Recent diagnosis....confused now

[Wizard_Detective]

I was recently diagnosed with PDD-NOS and NLD. Now that I'm researching it, I get kicked to Autism sites.
This feels so weird to me.

People tell me I'm strange or clueless. I get caught up and focus on the weirdest things, like when people say "calvary" when they're actually trying to say "cavalry." I got obsessed with the Celts, mythology, Jim Butcher's Dresden Files and Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid Chronicles, Firefly and other things like that.
I've always been told that's not "normal," but I never associated those things with Autism or the Autism spectrum. I just figured that was me being.....me.
Does getting diagnosed mean I have to rethink my sense of self, or can I just say "pfft, it's just another useless societal label."

 

[wyverary]

Does getting diagnosed mean I have to rethink my sense of self, or can I just say "pfft, it's just another useless societal label."

Somewhere in between, I believe. It's important to accept oneself as they are, but it also helps to find "tools" to navigate the world where one feels less comfortable.

If that's what you need, I hope you'll find that here. Or if you just want to hang out. Welcome!

Also: Resources | AspiesCentral.com

 

[Ylva]

Congratulations on not being normal. Calvary can refer to Golgatha, a place mentioned in the Bible. I don't know what a "sense of self" entails, but if you feel like reevaluating some of your mental algorithms, then do that.

 

[jimited]

What is 'normal' anyway? Be your self and do not be who you think you should be just to be 'normal'. Normal is relative, that is what I have learned from being diagnosed. Just because you have a few obsessions, who cares as long as you are happy.

 

[Nitro]

Welcome to AspiesCentral

Find a chair and enjoy our friendly helpful atmosphere

 

[Vanilla]

Welcome

 

[o2tosin]

Welcome Wizard to us window lickers sitting up the back of the short bus!

 

[SyAn]

Hi Wizard_Detective, welcome to AspiesCentral.

Remember, you are still the same person that you were before you were diagnosed, but a label may help you to understand aspects of yourself better. Have fun exploring this fount of knowledge and experience

 

[Judge]

Does getting diagnosed mean I have to rethink my sense of self, or can I just say "pfft, it's just another useless societal label."

It means you can use your self-awareness to your advantage instead of allowing an NT world to trample on you on a daily basis. To know when and where to pick your battles..or walk away from them. Most of all, to know you are different- not deficient.

That said, Welcome to AC !

 

[Salmongirl17]

Hello and Welcome!!

 

[Daniel]

Welcome, Wizard_Detective! Oh man--the "calvary" thing has always jumped out at me, too! Grates on my nerves!

I've liked it on AC because the people here, by just being themselves, remind me that I don't need to live according to anyone's standard but my own.

I had rejected the notion that I was on the spectrum for a long time, but one day it just clicked. I make much more sense as an Aspie than as a neurotypical. It worked for me to rethink my sense of self, but that's because I never could accept myself before.

If you're already at the point of accepting yourself--good for you! That doesn't need to be rethought!

 

[Wizard_Detective]

Thanks for all the replies.
Maybe this diagnosis isn't a "useless" societal label. It's more of a tool. A very specialized tool that I might have use for if (when) I need it.
Still, I need to get over my own....biases? Reflex stereotyping? Mental imaging? You know, that feeling in your gut you get when you hear a word that associates with a certain mental image. Autism spectrum always flashes me to "Rain Man" or the more severe aspects because of how the media almost always portrays it. I need to get over it. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I can't deny it.

 

[Judge]

Thanks for all the replies.
Maybe this diagnosis isn't a "useless" societal label. It's more of a tool.

Perspective: The diagnosis is for YOU. Not for them.

Even with a professional medical diagnosis there are no guarantees that people around you will ever understand, or want to understand.

Self-awareness, or a formal diagnosis are "tools" for you (not them) to adjust and make decisions in how best to navigate the NT world around you.

 

[Structrix]

Welcome!

 

[Daniel]

Still, I need to get over my own....biases? Reflex stereotyping? Mental imaging? You know, that feeling in your gut you get when you hear a word that associates with a certain mental image. Autism spectrum always flashes me to "Rain Man" or the more severe aspects because of how the media almost always portrays it. I need to get over it. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I can't deny it.

I had a similar block about it. But I found my time on this forum to be very helpful in evolving my perception of autism. It's been a great education for me--you get real, unique people on here!