Autism Self Diagnosis| Purple Ella
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 8 авг 2019
- Self diagnosis is a controversial topic in the autism community. I'm sharing my thoughts on self diagnosis. More below
I've actually changed my instagram name since making this, find me @purpleellaandcoco
If you like my videos check out my blog 💻 at www.purpleella.com
If you'd like to book me to speak at your event;
www.purpleella.com/public-spe...
💜Follow me on Twitter - / purpleella
💜Join me on Facebook - / purpleella
💜Follow me on Pinterest - www.pinterest.co.uk/purpleell...
If you want to contact me email me 📱ella@purpleella.com
A little bit about me:
Hi I'm Purple Ella and my family is an autism family with three out of five of us on the autistic spectrum. I also have a connective tissue disorder (HSD). So life can be a challenge but also a lot of fun.
Helpful links
The National Autistic Society - autism.org.uk
Hypermobility Syndromes Association - hypermobility.org
I am a Medical Doctor. Since I was studying med school one of my professors told me I was an "Aspie". Later in further years of school, some of my colleagues also mentioned that maybe I could be on the spectrum. But even me, that I am supposed to be a trained doctor, I am scared of getting a proper diagnosis. Because it took me a lot of years of practice to interact with patients and be able to perform normally with others (I mean, no one likes to be with a doctor that can't even look in the eye, right?). And I am afraid that a label would take away from me the possibility of getting a job, for example. Unlike what many young RUclipsrs portray, feeling "different" is not fun. It creates huge anxiety to lead conversations, even in a professional atmosphere and it drags a lot of energy.
BTW Il love your channel. I wish more people took this topic seriously like you.
I've seen a councilor who said I most likely have autism as well but said i probably shouldn't pursue a diagnosis for this exact reason. (Though I'm in college to be a teacher, but it would be nice to be able to be part of the community)
Feel the exact same. As of now I'm yet to hear back on my diagnostic results but I think it would really impact my job prospects if I mentioned being autistic to employers. Having done a fair bit of onstage acting (performing is a fair bit different than navigating through small talk) and training to be a digital marketer (less client facing than you'd think) a look at my CV makes people assume I'm fine socially. I can function, but it's very taxing.
I totally agree that self-diagnosis is real. There's always a chance of being wrong. But there's always a chance a professional can be wrong as well. We know this because so many females are misdiagnosed with other conditions before getting their ASD diagnosis. That being said, in terms of governmental/medical benefits or work accomodations, an official diagnosis by a certified clinician is still necessary.
Amy exactly my thoughts :)
It was after watching my now 10years old son's diagnosis that I had the university I was studying assess me. And I had my youngest son get a diagnosis through school Nurse. We are all on the spectrum.
Agree. Logical brains should understand that all people are susceptible to error. Therefore, an official diagnosis is not a guarantee either. So, a professional diagnosis isn't the end all be all. Truly, I have a friend who is a clinical social worker. She disclosed to me that she attempted to cut off her fiance's manhood with a knife and then diagnosed him as a narcissist because he dumped her before the wedding even though everyone knew he didn't want to marry her, even before the knife incident. So, yes, a person can go to school, take some hard exams, and perhaps a residency or two in order to be granted the official ability to assess things, but cognitive biases and blind spots are still there... Theory of mind is a challenge for neurotypicals too, so it's more about being able to analyze and accurately identify what's happening in the mind of the patient. Asperger's doesn't officially exist in the US anymore, but it still exists to me. Diagnosis of someone with a high IQ isn't as simple as ticking off a list of criteria, it is more like an investigation where nuanced and seemingly imperceptible variations in cognition must be recognized. So, really, who is better to equipped to diagnose? A logical, objective individual on the spectrum with a first person preservative of their experiences or my friend with credentials? Yes, I'm being slightly facetious, but really, who would you want to help you figure out what's going on in your mind?
It’s called self-assessment then, not self-diagnosis.
Only a certified person can make a diagnosis, this includes doctors, psychologist and psychiatrist.
