ+, according to Wikipedia and some of my care workers.

Oh, and sorry for your loss. I know I often parade the idea of an imaginary girlfriend around sometimes, but it makes me feel sad to hear about the people you love passing away.

I miss my grandfather on my dad's side. He accepted all the eccentricities and beliefs I had and made me comfortable to talk about my feelings.

Nintendo_Porn posted...

Got a bachelor's in criminal justice, but M.S. made me lose a couple of steps mentaly, and wasn't able to get my foot in the door with job coaching after a year, so we changed gears. Was working a phone job for the past 3 years, and since covid happened i made decent savings working from home. I loved it as it got me out my shell, and improved my socializing ten fold. Was cool with working it for a decade, but the job's contract ended last sept. Ran the numbers, and realize i don't have to work, so enjoying what i worked for while somewhat healthy.

You have enough money saved up to just live off of it without working? That sounds like a pretty sweet deal.

DementedDurian posted...

I have autism and was born in the 90's. I was diagnosed early since I displayed classic traits like lining up toy cars in a row.

that can't really be a classic trait can it?

I used to fix the items on the grocery store shelves so they all faced the same way and my mom just thought it was funny. I was 3-5 at the time.

What were some signs you noticed before you got evaluated?

DementedDurian posted...

I have autism and was born in the 90's. I was diagnosed early since I displayed classic traits like lining up toy cars in a row.

I wasn't told until the fifth grade, and I was initially confused about it.

I also hear a fair number of autistic people are LGBTQ+, according to Wikipedia and some of my care workers.

Oh, and sorry for your loss. I know I often parade the idea of an imaginary girlfriend around sometimes, but it makes me feel sad to hear about the people you love passing away.

I miss my grandfather on my dad's side. He accepted all the eccentricities and beliefs I had and made me comfortable to talk about my feelings.

Thank you for the condolences. Joanne encouraged me to go to therapy as too much introversion must have done a number on me even over a webcam. Regardless, she was my biggest fan, and no matter how eccentric i was she smiled, and took it all in stride. Damn i miss my big girl. I keep saying i'd do another 30 years alone to meet her again.

Your grandfather seemed to be the same for you as far as acceptance. Just because people are autistic it doesn't mean we can't have a meaningful connection, but people need to open their minds a bit.

CRON posted...

You have enough money saved up to just live off of it without working? That sounds like a pretty sweet deal.

Work smarter, not harder. My sucess was not a big house, but financial independence/stability, and when i realized i had it i was done. Benefit of the spectrum is you don't have to give two fucks what people think....even if mom calls you a cheap bastard.

Trumpo posted... What were some signs you noticed before you got evaluated?

I touched on them earlier. Introversion, and lacking communication skills/social cues, and not much interest in relationships till 30.

I have autism and was born in the 90's. I was diagnosed early since I displayed classic traits like lining up toy cars in a row.

It seems to run in my family, and my little cousin keeps taking my stuff and lining it up when she gets ahold of it, but doesn't smash stuff.

Bump. Still cool with answering some things.

@TuxedoCyan
I have extreme introversion and anti-socialism and social anxiety and all that but I don't think I have autism.

I missed commenting on this earlier. I've dealt with some social anxiety too getting in my head about everything i do while outside, and how i present myself, but to alleviate it...I realize no one gives a fuck about me - they have their own shit to worry about, and they are just better at masking their own anxiety. No one wants to trip and fall in public/push on a pull door. Shit happens.

thronedfire2 posted...

I asked about the age thing cause I'm 36 and I've never been evaluated or seen any kind of mental health professional even though I probably should have.

ever since I looked up signs of Autism I've wondered if I'd get diagnosed but then I also wonder if I'd just try to influence my answers to fit so I could explain why I'm so weird. I think my biggest problem is OCD and being very easily addicted to anything that distracts me

This is me

Nintendo_Porn posted...

the only shame you should be is burdening by not contributing to the household

Which is exactly what I am doing. I only help by doing little chores around the house (I live with my parents). I haven't had a job since November 1999. I don't have a car and even if I did, I absolutely hate driving. I almost never go out in public.

