Board index › General Discussion › General Autism Discussion

Self-diagnosed people: why have you not obtained...

Page 3 of 7 [ 111 posts ]  Go to page Previous  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7  Next

Previous topic | Next topic

draelynn
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 24 Jan 2011
Age: 56
Gender: Female
Posts: 2,304
Location: SE Pennsylvania

27 Dec 2011, 10:18 pm

kfisherx wrote:
draelynn wrote:
I suppose the question is - is it possible to be autistic and not be disabled? Or does an autism dx automatically make you disabled?


According to the DSM V proposal one must have limits and impairment in everyday life.

That would suggest a disability, no?


That's what I thought.

So are those who don't feel they need the label considered NT even though they identify with more than a few autistic traits? What about those who do not wish to disrupt their personal relationships, are afraid of work repercussions and generally wish to 'remain in the closet'? What if they feel their lives could be explained and helped by a dx but, for whatever reason, they are unwilling or unable to get that official dx? Should we discount their self dx's and invalidate their experiences?

I'm sorry if I'm inflexible on this one but I really don't understand. What terminology would make the 'official' aspies comfortable with all of those that do not have an official dx? Should the undx'd just be excluded? And, since many of those who do self dx do end up with official dx's, when do they get their apology? Or, does their piece of paper now magically make them disabled?

This kind of derision on what is supposed to be a support forum just chafes me in all the wrong ways... (not ranting at you Karla!;))



Verdandi
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 7 Dec 2010
Age: 55
Gender: Female
Posts: 12,275
Location: University of California Sunnydale (fictional location - Real location Olympia, WA)

27 Dec 2011, 10:25 pm

draelynn wrote:
I'm sorry if I'm inflexible on this one but I really don't understand. What terminology would make the 'official' aspies comfortable with all of those that do not have an official dx? Should the undx'd just be excluded? And, since many of those who do self dx do end up with official dx's, when do they get their apology? Or, does their piece of paper now magically make them disabled?


Oh, independent confirmation of your diagnosis is impossible, so it's no different than being self-dxed.

That comment is sarcastic, but it is very close to a direct quote from another thread:

http://www.wrongplanet.net/postp4274505 ... t=#4274505



Nexus
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 14 Aug 2006
Age: 39
Gender: Male
Posts: 833
Location: On I2

27 Dec 2011, 10:27 pm

draelynn wrote:
That's what I thought.

So are those who don't feel they need the label considered NT even though they identify with more than a few autistic traits? What about those who do not wish to disrupt their personal relationships, are afraid of work repercussions and generally wish to 'remain in the closet'? What if they feel their lives could be explained and helped by a dx but, for whatever reason, they are unwilling or unable to get that official dx? Should we discount their self dx's and invalidate their experiences?


The expression "you can't have your cake and eat it too" comes to mind. If you want access to government sponsored disability support services, you must have a recognized diagnosis, at least for around here.


_________________
"Have a nice apocalypse" - Southland Tales


draelynn
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 24 Jan 2011
Age: 56
Gender: Female
Posts: 2,304
Location: SE Pennsylvania

27 Dec 2011, 10:33 pm

Nexus wrote:
draelynn wrote:
That's what I thought.

So are those who don't feel they need the label considered NT even though they identify with more than a few autistic traits? What about those who do not wish to disrupt their personal relationships, are afraid of work repercussions and generally wish to 'remain in the closet'? What if they feel their lives could be explained and helped by a dx but, for whatever reason, they are unwilling or unable to get that official dx? Should we discount their self dx's and invalidate their experiences?


The expression "you can't have your cake and eat it too" comes to mind. If you want access to government sponsored disability support services, you must have a recognized diagnosis, at least for around here.


The question pending is; what about those who do not need government support?

It has already been well established in many threads that a dx is only required for one to access government services. The contention is that everyone who suspects they are on the spectrum needs to have an official dx or they cannot be taken seriously. Basically, to satisfy the needs of some people online, all those who are self dx'd need to go get legit or they will be continually harassed, invalidated and discounted on this forum...



