this post was submitted on 03 Nov 2023
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Autism
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I just took two of the tests he recommends, and blew the thresholds out of the water. Being on the spectrum has never been a doubt for me since I discovered that autism exists.
Two things I don't understand:
How do I score so highly on these tests yet still function? What is it that pushes one to be non-verbal for example as opposed to merely an extreme struggle to fit in with neuronormative behavior?
Why would I bother getting a medical diagnosis? What's it gonna do for me? Heavily medicate me and fundamentally change who I am so other people can be more comfortable?
Side note: As I've entered my fifties, I've noticed my memory and attention span have started to falter a little bit. I'm curious if this is related to constant exposure to the instant gratification of the Internet, early onset dementia, or a cumulative result of withdrawing into myself so hard over the decades because my very existence seems to be a grave abomination to most people. That part I'd be curious to talk to somebody, but have been unable to find anybody that takes my insurance, is accepting new patients, and doesn't use magic Jesus crystals as the foundation of their practice.
#2 you don't. And this is why self diagnosis is valuable. Knowing who you are means you can learn coping mechanisms and meet others like you. Getting a diagnosis means people will question if you're mentally capable of making your own medical decisions.
https://autisticadvocacy.org/actioncenter/issues/choices/sdm/