Do I feel shame? Hell no. This is how I am meant to live and I enjoy it with every fiber of my being. Sure I am missing out on a lot of life experiences. It doesn't bother me.

thronedfire2 posted...

I asked about the age thing cause I'm 36 and I've never been evaluated or seen any kind of mental health professional even though I probably should have.

ever since I looked up signs of Autism I've wondered if I'd get diagnosed but then I also wonder if I'd just try to influence my answers to fit so I could explain why I'm so weird. I think my biggest problem is OCD and being very easily addicted to anything that distracts me

I relate with this. I don't think I have autism, but I do think I have a lot of uh... habits that I suspect might be something along the lines of a minor case of OCD or something. In order to enjoy like, gaming or something I have to do things in the game in a specific organized format or 100% randomized. Like in racing games I will have to either build a system where I go through every single track and car in a specific order, or I have to use random.org to pick a random car/track. I can't enjoy going 'oh let me just go to this track I like in a car I like'. I just simply don't have fun doing it that way. I also have very specific systems for some household things like how to make ice cubes.

(I always leave the two furthest from the door cubes in the tray, fill it up, but then when I put the tray back in I leave the two cubes that are already frozen closer to the door. The older cubes are the first cubes I use when the whole tray is filled. Why do I do this? Dunno, makes it more fun for me.

Why I don't think it's harmful is that I don't like.... get stressed if I can't do it that way but if left to my own devices that is 100% how I will do ice cubes everytime. lol)

I don't think it's been a negative in my life or anything I need to correct, but it would be fun to understand why I am the way I am a bit more. =P

TuxedoCyan posted...

I have extreme introversion and anti-socialism and social anxiety and all that but I don't think I have autism.

come on, my guy

TuxedoCyan posted...

Which is exactly what I am doing. I only help by doing little chores around the house (I live with my parents). I haven't had a job since November 1999. I don't have a car and even if I did, I absolutely hate driving. I almost never go out in public.

Do I feel shame? Hell no. This is how I am meant to live and I enjoy it with every fiber of my being. Sure I am missing out on a lot of life experiences. It doesn't bother me.

I mean, as long as it doesn't bother whoever's paying for you, I guess. But to know the potential of a thing and never give it a chance seems so sad.

TuxedoCyan posted...

Which is exactly what I am doing. I only help by doing little chores around the house (I live with my parents). I haven't had a job since November 1999. I don't have a car and even if I did, I absolutely hate driving. I almost never go out in public.

Do I feel shame? Hell no. This is how I am meant to live and I enjoy it with every fiber of my being. Sure I am missing out on a lot of life experiences. It doesn't bother me.

for the record that wasn't at you, but as an example of people in general who live at home - you are no leech, so there is no shame. You're living on your terms, and there is nothing wrong with that. Don't let stupid stigma's get you down too.

Error1355 posted... I relate with this. I don't think I have autism, but I do think I have a lot of uh... habits that I suspect might be something along the lines of a minor case of OCD or something. In order to enjoy like, gaming or something I have to do things in the game in a specific organized format or 100% randomized. Like in racing games I will have to either build a system where I go through every single track and car in a specific order, or I have to use random.org to pick a random car/track. I can't enjoy going 'oh let me just go to this track I like in a car I like'. I just simply don't have fun doing it that way. I also have very specific systems for some household things like how to make ice cubes.

I always leave the two furthest from the door cubes in the tray, fill it up, but then when I put the tray back in I leave the two cubes that are already frozen closer to the door. The older cubes are the first cubes I use when the whole tray is frozen. Why do I do this? Dunno, makes it more fun for me.

Why I don't think it's harmful is that I don't like.... get stressed if I can't do it that way but if left to my own devices that is 100% how I will do ice cubes everytime. lol

I don't think it's been a negative in my life or anything I need to correct, but it would be fun to understand why I am the way I am a bit more. =P

It's a spectrum for a reason - honestly, we all have it just to varying degrees. Hell, autistic people who became the mask are just mimicking social cues, and you would never know. Faking like that gotta suck though. You're not yourself.

its really a big awakening to get diagnosed it makes so many things about your self make sense

Error1355 posted...

