How can you confidently determine if you have ASD?

[Vesta]

Hi! I'm sorry, but I have a suspicion that I might have something like a mild form of autism. I just live in a place where I probably won't be able to properly check it out. But, from my feelings, it seems like most of the signs apply to me. One exception is that I can look people in the eye without any problems. I also sleep well. What do you think about this?

 

[FayetheADHDsquirrel]

Hi! I'm sorry, but I have a suspicion that I might have something like a mild form of autism. I just live in a place where I probably won't be able to properly check it out. But, from my feelings, it seems like most of the signs apply to me. One exception is that I can look people in the eye without any problems. I also sleep well. What do you think about this?

I'm not sure myself. I have a diagnostic impression of ASD, but don't have difficulty with eye contact or with reading facial expressions so I am not entirely sure. I didn't have speech delays either, but I know that part is not necessary. I do have a lot of other traits like obsessive interests and stimming behaviors. I am also 2e gifted and ADHD and have had trauma so that complicates things. Welcome to the forum by the way.

 

[Neonatal RRT]

Well, the correct answer is that you need someone else, besides yourself, a professional that specializes in adult autism diagnosis, to do a comprehensive review of your history, perhaps interview someone who lives with you, perform a series of cognitive performance tests, interview yourself, and have you do some written tests.

I understand the logistical and financial reasonings behind a "self-diagnosis" and an "identity"...and there will be folks here that will disagree with me...but this is not a diagnosis. Having "autistic-like" experiences is not criteria for a diagnosis, in and of itself.

Autism is actually quite complex. It's a prenatal, genetic/epigenetic, neurodevelopmental condition that can have medical/physical health complications. It's not limited to the behavioral, communicative, and social symptoms we commonly associate with it. It affects the brain's micro-anatomy and physiology. There are even some blood tests like serum serotonin, homocysteine, glutathione, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, cytokine, oxytocin, and vasopressin levels that can give clues towards an ASD diagnosis.

Personally, as an older individual, since my 40's, I have been working with my physician to help alleviate abnormalities in my lipid profiles, inflammatory markers, and blood pressure. It wasn't until I was 52, when I was diagnosed, and learned about all of these autism-related metabolic pathways, have my blood tested, and were able to adjust my regimen, get on the correct supplements, the correct medications, diet, weight control, etc in order to reverse much of the cardiovascular health concerns. I still have some mild kidney issues that we are still trying to get on top of. The point here, is that an ASD diagnosis also has some health implications to consider...something not often discussed...even within the medical community. Your doctor may be totally clueless.

You can take all the on-line tests there are, and they may suggest that you fall within the realm of autism, but those are only a small part of the diagnostics, and as such, should not be considered a diagnosis by any means. Our own cognitive biases being the contaminant of logic and truth.

 

[FayetheADHDsquirrel]

@Neonatal RRT Would I be right in assuming that me being given a diagnostic impression of ASD rather than a diagnosis means that while the psychiatrist considered it a valid possibility after examining me, she herself is uncertain ?

 

[lunarious]

@Vesta Hi

I think ASD (autist) requires having good parents. Autists are better company than non-autists.

I recieved diagnosis when I was around 23 AFAICR, because I communicated with God an government whith pure will power over a long time before and after 23 y.o.

I made a deal with God and government that i'll Defend myself against Healthpersonell (Read: Hellspersonell) since they deprived me of my autonomy. Very soon i recieved a teacher called Karl Martin whom mentalized with me plus being Physically a teacher. He taught me things as Coup and Heist.

There's a spiritual side that ASD (autists) can't access, as computers that read thoughts, but ASD is someone agressive/fearless whom may under-take someone larger than them as David and Goliat. Or as we see globally in West Asia.

While i respect scholars (whom have told me nothing about ASD), like @Neonatal RRT , we are not in contact. It is important to respect Authority. It is important to do the right thing with Honor. .. I wouldn't respect Authority without Honor, i might be dead them or afraid, then.

 

[Neonatal RRT]

@Neonatal RRT Would I be right in assuming that me being given a diagnostic impression of ASD rather than a diagnosis means that while the psychiatrist considered it a valid possibility after examining me, she herself is uncertain ?

In the US, diagnosing providers must provide an International Classification of Disease (ICD-10) code for autism (F84.0). You will have access to this paperwork for Human Resources at work, if applying for assistance, benefits, even legal accommodations. A psychiatrist may certainly have experience with individuals with an ASD, however they may not be the one's actually running through the process of an actual diagnosis. As such, when a psychiatrist makes "soft" or "non-committal" statements such as "it is a valid possibility", that's all it means. I wouldn't look into the language deeper than that.

I can recognize all sorts of medical conditions because I deal with them every day, yet I cannot medically-legally diagnose.

 

[velociraptor]

Hi! I'm sorry, but I have a suspicion that I might have something like a mild form of autism. I just live in a place where I probably won't be able to properly check it out. But, from my feelings, it seems like most of the signs apply to me. One exception is that I can look people in the eye without any problems. I also sleep well. What do you think about this?

I was formally diagnosed as I am suspicious of self-DXing. Especially since being ASD is becoming trendy.

 

[FayetheADHDsquirrel]

In the US, diagnosing providers must provide an International Classification of Disease (ICD-10) code for autism (F84.0). You will have access to this paperwork for Human Resources at work, if applying for assistance, benefits, even legal accommodations. A psychiatrist may certainly have experience with individuals with an ASD, however they may not be the one's actually running through the process of an actual diagnosis. As such, when a psychiatrist makes "soft" or "non-committal" statements such as "it is a valid possibility", that's all it means. I wouldn't look into the language deeper than that.

I can recognize all sorts of medical conditions because I deal with them every day, yet I cannot medically-legally diagnose.

