4th diagnosis anniversary

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Yep, it was 4 years ago today August 26, 2013 when my clinician with 30 years experience said she would have no trouble diagnosing me. That left little doubt.

Four years later what I am thinking about is how so much has changed in my personal life, the general autism world, and the political world since then.

Four years ago I had the physical ability to go and do what I wanted and I put these physical gifts to good use going to support groups, pursuing my special interests with less guilt and just in exploring what living life autistic was about. Then I had a mild stroke, tongue cancer that robbed me of my ability to speak and eat, Ramsey Hunt Syndrome which caused facial weakness, loss of balance/dizziness, and a lot of hearing on one side of my face. I miss a lot the freedom of those post diagnoses months. On the other hand without the diagnoses, I could not have come through all of this sane. The explanation allowed me to anticipate and prepare for to a certain degree “triggers”.

When I got diagnosed the DSM had just eliminated Aspergers and nobody had any idea what would happen. Back then “Aspie” was mostly considered a positive if not an identity. Based on the posts here in 2014 it looked like the Aspergers concept would die a quick death cheered by many. “Aspie” and “Aspergers” have survived as a descriptor that describes a smaller group of people than the old diagnosis. Back then Neurodiversity was popular here but was getting squashed in the real world by the power and influence of Autism Speaks. Since then we have had “Neurotribes” published, Autism Speaks has new leadership, “cure” is out of its mission statement, and they have two autistic board members. Many believe this is “fake news”(an expression that was not a thing four years ago). While they do many things I strenuously object to the idea that these changes would occur seemed unfathomable four years ago. The portrayals of Autistics while still flawed are much more positive. The biggest fear about Autism Speaks then and now is that they are pursuing an autism elimination agenda by trying to find the autism genes so moms can abort their fetuses. Back then the fears seemed unrealistic because so many genes have been “linked” to autism. Now gene editing technology is said to change multiple genes. Every day there is a new claim that autism can be identified earlier which would lead to behavioral interventions that would intercept the autism before it starts. We are in a weird period where neurodiversity is more accepted but Autistic elimination seems more realistic.

What has not changed is that wrong planet is still here. So thanks to all.

As for the next four years?

Congratulations. You've really been down a most involved road--but you've pulled through!

Are you able to taste food again?

You're certainly a brave guy.

And thanks for all those articles.

I like how you've rolled on through the 4 years that I've known you without faltering. I've also enjoyed reading your articles and I look forward to reading more of them.

Congratz!

Thanks for enhancing WP so much over that time APOM, and congratulations on your anniversary. You and I have much in common as to when we joined WP and other things that both of us have experienced since, so I especially celebrate this milestone of yours.

Thank you so much for posting here! I never said this here before, but you are one of my favorite members. I used to read all your posts before I even joined this forum, and I look forward to reading more from you . Congratulations, by the way!

Thank you everybody.

We have been humbled by your presence here on Wrong Planet.

ASPartOfMe,

You certainly have been through a lot. Your posts are always interesting to read.

I'M a fan!! Congrats on all your growth and survival!!