[MTR_10]

Since I was young I have always had problems socially. Especially with feeling awkward and anxious when around people. I am quite a polite and quiet person so people usually pass this off as extreme shyness, but I know it is more than this. I find being around people really stressful and difficult. Not just strangers but people in general. I cant keep eye contact when I am talking to people, even now. I also find it very difficult to live my life without routine and a set way of doing things - For example, I am ok if every day I do the same thing at the same time, but any break from the routine and I struggle a lot, I feel very lost and disorientated and generally get flustered and stressed. I know this is not a healthy way to live but I've tried for a long time to get by but recently (over the past few years) this has been getting worse and worse and right now, I am really struggling.

I am also quite obsessive about things. If I get an idea in my head or thought, I find it difficult to let go and think about anything else. I become somewhat fixed on an idea or opinion and find it really difficult to change. I think to other people I probably appear bigoted or stubborn. When I am thinking of something, it consumes my life and I close off my mind to everything else around me. I kind of live in my own world in a strange way.

I have taken online tests designed to identify autism and have scored very highly which suggests there is a very strong chance I have some form of autism or aspergers syndrome. I know at this point that I should go to my gp but I would feel so stupid - I can get by (just), I have a full time job and can support myself so I am not in desparate need as such but I just feel like I need to know what is wrong with me and how i can move forward (to be able to live rather than merely 'survive'). Problem is I would feel a little silly going there and I'm not very good at explaining myself so I think the gp would just reassure me that I am just different or have social anxiety and should try to relax etc.

So how do gp's diagnose autism? Should I go and see one or is there anything I can do to help myself? How do i know if I have autism and how bad it is or will become?

Does anyone else here have autism/ aspergers syndrome and if so, how do you cope day to day? Do you take any medication and if so, does it help? What type of career do you have or aim to pursue? It would be very comforting to hear from other people who are like me.

I should probably have mentioned before that I live alone (party because I find social interaction so difficult and stressful). Do you think this is a bad idea? and could it make the autism worse? (ie. should I make more of an effort to interact with people).

Sorry for the long post, just curious to know what advice other people may have? It would be very reassuring to hear from others in a similar position.

[Charlaux]

First of all,internet tests does not mean anything,or the things that is explained in the books.Since my mom's job is specific about autism and aspergers syndrome It is best to see a doctor.Personally I was a very social kid but now I am not,just like you.I dont see a problem to live alone and I dont think It would make it worse in case you are.I feel uncomfortable when I have an eye contact and some other social problems but again that does not mean you are autistic.I mean the story that you are telling is like myself but in reality for myself;I just have a combination of problems rather than those two.

If you are too worried go and see a psychologist.They'll definetely understand If you are or not.
Hope this helps

[OU Student]

I have just been through the process:

GPs don't diagnose Autism. Whilst they can say they think you have it, they can't carry out the tests. You need to be referred to a psychiatrist who is able to diagnose Autism.

I had two appointments, one of which involved my mum. She was asked a lot about my childhood.

I struggle a lot daily. But almost all my senses are heightened. Meaning that noises and lights hurt.

[MTR_10]

(Original post by Charlaux)
First of all,internet tests does not mean anything,or the things that is explained in the books.Since my mom's job is specific about autism and aspergers syndrome It is best to see a doctor.Personally I was a very social kid but now I am not,just like you.I dont see a problem to live alone and I dont think It would make it worse in case you are.I feel uncomfortable when I have an eye contact and some other social problems but again that does not mean you are autistic.I mean the story that you are telling is like myself but in reality for myself;I just have a combination of problems rather than those two.

If you are too worried go and see a psychologist.They'll definetely understand If you are or not.
Hope this helps

Hi, and thanks for the reply.

I like the idea of going to see a psychologist but don't you need a gp referral? Or can you just go and see one privately?

[MTR_10]

(Original post by OU Student)
I have just been through the process:

GPs don't diagnose Autism. Whilst they can say they think you have it, they can't carry out the tests. You need to be referred to a psychiatrist who is able to diagnose Autism.

I had two appointments, one of which involved my mum. She was asked a lot about my childhood.

I struggle a lot daily. But almost all my senses are heightened. Meaning that noises and lights hurt.

Thanks for the reply.

What do you mean when you say you struggle a lot? Can you relate to any of the things I described?

I know what you mean about the heightened senses - I always seem to be 100x more sensitive than others.