I relate with this. I don't think I have autism, but I do think I have a lot of uh... habits that I suspect might be something along the lines of a minor case of OCD or something. In order to enjoy like, gaming or something I have to do things in the game in a specific organized format or 100% randomized. Like in racing games I will have to either build a system where I go through every single track and car in a specific order, or I have to use random.org to pick a random car/track. I can't enjoy going 'oh let me just go to this track I like in a car I like'. I just simply don't have fun doing it that way. I also have very specific systems for some household things like how to make ice cubes.

I always leave the two furthest from the door cubes in the tray, fill it up, but then when I put the tray back in I leave the two cubes that are already frozen closer to the door. The older cubes are the first cubes I use when the whole tray is frozen. Why do I do this? Dunno, makes it more fun for me.

Why I don't think it's harmful is that I don't like.... get stressed if I can't do it that way but if left to my own devices that is 100% how I will do ice cubes everytime. lol

I don't think it's been a negative in my life or anything I need to correct, but it would be fun to understand why I am the way I am a bit more. =P

I was one of those kids who wouldn't eat food that was touching or mixed together or anything like that and I think that's one of the biggest signs these days

today I'll eat anything but it took working in a kitchen to get me to even eat soup or beef stew

I wonder what STEROLIZER would think of this topic?

Which Nintendo property has the best porn?

FortuneCookie posted...

Which Nintendo property has the best porn?

Super Hornio bros - nintendo bought the rights to that porno to halt distribution.

Are you employed full time?

boomgetchopped3 posted...

Are you employed full time?

Talked about it earlier - live fugal, so taking a break after being laid off to enjoy myself with savings from work from home. Cash flow still positive, so why pay to work? Meh, when i get bored i'll do part time somewhere again.

i believe in your last topic (i think it was you) i told you to try and embrace the weird things about your self you tried to suppress

have you tried that

AceMos posted...

i believe in your last topic (i think it was you) i told you to try and embrace the weird things about your self you tried to suppress

have you tried that

Faintly remember something like that.

Can't say i ever hid who i was, but i just don't wanna ramble to people, you know? Know i can be a bit much sometimes talking about shit no one cares about.

Nintendo_Porn posted...

Faintly remember something like that.

Can't say i ever hid who i was, but i just don't wanna ramble to people, you know? Know i can be a bit much sometimes talking about shit no one cares about.

yea i know that feeling but eh i just ramble any ways thoe i always did that lol

Yep. At the end of the day better to be hated for what you are than liked for what you aren't.

I've got ADHD and Autism which is a FUN combo/s

What sorta jobs you had in the past?

That's a great life lesson, tbh.

Unsuprised_Pika posted...

I've got ADHD and Autism which is a FUN combo/s

What sorta jobs you had in the past?

Some intern stuff at a hospital/dry wall installation during the summer years back, but the selling insurance started in 2019 was easily my first.

Question for people suspicious - do you find yourselves using newly learned phrase or word in repetition? That's a sure sign.

Do you hate loud noises/over stimulation? Wear headphones alot?

Nintendo_Porn posted...

Some intern stuff at a hospital/dry wall installation during the summer years back, but the selling insurance started in 2019 was easily my first.

Question for people suspicious - do you find yourselves using newly learned phrase or word in repetition? That's a sure sign.

Do you hate loud noises/over stimulation? Wear headphones alot?

Yes on the repetition and noises but I dont wear headphones.

I also tend to focus on one subject forever and get like encyclopedic knowledge on them and dislike social interactions/being the center of attention.

Ive long thought I was on the spectrum since I have so much in common with several people I know that are diagnosed. Just never got around to getting it tested. But at this point I dont think its necessary, Im 31. married with a kid, have a decent career, own a nice house, good credit, etc so its not like getting diagnosed would change anything in my life. Would just be a Neat, so I was right and move on with my day

Now ADHD on the other handIm like 80% sure I have that but havent been tested on it either. I think thats something I could actually be medicated for to improve some aspects of my life