Diagnosed as not on the spectrum

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They say that the reason why I identify with people on the spectrum is because my anxiety and depression is so bad that right now its mimicking a lot of symptoms.
I like this news a lot less than I think I should. It leaves a lot of questions unanswered. And at least when I thought I was on the spectrum I had a reason for not fitting in...now I don't even have that

"Fitting in" or "not fitting in" has very less or nothing to do with autism, depression or anxiety. Rather, it has something to do with your "uniqueness". And uniqueness does not need autism,depression or anxiety to prove its existence. Uniqueness can occur/exist with or without these.

Ive never heard of depression "mimicking symptoms." Are you sure the doctor knows what he's talking about?

Were you diagnosed by a specialist in the area of autism? If not then you still have hope as many of us were misdiagnosed with other disorders before someone finally got it right.

Welcome to the club!

Did you feel like they gave you a thorough assessment and that they knew what they were talking about? If not, you may want to look for a second opinion if possible. Do you remember a time before the anxiety and depression set in when you felt normal, or have you had the autistic symptoms your whole life?

I don't remember much. I was never well liked and bullying was always a thing. But according to my mother I developed normally. I am able to look people in the eye (but the reason I thought that could be over looked is because I don't wear my glasses when I look people in the eye, I love the way eyes look, and when I was younger- if someone looked me in the eye and I was caught off guard I'd instantly puff up my face to make silly looks) and I understand metaphors and jokes.
That's why they say I don't have it. And I'm not sure if I should push for a second evaluation. Maybe I really am wrong?

I think perhaps start from scratch again and ignore what has happened. Understanding metaphor isn't significant, it's a gross and misleading generalisation ("people with autism can't understand metaphor"). Where/who have you gained your ideas about ASD from?

If the fact that you make eye contact and understand figurative language is the only reason they gave for not diagnosing you, I'd go for the second opinion. If they gave you reasons like, "You don't have trouble with reciprocal interaction" or "You show no sign of restricted/repetitive behaviours" I would be inclined to agree with their assessment.

You can go in and still get tested to see what exactly you have and not have it be for autism?

There are other conditions that overlap with autism because they share the same similarities so perhaps if you go see someone and tell them about your problems, they can rule things out.

I don't know. I don't think I want to push the issue any further just yet though. They said that therapy and coping classes would help. So I will take them. And if the coping classes aren't helping after a few months or a year, then I will revisit the issue.