10:00 "If we just went around believing each other about who we are and what we need, then there would be so much less prejudice and angst in the world"
Perfectly said
Maybe. But we'd also have a lot of fakes out there. Should we believe everyone who insists they were abducted by aliens as well? Doesn't make much sense. There's a reason self diagnosis is considered ill advised. Personal confirmation biases, study methods, sources, all can alter how someone ends up seeing themself, necessitating a formal diagnosis from a professional to clear it up because like it or not, that's what they're trained to do.
@@faded1to3black Self diagnosis can be valid, but it requires a degree of care. It's easy to Google the most benign symptoms and convince yourself you have weeks to live, which is why you go to a doctor for a diagnosis to find out if it's a) nothing to worry about or b) needs further investigation.
However, when it comes to autism, there are several diagnostic tests that have been put together by qualified professionals in the field and, while they come with the disclaimer that they are intended to be used in a clinical setting, I doubt that my responses to the AQ and RAADS-R questionnaires would be substantially different, whether I went through them with a psychologist present, or on my own.
While I'm well aware of how confirmation bias works and I recognise that none of us are immune to it, I believe that it's also important to understand that the tools that are available online for self-diagnosis of autism are more than just Facebook quizzes to find out what your superhero name would be.
It's also not as easy to get a professional diagnosis of autism as it is for more clearly-defined conditions. Aside from the fact that, in my country (UK) at least, obtaining a clinical diagnosis involves either paying to go private or languishing for years on a waiting list, autism is not a single, clearly-defined condition. It's a spectrum and there are many traits commonly associated with it. An autistic person may exhibit only a few of these traits, or many of them. Further, it's a lot harder for a third party to diagnose something that they can't actually see. With a physical illness, there are visible, or at least biologically detectable, symptoms. With autism, the clinician is largely reliant upon the patient's description of their subjective experiences.
Unfortunately, this often leads to the patient not being believed, or their experiences being dismissed or misunderstood. This is especially true in adults, for example, where we have had to learn to mask ourselves in order to appear "normal" in social situations. More than once I have seen an autistic person complaining that their therapist or psychologist ignored their experiences and decided that they weren't autistic because they can function in a social context, or because they've forced themselves to control their tics when out in public. Not only does this leave people who are on the spectrum being overlooked when they are clearly in need of support, it demotivates them to seek further help and can lead to them becoming increasingly depressed and even suicidal because they are not being believed or listened to.
I believe that, in the case of a condition that is largely (or entirely) defined by one's own subjective, internal experience, self-diagnosis can, in many ways, be more valid, more reliable and more useful than a "professional" opinion.
@@faded1to3black if self diagnosis were valid then everyone would be on disability and avoiding military service. ie mellingering. thats why professional help is better. if the question is am or am i not autistic then why would you worry about it. i never thought i was schizophrenic until someone else made me go to the er. i never cared about schizophrenia or mental illness. . why do self diagnosers care so much about being diagnosed and telling everyone they are sick?
@@defective1331 You need to calm yourself down. Forcing people into military 'service' so they seek a false disability to protect themselves is an issue with the state and not the person. Stop glorifying the military and any government for that matter. Who are they telling they are sick? Autism isn't a sickness. Schizophrenia is. Your ableist standpoint is precisely so many people need a diagnosis and their own diagnosis are valid. In order to have acessibility from services and charities that would support them going forward; a diagnosis is vital. Support in this world is conditional based on specifications set by people like you! The quality of life of each person is important unlike you and your deme-ted need to push everyone through the military carousel. What are you doing for verterans who are of no use to anyone and dealing with PTSD? Scoffing at them as well? Go and serve yourself since everyone one else clearly does not want to.
Ok, I self-diagnose as a rich person. Believe me about who I am and what I need, and then send me a million dollars. You wouldn't want to be PREJUDICED, would you??
I self-diagnose as a Native American. Believe me about who I am and what I need. Send me government benefits, casino earning percentages, guaranteed land ownership, tax exemptions, etc.
