Board index › General Discussion › General Autism Discussion

"Autism Self-Diagnosis Is Not Special Snowflake Syndrome"

Page 3 of 9 [ 129 posts ]  Go to page Previous  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ... 9  Next

Previous topic | Next topic

MapReader
Yellow-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Woodpecker

User avatar

Joined: 23 Apr 2005
Gender: Male
Posts: 70
Location: North of England

13 Nov 2015, 11:49 am

Diagnosis isn't that professional. At least, it's not scientific. Here in the UK it is given on the basis of current needs, particularly access to support and benefits. If you're coping OK it would be difficult to get a diagnosis. This means that 'diagnosis' is really an assessment of need. Understandable in a world of finite resources, but not the same as scientific fact.

If I could stick my head in a scanner or have DNA tested and prove it one way or the other, I would gladly pay for it, but it's just not that simple.

Another point, about this 'snowflake syndrome'. The author writes "who doesn’t want to be special or different". I could almost define my young life as a struggle to be normal. Being different came all too naturally.

---------------

Author of 'At Home Abroad'
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1507565372



iliketrees
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 16 Mar 2013
Gender: Female
Posts: 2,155
Location: Earth

13 Nov 2015, 11:53 am

MapReader wrote:
Diagnosis isn't that professional. At least, it's not scientific. Here in the UK it is given on the basis of current needs, particularly access to support and benefits. If you're coping OK it would be difficult to get a diagnosis. This means that 'diagnosis' is really an assessment of need.

To meet the criteria you need to have a clinically significant impairment in functioning so it does make sense.

edit: oops f****d up quoting lol



Last edited by iliketrees on 13 Nov 2015, 12:04 pm, edited 2 times in total.

zkydz
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 7 Nov 2015
Age: 65
Posts: 3,215
Location: USA

13 Nov 2015, 11:58 am

MapReader wrote:
Diagnosis isn't that professional. At least, it's not scientific. Here in the UK it is given on the basis of current needs, particularly access to support and benefits. If you're coping OK it would be difficult to get a diagnosis. This means that 'diagnosis' is really an assessment of need. Understandable in a world of finite resources, but not the same as scientific fact.

If I could stick my head in a scanner or have DNA tested and prove it one way or the other, I would gladly pay for it, but it's just not that simple.

Another point, about this 'snowflake syndrome'. The author writes "who doesn’t want to be special or different". I could almost define my young life as a struggle to be normal. Being different came all too naturally.

---------------

Author of 'At Home Abroad'
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1507565372


I think that's what hinges on things. What is your goal? I too just want to be normal. Or at least perceived as normal. I need to evaluate my strategies and also be able to protect myself in employment positions. But, I do think that it is a bit more scientific than just general guessing. For instance I just took a test a couple of days ago that did at least (according to what they say) rule out a couple of other diagnoses that have overlaps with Aspergers.

I just spoke to someone that thoroughly confused me. To me, it sounds like a contradiction.

Other person (MD): Well, we don't offer that type of evaluation here.
Me: If I get a proper diagnoses, would this be the place to return to for some form of therapy?
Other person (MD): Well, we would do our own evaluation then and set a course of action.

WTF? You just said you did not diagnoses or evaluations and then said you WOULD do the evaluations. WTF????

This is when my ability to work with people on the fly fails me miserably. When I have time to get away from it and then digest it, maybe. But, on the fly? Absolutely not.


_________________
Diagnosed April 14, 2016
ASD Level 1 without intellectual impairments.

RAADS-R -- 213.3
FQ -- 18.7
EQ -- 13
Aspie Quiz -- 186 out of 200
AQ: 42
AQ-10: 8.8


zkydz
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 7 Nov 2015
Age: 65
Posts: 3,215
Location: USA

13 Nov 2015, 12:01 pm

iliketrees wrote:
MapReader wrote:
Diagnosis isn't that professional. At least, it's not scientific. Here in the UK it is given on the basis of current needs, particularly access to support and benefits. If you're coping OK it would be difficult to get a diagnosis. This means that 'diagnosis' is really an assessment of need./quote]
To meet the criteria you need to have a clinically significant impairment in functioning so it does make sense.


