Sorry if this seems stupid. My kid was diagnosed with type 1 autism, formerly asperger’s. We weren’t even testing them for that (it was adhd), but the doc pointed out a lot of behaviors that are classified as autistic. I never thought of those behaviors that way, because I did a bunch of that stuff when I was a teen, too. I just learned I was weird and figured the rest was due to my super dysfunctional family. I’ve learned to cope. I keep my weirdness to myself and pass for a normal person pretty well. No one would ever guess I’m autistic (again, I’ve no diagnosis but it’s implied).

So, with that context, would there even be a point to getting a diagnosis? What would it benefit me? I’m middle aged, so I don’t need educational accommodations. I’ve learned to adapt, so idk if I’d even be diagnosable.

Idk. I’m still just messed up learning that my kid, who I thought was neurotypical and a LOT like me is considered autistic. How different would my childhood have been if I had been evaluated when I was younger?

  • @NewPerspectiveEnglish
    18•1 year ago

    I’m 34. I got tested earlier this year so I could better understand myself. Somebody quoted something at me that I’m not remembering properly but it was something like “it’s better to be a normal zebra than a strange horse” and I’m happy knowing I’m a zebra.

    • @[email protected]English
      12•1 year ago

      “Why do you need a label? Bc there is comfort in knowing you’re a normal zebra, not a strange horse. Bc you can’t find community with other zebras if you don’t know you belong. And bc it’s impossible for a zebra to live a happy and healthy life feeling like a failed horse.”