What is autism?
An Autism Spectrum Disorder (or ASD) is a range of conditions classified as neurodevelopmental disorders. Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder present with two types of symptoms: problems in social communication and social interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities. It is estimated that 1% of the Earth's population is on the Autism spectrum, with males being diagnosed more often than females.
Autism is on a spectrum, with diagnoses including:
High-functioning autism (deemed to have better cognitive function and showing features more aligning with Asperger's)
Low-functioning autism (severely socially impaired with a hindrance to cognitive functions)
Nonverbal autism (where use of language never develops, present in 25% - 50% of children diagnosed)
...and many other specific and unique diagnoses.
What is Asperger's?
Asperger syndrome, also known as Asperger's, is a developmental disorder characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. It is the most well-known of more mild ASDs. As a milder ASD, it differs from other ASDs by relatively normal language and intelligence.
What does it mean to be neurotypical?
Neurotypical or NT, an abbreviation of neurologically typical, is a neologism widely used in the autistic community as a label for people who are not on the autism spectrum. The term is used to refer to those with strictly typical neurology, that is, without a defined neurological difference.
What is this thread for?
This thread is a space for discussion by and of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders. I personally have Asperger's (was diagnosed in elementary school) and grew up with the notion that it was something I had to "beat" if I ever wanted to socialize like neurotypical. I have only recently come to terms that it is something that I have to work with in my life. I've found talking to others on the spectrum to be very helpful, and it reminds me that I am not alone in some of my social struggles. Neither are you.
In my mind, this space is best used as an outlet for people on the spectrum to offer each other advice or experiences, and for people who aren't on the spectrum to ask any questions they may have about it.
hello
I was actually thinking of making a learning disability thread to discuss stuff like ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and ASD, but you beat me to the punch. I have Dyspraxia and I'm almost certain that I have mild Asperger's, for which I'm being assessed soon. It seems that a lot of Dyspraxic people such as myself are on the spectrum, in fact. I find that there seems to be a very common thread between all of these conditions.
How do y'all feel about the OP? Am I missing anything?
What should i do if i have the suspicion that i have a light form of autism? i been noticing alot of things stack up lately that line up with aspergers or something similar and i really have no clue how to verify that. it doesn't help that apparently stuff i read up online says its way harder to diagnose in adults.
do i go to a doc or a therapist or something?
If you're curious, then this resource might help you get started. They recommend seeking neuropsychological testing with a neuropsychologist or a psychiatrist.
I was diagnosed when I was young through means I don't remember, wish I could be more helpful.
Anyone mind sharing their experiences with finding and maintaining a job? Anyone try any companies that do inclusive hiring?
I only recently found out that Autism falls under the Americans with Disabilities Act - so far it hasn't really had an impact on my experiences with trying to get a job. It definitely doesn't affect my job performance; thanks to therapy and practice, most people wouldn't know I had Asperger's unless I told them.
Oh hey a bunch of other Autists here, what up.
Guess I just have shit luck then.
I tried to help myself with self-medicating. That didn't end well, so I need to see CPN's CPN-A's, CBT, Alcohol Misuse, Social Work...
I realised when I was 16 that I wasn't like everyone else and went to the Dr's to no avail, so self-medicating seemed like the best option since I could interact with people better. Turns out I was wrong.
Hint: Don't self-medicate
I've never had an assessment, but half the people who work in medical professions always politely ask me if i have Asperger's. I've always had awkward behavior, but it's really toned down since leaving school.
I never seem to have a problem having people like me and making friends. The only problem i still seem to have is people not understanding that i don't really want a lot of social interactions.
Good advice, though Autism Speaks is hopefully starting to get better. They used to be on the side that considered Autism a consequence of vaccines, but they came out against that position last year. It's still best to avoid them, though.
Did you get any word back on your assessment yet?
I'm just glad that my autism isn't crippling in any way. I'm just a guy who just has some traits that are a bit out of the norm.
I have HFA
its a giant pain in the ass with sensitivity to light and sound but its ok most of the time
My cousin has severe autism. Honestly one of the worst cases I've ever seen. Breaks my heart every time I see her. She's fun to talk to though, she has a great memory for old cartoons we used to watch together.
Why haven't I seen this thread earlier, was up aspie brothers and sisters
My mom owns a nice little shop with crystals and incense and that "positive energy" type of stuff, and I run it when she needs me to. I chat with customers a lot and had a lovely talk today with somebody whose kid had Asperger's.
Between me talking about how much local support for autistic students in schools and therapy has improved over the last 15 years, and her seeing someone high-functioning like me able to hold a conversation and manage a storefront, she told me she was leaving with a lot more confidence and hope in raising her kid. I hope he turns out alright.
Aspie and Schizotypal.
I'm just a big mess of fun, and I give my therapist a run for their money.
For those who went to be formally diagnosed (regardless of whether they decided on the spectrum or not): How long did it take from first appointment to final results?
I was thrown in and out of the system, and my Aspie/Schizotypal diagnosis was only made two or so years ago.
Make note that before my current psych/therapy group, I went through about five different ones, one which also though that valium and wellbutrin are perfectly capable of being used together. It ended up sending me into a blood rage in which I ended up walking four miles in the countryside pissed and looking for someone to fight. I ended up passing out and got picked up by my sister who was following close behind.
The actual diagnostic phase is dependent on the person doing it. I have been called just about everything and nothing. Their are still some doctors at the local clinic that want to test me for one of those rare'ish variants of the Warrior Gene, as well as look at my father who shares the same blood rage reaction to anti-psycho meds.
A video from this series was posted to the videos section and I find them really helpful to explain to others how it is dealing with Asperger's. There's 4 parts so far, but this one has been the most helpful and illuminating for my friends:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTIDQQbgK60
Im going through the screening for autism/aspergers atm, should know the results in the next few weeks
Sorry, you need to Log In to post a reply to this thread.