SylviaLynn
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 9 Feb 2008
Age: 67
Gender: Female
Posts: 534
Location: Albuquerque, NM

27 Dec 2011, 10:35 pm

I have a government recognized disability. It's called depression. It got that bad due to dealing with the autistic traits for more than half a century with no help at all. I dealt with it as best I could. Nobody ever said it was all that good.


_________________
Aspie 176/200 NT 34/200 Very likely an Aspie
AQ 41
Not diagnosed, but the shoe fits
10 yo dd on the spectrum


Apple_in_my_Eye
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 7 May 2008
Gender: Male
Posts: 4,420
Location: in my brain

27 Dec 2011, 10:35 pm

Nexus wrote:
draelynn wrote:
That's what I thought.

So are those who don't feel they need the label considered NT even though they identify with more than a few autistic traits? What about those who do not wish to disrupt their personal relationships, are afraid of work repercussions and generally wish to 'remain in the closet'? What if they feel their lives could be explained and helped by a dx but, for whatever reason, they are unwilling or unable to get that official dx? Should we discount their self dx's and invalidate their experiences?


The expression "you can't have your cake and eat it too" comes to mind. If you want access to government sponsored disability support services, you must have a recognized diagnosis, at least for around here.

Where is the wish to access govt. services expressed in the first-quoted text?



draelynn
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 24 Jan 2011
Age: 56
Gender: Female
Posts: 2,304
Location: SE Pennsylvania

27 Dec 2011, 10:42 pm

Apple_in_my_Eye wrote:
Nexus wrote:
draelynn wrote:
That's what I thought.

So are those who don't feel they need the label considered NT even though they identify with more than a few autistic traits? What about those who do not wish to disrupt their personal relationships, are afraid of work repercussions and generally wish to 'remain in the closet'? What if they feel their lives could be explained and helped by a dx but, for whatever reason, they are unwilling or unable to get that official dx? Should we discount their self dx's and invalidate their experiences?


The expression "you can't have your cake and eat it too" comes to mind. If you want access to government sponsored disability support services, you must have a recognized diagnosis, at least for around here.

Where is the wish to access govt. services expressed in the first-quoted text?


I think it was referring to a few posts back...



Nexus
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 14 Aug 2006
Age: 39
Gender: Male
Posts: 833
Location: On I2

27 Dec 2011, 10:44 pm

Apple_in_my_Eye wrote:
Nexus wrote:
draelynn wrote:
That's what I thought.

So are those who don't feel they need the label considered NT even though they identify with more than a few autistic traits? What about those who do not wish to disrupt their personal relationships, are afraid of work repercussions and generally wish to 'remain in the closet'? What if they feel their lives could be explained and helped by a dx but, for whatever reason, they are unwilling or unable to get that official dx? Should we discount their self dx's and invalidate their experiences?


The expression "you can't have your cake and eat it too" comes to mind. If you want access to government sponsored disability support services, you must have a recognized diagnosis, at least for around here.

Where is the wish to access govt. services expressed in the first-quoted text?


Well it's kind of pointless saying you're AS, branding yourself a label if it's not troubling you enough to require services. Hell I usually don't let people know I'm Autistic unless I'm legally obliged or needed to say so because labels tarnish you. I don't get why people even want to self-diagnose unless they're seeking for assistance.


_________________
"Have a nice apocalypse" - Southland Tales


nick007
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 4 May 2010
Gender: Male
Posts: 27,649
Location: was Louisiana but now Vermont in capitalistic military dictatorship called USA

27 Dec 2011, 10:44 pm

I tried to get diagnosed but the psychs I saw thought Autism & Aspergers were like a less sever form of mental retardation. They said I communicated too well verbally & seemed too intelligent to have anything on the autism spectrum & I was diagnosed wi8th about 10 other disorders instead. Getting tested by quacks cost me at least a few thousand dollars & having an official diagnoses would not help me qualify for any kind of social programs or other assistance in my area so there is no reason for me to waste thousands more of money I don't have trying to get diagnosed


_________________
"I don't have an anger problem, I have an idiot problem!"
~King Of The Hill


"Hear all, trust nothing"
~Ferengi Rule Of Acquisition #190
https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Ru ... cquisition


draelynn
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 24 Jan 2011
Age: 56
Gender: Female
Posts: 2,304
Location: SE Pennsylvania

27 Dec 2011, 10:47 pm

Verdandi wrote:
draelynn wrote:
I'm sorry if I'm inflexible on this one but I really don't understand. What terminology would make the 'official' aspies comfortable with all of those that do not have an official dx? Should the undx'd just be excluded? And, since many of those who do self dx do end up with official dx's, when do they get their apology? Or, does their piece of paper now magically make them disabled?