I self-diagnose as a police brutality victim. I got pulled over for speeding and started mouthing off to the cop, then pushed the cop and resisted arrest. Believe me about who I am and what I need. I also self-diagnose as black, so now I get to be a police victim by default, and my own actions that caused the arrest are now irrelevant. Fire the cop who pulled me over and give me a civil settlement.
I can play this dumbass game all day long. Slippery slopes are fun, right? 🤡
For many people (principally adults) there is little alternative to self-diagnosis because getting an "official" diagnosis is so difficult. The first point of contact is often the GP but many GPs know little about autism and have a dismissive attitude towards psychological conditions and this negativity puts people off. There is often an attitude that adults can cope and are a low priority for diagnosis, either because they can supposedly "manage" or that little can be done to help them. Private diagnosis is hugely expensive and may not be accepted by employers and other agencies when seeking support. As others have mentioned official diagnoses (or non-diagnoses) are not necessarily accurate as "experts" may have limited knowledge of autism or questionable ideas about it leading to over- or under-diagnosis and lots of inconsistency. Often the self-diagnosed autistic person knows much more about the condition than the "expert". Too much depends on the quality and commitment of those in the diagnosis process and too many people go without an autism diagnosis who would benefit from one.
That is why, instead of going to "present my case", I started a list of issues I have (along with a list of assets, just to give myself some positive counter-weight). Should I ever seek support, I will present that list, and see what the professionals make of it.
@@schwarzeseis4031 I did this too, I have also googled all of the symptoms and written down to what extent i experience them (accompanied with examples from memory)
I did that to find out whether it will be worth it to seek a diagnosis once i have access to a diagnostic assessment. it turns out that I have pretty much all of the traits in varying degrees. I am glad I did this, because now I know it is most likely me.
@@debbiegarden6306 you cant drive or travel 45 minutes? my hospital is 45 minutes away from me.
@@debbiegarden6306 you mean psychiatrist. theres a difference. i am diagnosed with a major mental disorder since 2009. ive been around the country. psychiatrists work in clinics. not their house. this is not bill cosby/huxtable. have you ever tried to meet a doctor? give me a state and city.
@@debbiegarden6306 just because you go in to get diagnosed does not mean you have it. ive been diagnosed as a child as not having it. later i was diagnosed with something else. now i have people that do things for me.
asd is rated in how much help you need.
my son has asd bad. but i dont think i have it.
I think a diagnosis as an adult female can be very difficult due to the automated camouflaging and masking skills that kick in. These can be so well oiled and maintained by fear and shame, that they are near impossible to let go of.
This is my fear! I have learned to mask for so long that whenever I'm around people I subconsciously start masking. It's how I've learned to cope and I've learned my social skills from mimicking other people around me that I was close too and mimick certain behaviors so when I'm around others I will mask. I know I'm on the spectrum but I'm afraid of spending all that money for them to misdiagnose me because of my masking not to mention I'm almost 30 now so it's not exactly easy. I've done a lot of research and I have a gut feeling that I'm autistic but I don't want to get a misdiagnoses.
Both my daughters have been formally diagnosed. When my youngest was diagnosed about 4 yrs ago, the psychologist told her, "Your dad is autistic too." She made that assessment by asking me questions when I would take my daughter to her appointments. So I suppose I have an informal diagnosis. I'm 57 yrs old and see no point of getting formally diagnosed, but looking back on my life, it certainly explains things I went through and go through. Especially the crippling anxieties.
I'm sure your children don't need to be on medication. What if the same professional told you your children needed hormone blockers and a sex change? I hope you're not that type of parent. Open your eyes
@@e7thstar he never said anything about his children being medicated. Not all children with a diagnosis take medication. My daughter is Autistic and doesn't take any medication.
I'm an adult with ADHD. I'm on medication, but every time that I have decided I don't think I need my medication, it isn't very long before I start running into issues at home with getting stuff like vehicle inspections done, paying bills, and stuff like that.
Then at work, I start running into issues from impulsively talking over people, and not staying on topic to the point where someone will make a joke about me having ADHD, and a few other people will stop laughing and ask me seriously about it. Usually, that is embarrassing enough that I'll end up realizing that I function a lot better at work and get along with people a lot better when I'm medicated.
