Dahlia
New Member
The short version is that my son is autistic and ever since I heard about Aspergers years ago, I have wondered if I was on the spectrum. I don’t know what to do next.
I am seeing a therapist who specializes in CBT and pain. I have pain issues as well as anxiety and depression, though my anxiety doesnt present normally. The screening tests dont suggest anxiety but as we have started working through things the way my anxiety manifests has become very clear, and she says I have both. My head has been in a bad place the last few weeks and have been struggling.
My therapist doesnt want to talk about autism as she seems to think my wondering if I am autistic is a manifestation of me being too critical of myself. It is true that I am very critical of myself and generally see what I did wrong and dismiss what I did well as easy or unimportant. i also do a lot better with people 1 on 1, in terms of interactions, and I do make eyecontact. I do best 1:1 but I am horrible in groups and have had some dramatically awful situations over the years (work, school, social) where things went really bad. I seem to be in the middle of another one now and I tried to repair it with an email apology, but the person didn’t reply to me.
I took some online screening tests and they say I have autistic traits, but its not a strong positive - for example ASQ was 38/50 (33+ is positive screening), another test said I had autistic traits and NT traits. At last check I was also an INTJ. I am very bright and my therapist seems impressed with my insight and progress, but I think oblivious would be a pretty good word to describe me in general.
I also have some strong counter indications - I hate schedules and rigidity. I dont find eye contact uncomfortable and usually just make eye contact all the time. I do seem OK at reading body language when I am observing other people, but I am not good at it when I am involved in the conversation. I have been married for a long time and things are peaceful, though I think thats mostly bc of my husband.
These are some of the questions that I have. Any insight or gentle advice appreciated.
Are those screening tests accurate for women?
Are those strong enough positives that it makes sense to pursue an evaluation?
Does anyone know of someone in the pacific northwest area who specializes in autism in adult women?
Did an adult diagnosis help you? Especially if you dont work outside the home (being Mom is my job so work accomodations arent an issue)
Do you think its a good idea to pursue a dignosis when things are challenging, or should I wait until things calm down?
I am seeing a therapist who specializes in CBT and pain. I have pain issues as well as anxiety and depression, though my anxiety doesnt present normally. The screening tests dont suggest anxiety but as we have started working through things the way my anxiety manifests has become very clear, and she says I have both. My head has been in a bad place the last few weeks and have been struggling.
My therapist doesnt want to talk about autism as she seems to think my wondering if I am autistic is a manifestation of me being too critical of myself. It is true that I am very critical of myself and generally see what I did wrong and dismiss what I did well as easy or unimportant. i also do a lot better with people 1 on 1, in terms of interactions, and I do make eyecontact. I do best 1:1 but I am horrible in groups and have had some dramatically awful situations over the years (work, school, social) where things went really bad. I seem to be in the middle of another one now and I tried to repair it with an email apology, but the person didn’t reply to me.
I took some online screening tests and they say I have autistic traits, but its not a strong positive - for example ASQ was 38/50 (33+ is positive screening), another test said I had autistic traits and NT traits. At last check I was also an INTJ. I am very bright and my therapist seems impressed with my insight and progress, but I think oblivious would be a pretty good word to describe me in general.
I also have some strong counter indications - I hate schedules and rigidity. I dont find eye contact uncomfortable and usually just make eye contact all the time. I do seem OK at reading body language when I am observing other people, but I am not good at it when I am involved in the conversation. I have been married for a long time and things are peaceful, though I think thats mostly bc of my husband.
These are some of the questions that I have. Any insight or gentle advice appreciated.
Are those screening tests accurate for women?
Are those strong enough positives that it makes sense to pursue an evaluation?
Does anyone know of someone in the pacific northwest area who specializes in autism in adult women?
Did an adult diagnosis help you? Especially if you dont work outside the home (being Mom is my job so work accomodations arent an issue)
Do you think its a good idea to pursue a dignosis when things are challenging, or should I wait until things calm down?
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