Oh, independent confirmation of your diagnosis is impossible, so it's no different than being self-dxed.

That comment is sarcastic, but it is very close to a direct quote from another thread:

http://www.wrongplanet.net/postp4274505 ... t=#4274505


LOL... THERE IS NO SPOON!



Mysty
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Age: 55
Gender: Female
Posts: 1,762

27 Dec 2011, 10:51 pm

draelynn wrote:
kfisherx wrote:
draelynn wrote:
I suppose the question is - is it possible to be autistic and not be disabled? Or does an autism dx automatically make you disabled?


According to the DSM V proposal one must have limits and impairment in everyday life.

That would suggest a disability, no?


That's what I thought.

So are those who don't feel they need the label considered NT even though they identify with more than a few autistic traits? What about those who do not wish to disrupt their personal relationships, are afraid of work repercussions and generally wish to 'remain in the closet'? What if they feel their lives could be explained and helped by a dx but, for whatever reason, they are unwilling or unable to get that official dx? Should we discount their self dx's and invalidate their experiences.


Depends who's doing the considering. I would say, though, not by anyone who using NT with any thought to what it stands for, which is neurotypical.


_________________
not aspie, not NT, somewhere in between
Aspie Quiz: 110 Aspie, 103 Neurotypical.
Used to be more autistic than I am now.


seekingtruth
Raven
Raven

User avatar

Joined: 20 Dec 2011
Age: 56
Gender: Female
Posts: 118

27 Dec 2011, 10:55 pm

I do wonder though if more people had an official diagnosis if that would help put more services in place? Force more understanding out in the open if greater masses went public about having it and what is needed to help people.


_________________
Looks like I'm most likely and Aspie myself, must be why I can understand my beautiful Aspie son so well.
Your Aspie score: 168 of 200
Your neurotypical (non-autistic) score: 39 of 200
You are very likely an Aspie


Last edited by seekingtruth on 27 Dec 2011, 10:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Verdandi
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 7 Dec 2010
Age: 55
Gender: Female
Posts: 12,275
Location: University of California Sunnydale (fictional location - Real location Olympia, WA)

27 Dec 2011, 10:56 pm

Nexus wrote:
Well it's kind of pointless saying you're AS, branding yourself a label if it's not troubling you enough to require services. Hell I usually don't let people know I'm Autistic unless I'm legally obliged or needed to say so because labels tarnish you. I don't get why people even want to self-diagnose unless they're seeking for assistance.


A lot of people who made it to adulthood without a diagnosis find themselves staring down a lifetime of problems they can't explain and do not understand. Having a label - even a self-applied label - makes it easier to understand these problems and cope with them when they come up again. I think this is an experience that people who had diagnoses and support as children find difficult to relate to because they knew all along. It doesn't mean getting diagnosed in childhood is automatically always better, but it does create a gap in experience. I've run into the same thing from people with ADHD, who also can't understand why a label is so important to undiagnosed adults when they've had it all their lives.

This was the tangible benefit of my self-dx a year ago: My major depression went into remission. I went from planning suicide to finally having enough evidence to confirm my suspicions and explain my life. With that explanation, the foundation for my depression was undermined.

So, was my self-dx worth it? I would say yes.



seekingtruth
Raven
Raven

User avatar

Joined: 20 Dec 2011
Age: 56
Gender: Female
Posts: 118

27 Dec 2011, 10:59 pm

Verdandi wrote:
Nexus wrote:
Well it's kind of pointless saying you're AS, branding yourself a label if it's not troubling you enough to require services. Hell I usually don't let people know I'm Autistic unless I'm legally obliged or needed to say so because labels tarnish you. I don't get why people even want to self-diagnose unless they're seeking for assistance.