I can sort of work out a lot of tasks with a bunch of reminders and stuff unmedicated, but the social part hurts a lot.
@@kraziecatclady being opinionated and talking over boring people isn't a medical condition. So you like to slack off, all humans do. Difference is we all learn to cope with it our own way. Again, most of these diagnosis don't exist in other countries.
@@kraziecatclady you should care less if you get along with your coworkers and more about doing efficient work. Just my two cents.
@@e7thstar no one has ever called me lazy besides myself. If anything they usually have to stop me and get me to refocus because I will try to do everything at once and I have no ability to prioritize. If you come to me while I am working on something and give me a task, I will stop what I am doing and go do that task instead even if you meant for me to do it another day or later on. On medication, I seem to have an easier time telling people to let me finish my current task before moving on.
They aren't being boring, I have trouble not talking over people because of impulse control where I get really nervous that if I don't talk over them, I might forget what I was thinking about, that they will move away from the topic and I will be off topic by the time there is a gap, and/or I feel like they think I don't know the thing they are talking about. The last one, I have managed to get a little bit better about controlling myself and stopping myself from doing, because I'll try to remind myself that probably is not the case.
As for people not liking me, maybe I'm wording things wrong. I don't really give a shit about if people like me or not, but the issue is causing tension at work. It's really really bad to talk over your boss, especially if he/she already has you in their office to discuss an issue or to give you a task to complete, yet I struggle to not talk over them even though it will make the situation worse. The same issue occurs from talking over coworkers. They become frustrated with you and avoid you or ignore your advice even if it is solid advice.
Sometimes u have to diagnosis yourself when u ask teachers or doctors & they don’t believe u have Autism but u know u do (like what happened to me)
When I did get diagnosed at the age of 22, I had to fight to get it. 😡
I hope things get better & people start to listen to that person 😊
I will never get diagnosed. People don't understand it in India at all.
Its nice to know I'm not the only one thank you, now I need to find someone like you to be my friend and understand me.
Stephanie Wright well I can be ur friend 👍
@@anweshakar146 its still difficult here in India there is no concept like mental health at all...
@@anweshakar146 yeah. I'm Indian and feel the same way too. I have a strong feeling that I might be autistic but the way mental health is treated in our country is so archaic...
I think I am autistic, I have done a lot of research and it seems a lot like me. But I wouldn't call myself autistic until I see someone that is trained in it. So I think I might have it but I don't consider myself autistic until then. Similar to you.
Same!
I'm the same. I just told my mum that I think I may have autism and I explained to her the traits that I show but I wouldn't say I am autistic until I get told by a professional no matter how confident I am.
I babysit my cousins sometimes and the other day I was almost in meltdown territory and nearly just walked out to drive home. Obviously I didn't, but I think I'll need to tell the older kids (9 and 12) that I can't handle the kind of behaviour they were showing to prevent anything in the future
This all sounds great in theory, but not everyone is able to access a professional who is well trained in diagnosing autism in adult females, or even younger females. I'm not able to handle the costs and the travel, which would be involved for me. I tried years ago, but wasn't able to find someone with experience, I would have had to fly across the country, which I couldn't afford, so ended up with another misdiagnosis and more useless pills. It's too late for me now.
Same
I feel like I may be autistic but I don’t want to bring it up with my parents incase I’m wrong
I don't have health insurance, and since I'm of a certain age and married I can't receive assistance from the government. Luckily, my husband will have insurance next month. I've been self diagnosed for a while now. However, I do not speak in autistic communities normally. I read forums and watch videos to learn the coping mechanisms that others use to help. So far I feel as I have made significant progress in my interpersonal relationships because of what I have learned. Socially, I'm still not doing well. I'm hoping my therapist can help there when I do eventually have one. My point is, self diagnosis can be a great tool if you're actively trying to learn how to manage your autism.
