My Dad does not believe I’m on the spectrum

[Sarajamo]

US

 

[Sarajamo]

I have kids that do not accept my diagnosis. My mom is not unkind, but she has no concept of level-1 autism.

Are you on disability, or employed?

I am physically disabled but work a part time job

 

[Sarajamo]

US and I live alone

 

[Sarajamo]

IS and I live alone

Meant to type US. Sorry

 

[Ronald Zeeman]

Being a Boomer myself, see first hand what damage can be done with no diagnosis prevented promotions, loss to society. My older brother a fellow Aspie and genius, unemployed for 30 years. The damage was done due to ignorance, lets not repeat.

 

[Crossbreed]

Meant to type US. Sorry

You should be able to delete your extra posts if you want to.

 

[velociraptor]

diagnosed with high functioning autism

That settles it. If a doctor signs off, it's official and anyone who thinks differently...

...needs a cuppa.

 

[Matthias]

There are many reasons parents may not accept a diagnosis of high functioning autism. I think a common reason is that many people view mild autistic traits as a natural part of human variation (similar to odd personalities or unusual hobbies), not a disease to be diagnosed and treated. If your dad has autistic traits himself, accepting your autism might make him feel like there is something wrong with him, which would explain his resistance to it.

Ideology can also play a role. Some people are conformists who embrace whatever "experts" tell them. These people are more likely to accept that autism, ADHD, social anxiety, and other similar conditions are legitimate diseases caused by genetics, environmental factors, or chemical imbalances that should be treated with whatever drug or treatment these "experts" recommend. On the other hand, people with traditional/conservative mindsets may evaluate the evidence for themselves and conclude that autistic traits, hyperactivity, or mild social anxiety are personality traits or the result of emotional or behavioral problems. If that's the case with your dad, he's not denying that your autistic traits exist. He may simply disagree with the "experts" about what causes them (such as seeing them as personality traits instead of a disease or disorder that should be treated).