They Think I Am

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Throughout January, I thought that maybe I was an Aspie. But as time went on, I thought maybe it was more social anxiety, or listening to people around me, maybe it's more Self Esteem, or Confidence, maybe Insecure.

I mean, someone says "Lets get a coffee". It's in a non dating scenario, friend to friend. Seems quite OK. To me, it seems genuine. But no. According to everyone else, that's not a genuine offer. But then I've got another social issue where things don't seem to be as Im being told, and the same person is telling me to take things at face value.

When is an offer of coffee a genuine invite vs just one of those social things? When do you take things at Face Value vs not taking things at Face Value.

Well, I went along for a pre-assessment. They were adamant, they don't do diagnosis. But it didn't prevent them from saying at the end, that yes, they think Im an Aspie.

I just want to scream back, are you sure? What's your credentials? You were only listening to what you wanted to hear. Really???

No. It can't be. Can it? Why did I want it, now I don't want it?

It means that you have been "screened as autistic" and are likely autistic. A diagnosis is usually the next step, but doesn't need to be. It is your choice to remain screened for as long as you choose, to pursue a diagnosis, or to ignore it all.

If they asked you questions, or had you complete a self-reported screening test, that is about all there is to being screened. Some screening tests are quite accurate (above 80- or 85-percent compared with diagnostic tests).

If you see a need in your life for educational, governmental or professional supports, you might want to pursue a diagnosis. If not, you are free to remain "screened" or not. Up to you.

Good luck!

I was kind of upset when I was diagnosed, even though I thought I'd be relieved. I even asked the psychologist several times if she was certain. Then I emailed her later (annoying to her, I'm sure) and asked again if she was certain.

It was an unusual emotional experience for me, and I'm still not quite ok with it. It made me feel as if I'm broken or a freak of some kind. All those feelings that I had for years of being different, wrong, bad, weird etc, were basically confirmed. No more fooling myself. I am different. So it was hard.

But now I'm working on overcoming most of my difficulties, and I'm glad I was diagnosed so that I have a chance to be better, and to be happy.

So I do understand your mixed emotions, and feelings of uncertainty. Sometimes I question my diagnosis, especially when I'm having a good day. But then something happens that shows me how impaired I really am, and I know that it was an accurate diagnosis.

You could always write down all of your symptoms and compare them to the diagnostic criteria if you still feel uncertain.