Yeah, that's what really ticks me off. I do have significant impairment in dealing with people. And, it has hindered me greatly in professional settings. I guess it really may not be that far removed from when I was a kid. If you ain't rocking in a corner, banging your head on things, you ain't impaired.

But, I shall persevere.....


_________________
Diagnosed April 14, 2016
ASD Level 1 without intellectual impairments.

RAADS-R -- 213.3
FQ -- 18.7
EQ -- 13
Aspie Quiz -- 186 out of 200
AQ: 42
AQ-10: 8.8


Ashariel
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 16 Jun 2012
Gender: Female
Posts: 1,779
Location: US

13 Nov 2015, 12:17 pm

zkydz wrote:
Other person (MD): Well, we don't offer that type of evaluation here.
Me: If I get a proper diagnoses, would this be the place to return to for some form of therapy?
Other person (MD): Well, we would do our own evaluation then and set a course of action.


I get the feeling that doctors prefer not to label things. If you're struggling with anxiety or depression, they prescribe meds for that. If you're having a problem at work, or with family, they try to help you deal with that particular problem. What they don't seem to want to do, is give you a label that helps you to understand that all of your problems are related, and that your entire life makes sense in the context of that particular diagnosis.

I'm really not sure why that is. :?

But it could be that they're just trying to be objective. No, they don't screen for autism specifically, but they will do a general-purpose psychological evaluation, and make decisions based on the results. In their minds, autism is one possibility of what's going on with you, but they want to test you for everything. Which makes sense, I suppose!



zkydz
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 7 Nov 2015
Age: 65
Posts: 3,215
Location: USA

13 Nov 2015, 12:39 pm

This an actual quote from someone that did not try to BS me:

"You will probably have to pay out of pocket. The people who take your type of insurance are really not interested. They have all the work they need or can handle."

1) She was brutally honest and I really appreciated that. It actually allowed me to have a better give and take. She has obviously dealt with people like us. Or, may be one of us. OR!! Maybe both?

2) I took her at her word because their facilities are not close enough to treat me. My thought process is this: With nothing to gain or lose, there is no reason to duck or dodge.

Sighhhhhh......


_________________
Diagnosed April 14, 2016
ASD Level 1 without intellectual impairments.

RAADS-R -- 213.3
FQ -- 18.7
EQ -- 13
Aspie Quiz -- 186 out of 200
AQ: 42
AQ-10: 8.8


ASPartOfMe
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 25 Aug 2013
Age: 68
Gender: Male
Posts: 39,637
Location: Long Island, New York

13 Nov 2015, 1:08 pm

zkydz wrote:
I'm kinda confused about this thread for the following reasons:
1) I came here self-diagnosed. Made no bones about it, and seeking official/proper diagnosis. The tests actually gave me comfort as I never saw things the way the tests pointed out. "Is that really a thing?" was a constant thought in my mind. So, the internet and online tests gave me comfort as well as pointed me to some really good places.

2) Nobody here ever razzed me about being self-diagnosed at this point. As a matter of fact, most were helpful and even put me in touch with places like GRASP.

So, I'm surprised that there is mention of any self-diagnosis being treated in a less than helpful way.


This was mostly before you arrived at wrong planet. This issue has flared on and and off here for years. When Jerry Sienfeld said he "thought" he was on the spectrum then said he was not autistic there were multiple ongoing threads with heated debates going on. Here it was not so much attacks on individuals but many thought the self diagnosis was invalid and it was wrong for anybody who was not professionally diagnosed to call themselves autistic. Some of the arguments were on the merits of self diagnosis a lot of it was referencing special snowflake, Aspie wannabes, attention seeking stereotypes. When Rudy Simone author of the popular book "Aspergirls" said she had lost enough of her autistic traits that she was no longer going to call herself an Aspie and it was found out she was self diagnosed it set off another round.