It's all you have when you live in US and getting help is arduous as fuck
@@Dylan-yh3yk the US is amazing as long as you make less than 40k single and 80k married. My healthcare is free, my income taxes are negative, my tax on investments are 0%.
its all about location. Where I live in the US, $24k provides a decent life . Three bedroom house, two paid for cars, fridge that's always stocked, twenty minutes away from a lake to take my jetskis out.
That level of expense lets me save about 45% of my income (I work at a gas station, I'm not some fancy software engineer).
So my friend who is diagnosed and me who are professionally diagnosed's theory is that autism falls into the philosophical theory of "cluster categories". Basically autism, as a spectrum condition is literally cluster category rather than an objective yes or no feature, and there is a not insignificant amount of folk with autistic traits, but not enough to get a diagnosis.
Similar to how there isn't really a "male brain" or "female brain", there is just a lot of overlap between the two categories, and there are distended men who identify as men with typically female brains, and cisgender women with typically male brains. We get the data on whether a feature is found more in men, women, or equally both genders by the self reported gender of those participating.
The label is made to fit the lived experiences of gender, not the other way round. Same with autism. Autism as a category is made to differentiate specific features and traits that cluster together, but what traits a specific autistic person has will vary depending on them personally and how their autistic traits manifest. But there are clusters of useful ways of dealing with problems that most often are found in autistic people, and this and an autistic community can make autistic people feel less weird and less like outsiders,because there are lots people like them
I realised I may be autistic when I was fourteen. I showed my mum the list of symptoms and agreed so she took me to the gp. The gp also read the list and seemed pretty certain but had to refer me to the specialists. They then told me that I had to wait until I was sixteen to get the diagnosis. I'm fifteen now and will be sixteen in december, so I have to wait until then. Even though I don't officially know, I use the term autistic as I believe I am. However, I still will wait to get the diagnosis when I am sixteen x
@Firebird Don ikr, I don't even get why 😂
I'm 14 right now, and I suspect that I am autistic. I have no clue how to ask my parents to take me to the doctor. 😅 I prefer not to be touched, and I have some sensory issues. There are many other things, but your comment has given me some confidence.🙂
It’s been a year, how are you doing?
@@cloud-ji7vm heyy, I'm now seventeen buy because of COVID and things, I still haven't been able to get a diagnosis :(😂
@@alexandralee3476 I know that you wouldn't probably need this but... Good luck! I am same age as yours and told my parents about it which they responded as "The effect of pandemic", they didn't even bothered to ask me or do something. I really wish you the best and hopefully you get your diagnosis : )
I know I'm autistic, and I wont be diagnosed. That's right, I'm not copping to the charge, even if it might be true.
I got confronted with it recently through a family member.
The stigma is still bad enough that in certain lines of work, it's best to not make it "official". A shame, I suppose, but we Autistics want to be like everybody else, are anxious and quick to learn. Part of being like everybody else is acknowledging that we ALL suffer, autism is just one way.
Want to recommend a book, and I didn't think I be doing it as an admitted autistic:
"How to disagree without being disagreeable" the best book on verbal self defense I've seen. Cheers!🌺
I'm probably sure I'm on the spectrum but my mom lies about me and how I act even though it clearly there
This happened with my teacher when I needed a form filled out in order to get an assessment. She put down a bunch of lies about me and I didn’t score high enough on it to require an assessment because she put what she thought I should be able to do.
Oh also I wish you luck in getting a diagnosis 💕 sending love
I'm so sorry! :(
@Chig Bungus this is the most relatable thing I’m feeling about this right now.
Totally agree, nothing at all wrong with self diagnosis! Especially when waiting lists for diagnosis are so long & then it depends how well the person assessing you is trained! If you do an online test & score highly.. recognise lots of traits in yourself... what's wrong with trying to help yourself? Your life might be better with more self understanding.