Also, do you now take medication to help or what have you changed/ did the psychologist suggest?

[Turtletron]

Hey buddy, I feel for you. I was diagnosed about 10 years ago (now 18) and there's no easy way to deal with it. The routines, the stress, the heightened senses, the over analysing of everything. Their tough to get over and to be brutally honest there's no actual cure.

However I can give you advice as your autism appears to be mild (or you wouldn't be posting on the web).

For a start; once it's diagnosed, you'll be tempted to use it as an excuse of sorts. Nothing wrong with that - it's just how the mind tends to work with these things. Steer away from this. Instead of saying 'I can't do that, I'm autistic' say 'right I'm going to get some help with this as I'm finding it difficult'. If you use autism as an excuse than it excludes you from other people sub-consciously.

Routines are a tough one. A good way to deal with it is to slowly bring flexibility into the routine. For example you make time for 'something' and then improvise at the time. Do it slowly until you're comfortable with routine changes.

You need to view autism as 'one of those things'. You just need to push through it with regards to social situations. Never address yourself as having problems with autism and always note the good social steps you're made.

I have autism but to me it's just a thing, like having an arm. It is there, I must deal with it. I do not consider myself different from other people as what is 'normal' any ways?

Just stay strong and don't let it get you down ever. The best advice I can give. Feel free to PM if needed.

[OU Student]

(Original post by MTR_10)
Thanks for the reply.

What do you mean when you say you struggle a lot? Can you relate to any of the things I described?

I know what you mean about the heightened senses - I always seem to be 100x more sensitive than others.

Also, do you now take medication to help or what have you changed/ did the psychologist suggest?

I'm also physically disabled, if that makes any difference. The routine stuff doesn't bother me. Yes, I like to know what I'm doing tomorrow; but I don't need to plan every single minute.

My speech is also affected; so a lot of the time, I'm having to repeat myself. This can get very frustrating.

Being obsessive with things is something I can relate to. The worst one has got to be an obsession towards others. I can deal with obsessions with music, various sports, films, etc. but people is much harder. It's been like this for around 8 years now and it took me until earlier this year to admit that yes, I am obsessed with my friend. (who is also on the spectrum)

I don't take any medication and none was ever suggested.

[Charlaux]

(Original post by MTR_10)
Hi, and thanks for the reply.

I like the idea of going to see a psychologist but don't you need a gp referral? Or can you just go and see one privately?

Hi,actually in my country we use other types of names and i dont know yours well.But to better explain you need to go to the one who can officiwlly diagnose autism/aspergers And dont worry so much at all.İ understand what you are struggling with since its like what i lived

[MTR_10]

(Original post by Charlaux)
Hi,actually in my country we use other types of names and i dont know yours well.But to better explain you need to go to the one who can officiwlly diagnose autism/aspergers And dont worry so much at all.İ understand what you are struggling with since its like what i lived

Thanks for the reply. I need to start thinking about what I am going to do.

[MTR_10]

(Original post by Turtletron)
Hey buddy, I feel for you. I was diagnosed about 10 years ago (now 18) and there's no easy way to deal with it. The routines, the stress, the heightened senses, the over analysing of everything. Their tough to get over and to be brutally honest there's no actual cure.

However I can give you advice as your autism appears to be mild (or you wouldn't be posting on the web).

For a start; once it's diagnosed, you'll be tempted to use it as an excuse of sorts. Nothing wrong with that - it's just how the mind tends to work with these things. Steer away from this. Instead of saying 'I can't do that, I'm autistic' say 'right I'm going to get some help with this as I'm finding it difficult'. If you use autism as an excuse than it excludes you from other people sub-consciously.

Routines are a tough one. A good way to deal with it is to slowly bring flexibility into the routine. For example you make time for 'something' and then improvise at the time. Do it slowly until you're comfortable with routine changes.

You need to view autism as 'one of those things'. You just need to push through it with regards to social situations. Never address yourself as having problems with autism and always note the good social steps you're made.

I have autism but to me it's just a thing, like having an arm. It is there, I must deal with it. I do not consider myself different from other people as what is 'normal' any ways?

Just stay strong and don't let it get you down ever. The best advice I can give. Feel free to PM if needed.

Thanks for the reply.

Yeah I think you are right and changing routines slowly. I feel quite strange that everyone seems to live their life so freely whereas I feel lost without routine and order.

Thanks. I may take you up on your offer.