While the attacks are ususlly not personal here in comments sections, non autistic forums and face to face it often is. But since you are in the process of getting one you are safer then those who have are not planning to get an official diagnoses. In the real world an official diagnosis is anything but a guarantee against these types of invalidating attacks.


_________________
“Self Acceptance is a process not a performance”
“You are autistic enough. And you always have been”

Professionally Identified and joined WP August 26, 2013
DSM 5: Autism Spectrum Disorder, DSM IV: Aspergers Moderate Severity.


Last edited by ASPartOfMe on 13 Nov 2015, 1:10 pm, edited 2 times in total.

ASPickle
Pileated woodpecker
Pileated woodpecker

User avatar

Joined: 29 Oct 2014
Age: 46
Gender: Male
Posts: 177
Location: Denver, CO

13 Nov 2015, 1:09 pm

I didn't need a diagnosis to be special. My accomplishments have done that on their own.

What I did need a diagnosis for was to have an explanation for why nothing seemed to fit throughout the first three decades of my life. After gaining that piece of mind through self-diagnosis (and, eventually, professional diagnosis), who am I to try denying that same piece of mind to other self-diagnosers? We've all been there in our journey.


_________________
The Autistic Pickle is typed in front of a live studio audience.
No ghosts were harmed in the making of this post.


BuyerBeware
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 28 Sep 2011
Gender: Female
Posts: 3,476
Location: PA, USA

13 Nov 2015, 1:23 pm

Special Snowflake Syndrome. LMFAO!! !!

1) EVERYONE is a special snowflake. Seriously-- Haven't these people read "On the Night You Were Born"?? Oops-- must be a "mom of small kid" thing. Over that. Next.

2) Yeah-- I want to be different and special so f*****g bad. That's why I've given myself agoraphobia, PTSD, and a fistful of anxiety disorders not otherwise specified worrying about fitting in and being accepted. Riiiiight...

3) Since I so desperately want to be different and special, I'm going to label myself with one of the Top 5 Most Stigmatized Conditions of the Twenty-First Century. Because I get off on explaining to people that I'm not intellectually disabled, a sociopath, a psychopath, or the next mass shooter. Makes my day!! !!

NOT!! !!

If I wanted to be a Special Snowflake (TM), it would be a lot less trouble to teach myself the Tarot, buy a bunch of iridescent hippie skirts at Goodwill, and go around telling people I'm a psychic genius indigo flower child or some s**t.

PUH-LEEZE!! !!


_________________
"Alas, our dried voices when we whisper together are quiet and meaningless, as wind in dry grass, or rats' feet over broken glass in our dry cellar." --TS Eliot, "The Hollow Men"


Ashariel
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 16 Jun 2012
Gender: Female
Posts: 1,779
Location: US

13 Nov 2015, 1:23 pm

zkydz wrote:
This an actual quote from someone that did not try to BS me:

"You will probably have to pay out of pocket. The people who take your type of insurance are really not interested. They have all the work they need or can handle."


I find that advice helpful as well. Sometimes I forget that the medical profession literally is a profession, a business, and they need to run it in a way that is cost-effective.

The doctors on my insurance plan are invariably overbooked, and they simply have no time for more than a 5-minute chat, scribble a quick prescription, and off they go, to deal with the next patient.

Therapists have time for hour-long sessions, but they're not qualified to diagnose anything. For that, you need a psychiatrist or psychologist. I think psychologists are the most open to diagnosing something like autism. Psychiatrists seem to be more focused on prescribing medication. (But on my own insurance plan it's a moot point, because none of the mental health professionals in my area are accepting new patients - it's a real problem!)

Anyway, this discussion has brought out interesting points, as to why an official diagnosis is not always a feasible option for adults. I'm grateful that WP remains supportive of those who are caught up in the red tape.



zkydz
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 7 Nov 2015
Age: 65
Posts: 3,215
Location: USA

13 Nov 2015, 1:47 pm

ASPickle wrote:
I didn't need a diagnosis to be special. My accomplishments have done that on their own.

