Just Got My Medical Diagnosis

Post Reply New Topic

Hello:

I first joined here back in 2009. However, I felt somewhat uneasy claiming to be autistic without a formal medical diagnosis. I just got my medical diagnosis, and now I feel comfortable identifying as autistic.

Being a person of color, self-diagnosis was difficult. I had to distinguish between racism and ableism.

Congratulations on receiving your diagnosis! That must have been SO validating--especially since you seem to have known/had suspicions for a long time. ฅ՞•ﻌ•՞ฅ

I can imagine that the racism and ableism components would have been very difficult to distinguish and navigate... I feel privileged to only have to deal with ableism based on my gender--not on my race (white, cis female). I hope your diagnosis helps to prevent some ableism/racism for you in the future. ʕ´•ᴥ•`ʔ

Thanks for the reply. It is very validating. I always considered to be quite honest, but people viewed me as untrustworthy. Thus, I was worried that the psychologist wouldn't trust me. I was able to clinch the diagnosis because on my story-telling tests, my narrative was hyper-logical. My loud monotonic voice (despite being ill and wearing a mask), and inconsistent eye-contact was a factor in the diagnosis.

Congratulations! It has to be a relief to have it made "official".

...and I hope the only change it makes in your life is you smile more when discussing Autism.

Congratulations! That was a long time to have to wait for confirmation. I'm glad that racism didn't stop you from finally getting your answer.

Congratulations!

I got an unofficial diagnosis of autism from a professional but have since concluded that I'm transgender with strong components of autism. I can easily socialize when presenting as female!

When I try to present as male something just isn't right with how I communicate.
I look too feminine and my voice easily passes for a girl on the phone. It sounds fake as a guy!

Congratulations!

Congratulations on your official diagnosis. An official diagnosis is important as you imply, with regards to self-concept and identification.

congratulations, glad you made it back!