I wasn't referring to a comment. I got actual paperwork back from her but it called it a diagnostic impression rather than a diagnosis and I don't recall there being any code along with it.

 

[NB79]

Read a lot of experiences and comments of autistic people, if you identify more with their experience than with 'normal' people experience then most probably you are autistic i would say.

 

[Ronald Zeeman]

I diagnosed myself on a INTP forum, had a autism test, just curious test took hours to complete almost quit a few times answered questions as honestly as possible, finally test was over Answer was 99% probability. Had no idea what it meant. The more I read on it the more correct it seemed. explained a lot. My life started to make sense. It was More than bad luck. Learning ever since I joined this site Basically to find others like me All of a sudden I could talk about my interests meet like minded. Special interest is physics told no one for 50 years started thread here now approaching 40,000 views.

 

[Neonatal RRT]

I wasn't referring to a comment. I got actual paperwork back from her but it called it a diagnostic impression rather than a diagnosis and I don't recall there being any code along with it.

Ahh, I would follow up with her then. A "diagnostic impression" is not medically-legally a "diagnosis" made clear with an ICD-10 code that insurance companies, employers, other physicians, government agencies, and legal systems would recognize.

 

[Crossbreed]

@Neonatal RRT, why are you referencing ICD-10? I thought that the US uses DSM-5 and Europe uses ICD-11.

@Vesta, if you are in the US, see Finding Support Resources in the USA...

 

[Rodafina]

Hi! I'm sorry, but I have a suspicion that I might have something like a mild form of autism. I just live in a place where I probably won't be able to properly check it out. But, from my feelings, it seems like most of the signs apply to me. One exception is that I can look people in the eye without any problems. I also sleep well. What do you think about this?

Hanging around here for awhile might help. See how much you relate to what the folks here have to say.

But, take your time. There are so many stories, resources, and ideas shared here that it takes a long while to sort through it thoroughly. Both professional diagnoses and self diagnoses take time and should be made based on lifelong experiences, not just how you are feeling this month or this year.

 

[Vesta]

I diagnosed myself on a INTP forum, had a autism test, just curious test took hours to complete almost quit a few times answered questions as honestly as possible, finally test was over Answer was 99% probability. Had no idea what it meant. The more I read on it the more correct it seemed. explained a lot. My life started to make sense. It was More than bad luck. Learning ever since I joined this site Basically to find others like me All of a sudden I could talk about my interests meet like minded. Special interest is physics told no one for 50 years started thread here now approaching 40,000 views.

I underwent testing, and the results showed that I have signs of autism at about 57%. I'll even attach a screenshot for clarity.

Then, in another test, it turned out that I have a moderate level of autism.

In yet another test, my autism quotient was 26.

 

[Vesta]

I'm not sure myself. I have a diagnostic impression of ASD, but don't have difficulty with eye contact or with reading facial expressions so I am not entirely sure. I didn't have speech delays either, but I know that part is not necessary. I do have a lot of other traits like obsessive interests and stimming behaviors. I am also 2e gifted and ADHD and have had trauma so that complicates things. Welcome to the forum by the way.

Well, I seem to be okay with recognizing emotions. However, I don't have any particularly strong passions or hobbies. I find it difficult to express my thoughts clearly in writing and speaking. I suspect that I might have some sort of neurodivergence because I get tired quickly and information doesn't come to me right away. But I'm not sure what kind of neurodivergence I might have.

 

[Crossbreed]

I suspect that I might have some sort of neurodivergence because I get tired quickly and information doesn't come to me right away. But I'm not sure what kind of neurodivergence I might have.

"Neuro-divergence" does not apply to malfunctioning neurologies.
It applies to viable neurologies that are unconventional.

Neurological malfunctions on-top-of autism are called co-morbid conditions.

See Autism Subtypes...

 

[Neonatal RRT]

@Neonatal RRT, why are you referencing ICD-10? I thought that the US uses DSM-5 and Europe uses ICD-11.

@Vesta, if you are in the US, see Finding Support Resources in the USA...

The DSM-5 is used to help providers obtain the diagnosis. Then, that same provider, once they have that diagnosis, assigns the ICD-10 code. The ICD-10 code is what insurance companies and the medical-legal system use for all mental and physical health conditions. No assigned code = no coverage.

 

[Vesta]

I feel such a longing that I can't even pinpoint the reason for my state. Unable to make sense of this feeling of despondency, I don't understand why it is so difficult for me to build relationships with other people.

 

[Dagan]

Faye, yeah, you got the "pre-diagnosis" as they used to simply call it. I wish medical professionals would quit changing nomenclature on things so often, but they just keep doing it.

Definitely, you want professionals to give you the varying assessments. I went through what felt like about 1000 questions but also several therapist sessions to reach diagnosis. I didn't even go there thinking about or expecting that would be the end result at all. So, know that whatever your expectations, it could be determined that you deal with something(s) altogether different. Go in with an open mind, and go in with the goal that no matter what, you are just wanting to become the better / best version of you, while also learning about the real you. You will learn processes from them but also your own as you progress forward with it all.

 

[FayetheADHDsquirrel]

Faye, yeah, you got the "pre-diagnosis" as they used to simply call it. I wish medical professionals would quit changing nomenclature on things so often, but they just keep doing it.

Definitely, you want professionals to give you the varying assessments. I went through what felt like about 1000 questions but also several therapist sessions to reach diagnosis. I didn't even go there thinking about or expecting that would be the end result at all. So, know that whatever your expectations, it could be determined that you deal with something(s) altogether different. Go in with an open mind, and go in with the goal that no matter what, you are just wanting to become the better / best version of you, while also learning about the real you. You will learn processes from them but also your own as you progress forward with it all.

I don't have any more appointments. It was just that one visit.