What I did need a diagnosis for was to have an explanation for why nothing seemed to fit throughout the first three decades of my life. After gaining that piece of mind through self-diagnosis (and, eventually, professional diagnosis), who am I to try denying that same piece of mind to other self-diagnosers? We've all been there in our journey.

That sounds reasonable. Things like this are not the only self-diagnosed issue. Alcoholism or other substance abuses are very much self-diagnosed.


_________________
Diagnosed April 14, 2016
ASD Level 1 without intellectual impairments.

RAADS-R -- 213.3
FQ -- 18.7
EQ -- 13
Aspie Quiz -- 186 out of 200
AQ: 42
AQ-10: 8.8


Neotenous Nordic
Toucan
Toucan

Joined: 11 Oct 2015
Age: 1938
Posts: 275

13 Nov 2015, 2:35 pm

Tumblr BS, which is basically marxism on steroids, is the reason why I rarely tell people in real life that I am autistic. I don't want to be associated with those unbearably unpleasant people.

I am officially diagnosed by the way. Was sent to psychiatric hospital as an adolescent and when it was time for me to leave, they said "you have been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome". So it's not like I deliberately sought out this diagnosis so I could wear a victim badge and blame everyone for my problems, which tumblr people do with their crazy fringe talk like "neurotypical privilege".

Autism is no excuse to grow fat, lazy, bitter and complacent. I've cheated death a whole bunch of times, and I'm still here holding myself accountable for my own actions. I'm not expecting anyone to do any work for me whatsoever, or to be extra nice.

I was experiencing prediabetic symptoms, but I got my s**t together and changed my diet and started exercising.
Food intolerances meant I had to go through a lot of trial and error to find healthy food that worked for me. But I did it. I didn't throw in the towel and go order pizza every day and whine on tumblr and blame everyone for my problems.
I bet a lot of self-diagnosed tumblr folk are just angsty teenagers. Nobody fits in as a teenager and it seems like the world is out to get you. That could be anything, not necessarily autism.

It's another thing if you get sensory overload, have no natural facial expressions, monotone voice etcetra... those are grounds for professional evaluation. But being bullied at school? Nope.

I'm annoyed by tumblr people and social justice warriors adopting autism as yet another victim card. It's infuriating and adds to the trivialization that already happens because many people do think that autism is a "joke diagnosis" and we're just being difficult on purpose. Well, when people who are difficult on purpose just self-diagnose with autism just to have something to blame their problems on, then there's no wonder nobody takes us seriously.



zkydz
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 7 Nov 2015
Age: 65
Posts: 3,215
Location: USA

13 Nov 2015, 2:46 pm

Neotenous Nordic wrote:
Tumblr BS, which is basically marxism on steroids, is the reason why I rarely tell people in real life that I am autistic. I don't want to be associated with those unbearably unpleasant people.

I am officially diagnosed by the way. Was sent to psychiatric hospital as an adolescent and when it was time for me to leave, they said "you have been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome". So it's not like I deliberately sought out this diagnosis so I could wear a victim badge and blame everyone for my problems, which tumblr people do with their crazy fringe talk like "neurotypical privilege".

Autism is no excuse to grow fat, lazy, bitter and complacent. I've cheated death a whole bunch of times, and I'm still here holding myself accountable for my own actions. I'm not expecting anyone to do any work for me whatsoever, or to be extra nice.

I was experiencing prediabetic symptoms, but I got my s**t together and changed my diet and started exercising.
Food intolerances meant I had to go through a lot of trial and error to find healthy food that worked for me. But I did it. I didn't throw in the towel and go order pizza every day and whine on tumblr and blame everyone for my problems.
I bet a lot of self-diagnosed tumblr folk are just angsty teenagers. Nobody fits in as a teenager and it seems like the world is out to get you. That could be anything, not necessarily autism.

It's another thing if you get sensory overload, have no natural facial expressions, monotone voice etcetra... those are grounds for professional evaluation. But being bullied at school? Nope.