A lot of people who made it to adulthood without a diagnosis find themselves staring down a lifetime of problems they can't explain and do not understand. Having a label - even a self-applied label - makes it easier to understand these problems and cope with them when they come up again. I think this is an experience that people who had diagnoses and support as children find difficult to relate to because they knew all along. It doesn't mean getting diagnosed in childhood is automatically always better, but it does create a gap in experience. I've run into the same thing from people with ADHD, who also can't understand why a label is so important to undiagnosed adults when they've had it all their lives.

This was the tangible benefit of my self-dx a year ago: My major depression went into remission. I went from planning suicide to finally having enough evidence to confirm my suspicions and explain my life. With that explanation, the foundation for my depression was undermined.

So, was my self-dx worth it? I would say yes.


^that exactly!

So many things that I can now forgive myself for now that I understand the why.


_________________
Looks like I'm most likely and Aspie myself, must be why I can understand my beautiful Aspie son so well.
Your Aspie score: 168 of 200
Your neurotypical (non-autistic) score: 39 of 200
You are very likely an Aspie


Mysty
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Age: 55
Gender: Female
Posts: 1,762

27 Dec 2011, 11:00 pm

Nexus wrote:
Apple_in_my_Eye wrote:
Nexus wrote:
draelynn wrote:
That's what I thought.

So are those who don't feel they need the label considered NT even though they identify with more than a few autistic traits? What about those who do not wish to disrupt their personal relationships, are afraid of work repercussions and generally wish to 'remain in the closet'? What if they feel their lives could be explained and helped by a dx but, for whatever reason, they are unwilling or unable to get that official dx? Should we discount their self dx's and invalidate their experiences?


The expression "you can't have your cake and eat it too" comes to mind. If you want access to government sponsored disability support services, you must have a recognized diagnosis, at least for around here.

Where is the wish to access govt. services expressed in the first-quoted text?


Well it's kind of pointless saying you're AS, branding yourself a label if it's not troubling you enough to require services. Hell I usually don't let people know I'm Autistic unless I'm legally obliged or needed to say so because labels tarnish you. I don't get why people even want to self-diagnose unless they're seeking for assistance.


Government assistance is not the only benefit of a label. There's access to a lot of self help. This message board. Books on autism. Recognizing myself as autistic, as having autistic traits, has helped me A LOT. It's helped me understand myself. It's helped me understand normal people. It's been a huge benefit for me, without me ever having seen a mental health professional, without me ever having used any special services.


_________________
not aspie, not NT, somewhere in between
Aspie Quiz: 110 Aspie, 103 Neurotypical.
Used to be more autistic than I am now.


draelynn
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 24 Jan 2011
Age: 56
Gender: Female
Posts: 2,304
Location: SE Pennsylvania

27 Dec 2011, 11:01 pm

Nexus wrote:
Apple_in_my_Eye wrote:
Nexus wrote:
draelynn wrote:
That's what I thought.

So are those who don't feel they need the label considered NT even though they identify with more than a few autistic traits? What about those who do not wish to disrupt their personal relationships, are afraid of work repercussions and generally wish to 'remain in the closet'? What if they feel their lives could be explained and helped by a dx but, for whatever reason, they are unwilling or unable to get that official dx? Should we discount their self dx's and invalidate their experiences?


The expression "you can't have your cake and eat it too" comes to mind. If you want access to government sponsored disability support services, you must have a recognized diagnosis, at least for around here.

Where is the wish to access govt. services expressed in the first-quoted text?


Well it's kind of pointless saying you're AS, branding yourself a label if it's not troubling you enough to require services. Hell I usually don't let people know I'm Autistic unless I'm legally obliged or needed to say so because labels tarnish you. I don't get why people even want to self-diagnose unless they're seeking for assistance.


Missing the point... the point is about people, here, on Wrong Planet, the support forum. Not about gov't services. Not about real life disclosure. People here on WP who claim to be self diagnosed. The point in question is being self diagnosed on these forums and being told, basically, you are a liar/faker/unforgivable reprobate that is making life harder for those with REAL dx's. If people do not feel they need a clinical dx becasue they do not feel they need gov't services, then, but somes reasonings, they have no business being here looking for support.