I've always felt a bit off. I think I'm in the lower depths of the autism spectrum. (I've always scored 'autism likely' on the quizzes I've taken) I'm definitely functional, but have problems in social situations. For the most part, I've learned how to be witty and charming, but still am not always too good unless I have a lot of coffee. Otherwise I'm just not 'with it." I've mentioned my concern to my mom and family before but am dismissed as 'you're fine." While I definitely on the low part of it, possibly aspergers, it's never been diagnosed, even when I met with a doctor who listed questions off to me from a book to help diagnose. While I have answered yes to less questions as needed,. the degree to which the aspects of the disorder that affects me is great enough to inhibit my life. Again, for the most part, I make out alright, but just don't know what to do about it. I'm on meds for anxiety and depression, but am thinking maybe I could benefit from some other autism-related medication instead.

[Perna]

There isn't really autism/asperger's medicine; it's a developmental disorder, something off from when you're born/early on, like being born with a birth defect. There's no meds that will help it much, just maybe therapy to learn ways to deal with it. I'd talk to your pdoc or doctor who is taking care of your meds for anxiety and depression, they can check, suggest any treatment that might help if you have it.

[Michah]

Hi Lablover,

Can I ask how old you are, dear one?

The reason I ask is because age sometimes can be a great barometer in the "way of things". The older we get and the more time that passes, the better we become in equipping ourselves for the world. In other words, we get more skills. I was not dx with AS until the age of 36, so my life has been a kaleidoscope of goodness knows what, and my parents have looked upon my life with distress and fear but the trust that I would find my way through it. The last thing I ever thought, was that it was autism.

I did not expect my parents to accept the AS dx, but strangely they did. So, give them some time to adjust, and just as I think with my parents that it is not their stuff to deal with, maybe that is how you should think with your parents. Either they will accept it or they won't, but do not lose yourself in the process. It is your journey, not theirs. You are loved.

Take good care of your precious self

Michah

Good luck. Lab. Thinking about you.

[shichi]

Before thinking about approaching your family about the possibility of having an ASD, you're probably better to discuss this more with your doctor about whether or not you might be on the spectrum [not sure what sort of doctor you are seeing at the moment]. Maybe they can refer you to a specialist or can work with you on your symptoms.

As mentioned, ASD is a developmental disorder and depending on what sort of symptoms you have, some medication can be used to ease them - but there's no medication that's specifically tailored for autism. Usually therapy helps more with dealing with social situations and the like; the therapist can help you with social skills and how best to compensate. Or an OT can help if you have any sensory issues.

Also, you might have some sub-clinical symptoms of autism without actually meeting the diagnosis.

I guess what really matters is whether you actually do think you have some form of autism, and how far you are prepared to pursue it. Good luck with it either way.

[Callista]

Yeah, if they try to give you meds "for autism", find a different shrink because the one you've got doesn't know squat. Lots of autistics do take medicine (I take Concerta for ADHD-type traits); but there's no reason to automatically medicate an autistic person, nor any medication that's standard. There's only one that's been labeled for autism, and that's Risperdal--an antipsychotic that they use if you have extreme meltdowns (not just the kind where you're kicking and screaming, but the kind where you're trying to give yourself a concussion or breaking bones.) Other than that, it's just stuff for related problems, like sleep disorders, executive dysfunction (that's the ADHD-type thing I mentioned earlier), or anxiety.

Thanks everyone. I've come to the conclusion that I may not have autism, but maybe my anxiety diminishes my functioning at times, but I'm not sure. Though my meds have helped me cope with my symptoms, though they are minimal. I don't think I'll bother telling my family, it'll just be another thing for them to worry about, I don't want to be seen as the runt of the family. They would never say it, but I know they would see me differently, even though I know the would still love me. I'd rather practice coping skills. I think it's good that I was never treated differently growing up, it's helped me be more capable. And watching documentaries on kids struggling with autism, I think perhaps It's more anxiety than anything else that debilitates my social skills, but liks I said, my meds have helped me a great deal.

[Omers]

OK, I had to skim over things as I have strong feelings on this subject that I am not always able to manage effectively so... if I am repeating things I appologise.

Based on your avitar I am assuming you are female? women are far more difficult to diagnose as women with autism are more socially capable than their male counterparts that most of the research is based on.

There is no magic pill for autism. I am firm in nurodiversity and do not see my autism as a disability so even if there were a pill to "fix it" I wouldn't be taking it. Nor would I give it to my Auti (autistic) son... at 18 he could make his own choice. My autism in so many ways has proven to be a very special gift.

2 books that I suggest... 1. all cats have aspergers... it helps put things into perspective 2. Simple Strategies That Work! Helpful Hints for All Educators of Students With Asperger Syndrome, High-Functioning Autism, and Related Disabilities

yes the second one is geared towards school age "kids" but Man did I find it helpful in dealing with myself! Brenda smith miles and Diane Adreon (a dear friend of mine) have both done some wonderful work in helping make life more comfortable and allowing those on the spectrum to be more functional.

If it seems to "fit" there are a lot of books out there written by people on the spectrum about how they cope and other useful tools. There are two major publishers in the field and both have excellent resources. If the suggestions seem to make life easier for you use them... you don't need the label to be able to benifit from those who do.

Anyway... I am an apsi with autism as an area of obsession... I have also done a lot of work in the field... and my son is auti and making huge strides the experts didn't think were possible. although again, I am a bit controversial and very opinionated. Feel free to PM if you like.

[Kiffygirl0793]

I'm not a doctor, but it almost sounds as if you might have some ADHD traits. Have u ever been tested for that?