I'm annoyed by tumblr people and social justice warriors adopting autism as yet another victim card. It's infuriating and adds to the trivialization that already happens because many people do think that autism is a "joke diagnosis" and we're just being difficult on purpose. Well, when people who are difficult on purpose just self-diagnose with autism just to have something to blame their problems on, then there's no wonder nobody takes us seriously.


And this relates to what?


_________________
Diagnosed April 14, 2016
ASD Level 1 without intellectual impairments.

RAADS-R -- 213.3
FQ -- 18.7
EQ -- 13
Aspie Quiz -- 186 out of 200
AQ: 42
AQ-10: 8.8


Neotenous Nordic
Toucan
Toucan

Joined: 11 Oct 2015
Age: 1938
Posts: 275

13 Nov 2015, 3:40 pm

zkydz wrote:
Neotenous Nordic wrote:
Tumblr BS, which is basically marxism on steroids, is the reason why I rarely tell people in real life that I am autistic. I don't want to be associated with those unbearably unpleasant people.

I am officially diagnosed by the way. Was sent to psychiatric hospital as an adolescent and when it was time for me to leave, they said "you have been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome". So it's not like I deliberately sought out this diagnosis so I could wear a victim badge and blame everyone for my problems, which tumblr people do with their crazy fringe talk like "neurotypical privilege".

Autism is no excuse to grow fat, lazy, bitter and complacent. I've cheated death a whole bunch of times, and I'm still here holding myself accountable for my own actions. I'm not expecting anyone to do any work for me whatsoever, or to be extra nice.

I was experiencing prediabetic symptoms, but I got my s**t together and changed my diet and started exercising.
Food intolerances meant I had to go through a lot of trial and error to find healthy food that worked for me. But I did it. I didn't throw in the towel and go order pizza every day and whine on tumblr and blame everyone for my problems.
I bet a lot of self-diagnosed tumblr folk are just angsty teenagers. Nobody fits in as a teenager and it seems like the world is out to get you. That could be anything, not necessarily autism.

It's another thing if you get sensory overload, have no natural facial expressions, monotone voice etcetra... those are grounds for professional evaluation. But being bullied at school? Nope.

I'm annoyed by tumblr people and social justice warriors adopting autism as yet another victim card. It's infuriating and adds to the trivialization that already happens because many people do think that autism is a "joke diagnosis" and we're just being difficult on purpose. Well, when people who are difficult on purpose just self-diagnose with autism just to have something to blame their problems on, then there's no wonder nobody takes us seriously.


And this relates to what?


Self-diagnosed people who are not really autistic, but look for another victim card to use.

Not saying that someone who is self-diagnosed might not be autistic. But if that's the case, then one might want to get a professional evaluation before starting a tumblr about "neurotypical privilege".



zkydz
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 7 Nov 2015
Age: 65
Posts: 3,215
Location: USA

13 Nov 2015, 3:59 pm

Got it!! I got lost int the thread there and totally missed that.

Thanks for being patient.


_________________
Diagnosed April 14, 2016
ASD Level 1 without intellectual impairments.

RAADS-R -- 213.3
FQ -- 18.7
EQ -- 13
Aspie Quiz -- 186 out of 200
AQ: 42
AQ-10: 8.8


B19
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 11 Jan 2013
Gender: Female
Posts: 9,993
Location: New Zealand

13 Nov 2015, 6:14 pm

I was unaware of this until today. Could UK members provide any update? It was raised by a member named EnglishLulu about 3 years ago in a post to WP containing this information:

"If you have a UK driving licence, Asperger's Syndrome is a notifiable medical condition and you have to let the DVLA know and get doctor's confirmation that you are fit to drive. And this can result in increased insurance premiums. If you were to get a formal diagnosis and not disclose it, it might invalidate your insurance in the event of an accident. I was formally diagnosed at age 37 and I do fear that if/when I get round to taking a UK driving test I won't be able to afford the insurance premiums and won't be able to afford to drive a car anyway."

Are there other countries in which AS is a 'notifiable condition' in one way or another that is discriminative?