It’s too expensive it’s 3000+$ and I don’t have it. I feel like I want to get it but it’s just not realistic
I went for assessment 4 months ago. When I got the report, the psychologist said she couldn’t diagnose me with ASD because she didn’t have records to prove childhood development. I had made a 5 page report detailing everything as far back as I could remember, including all my 12 previous psychiatric diagnoses. I did not have anyone to prove my childhood as I am 60 and my parents, child psychiatrist were all deceased as is my husband. She asked me if I met all my milestones, which I didn’t know. She asked me if I was premature, I didn’t know, she asked me if my mother smoked or drank while pregnant: she did. Then she asked me if I wet the bed, I didn’t know. That’s all she asked me about my childhood. I was given a bunch of tests for ASD, depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. I showed autistic traits and behaviors that cause severe impairment with everyday functioning, and all recommendations were for social, emotional and communication problems. Then she diagnosed me with Schizoid/avoidant personality disorders, PDD, MDD, GAD, and PTSD. But not ASD due to not having records. My therapist (who works with autistic) and clinical director were shocked. They are certain that I am autistic, and want me to accept that I am. This doubt has tormented me for 4 months. I’m not sure if I am or not.
I absolutely love how you talked about this with such an open perspective to every group. You kept saying the exact things that I often find myself trying to express, so thank you for putting that out there!
I was personally on the NHS diagnosis waiting list for a year and 9 months. I found being in that limbo for such a long length of time devastating to my mental health and so when the tumblr #actuallyautistic community welcomed me aboard as self-diagnosed it was such a huge relief and I felt accepted, understood and finally able to stim and to wear headphones in public to help myself cope better. Without a label I felt like I was 'making a fuss' or 'being too sensitive'. I only called myself autistic around family and one close friend and they knew I was self-diagnosed for the time being, so it certainly didn't harm anybody but was immensely helpful, if not life-changing for me.
I am now overwhelmingly grateful to have an official diagnosis, along with the NHS's grand 12 page essay to prove it and it is a huge relief. But I shall always be 100% welcoming to self-diagnosed people. :)
At 58 i am self diagnosed i no i am 100%autistic.the past few years i picked up so good tips on how to live better with autism. I am feeling better for it every day
I Have Autism I Was Diagnosed With Autism At Age 14 I'm 27 Years Old Now Iv'e Been Living Interdependently On My Own For 2 Years & 12 Months So Far
I have enough traits that I’m pretty sure I’m on the spectrum. However, I’m 69 years old and have managed to cope well enough that a formal diagnosis at this point is something I will not likely pursue. But videos such as yours are wonderful resources that offer valuable information and give a sort of yardstick of comparison.
I am 50 years old went to the doctor's just before lockdown the doctor was not very helpful I had no success to be put on the list for an assessment I myself have decided to live my life and carry on coping the way I have done so far
I am self diagnosed as autistic because I am transgender and a professional diagnosis could risk my access to medical transition that is essential to me.
I’m transgender too and I didn’t know about this... Thankyou for making me aware. What is it that prevents medical stuff? I have an general idea from guessing but this is the first I’ve heard about this..
@@rulerzreachf4n200 having an autism diagnosis can make the assessment period for hormones or surgery much longer and in some countries they are allowed to deny you hormones or surgery altogether because they think that being autistic can effect your ability to consent properly, understand the outcomes of transitioning or give you a “wrong” view of your gender
I'm transgender and autistic too. I have a formal diagnosis. I never knew it could make some of the processes longer. I also am partially blind and have joint pain (not sure yet what's causing it) I'm just hoping my transitioning wont be significantly delayed due to my disabilities :/
@@BBDOT Omg fuck that so much! I am so sorry! :( I know issues of consent are important but damn, that is so messed-up.
They already rejected me for autism because of some childhood trauma. Too scared to get diagnosed for gender dysphoria (despite being trans as well) because you can get rejected for that as well if you have some childhood trauma. So I've decided to just rot and swallow the dysphoria until I 'manage' to get a job. Then I am still rotting but helping parent pay bills and such. I don't see a future for me but watching these videos make me feel less lonely/invisible.
I'm exactly like you, I've done months of research. Websites, RUclips, medical journals, shown my husband everything and had outside confirmation by him, that I am very possibly autistic.
I can't call myself it without a doctor saying I am. My husband will refer to me as Aspie sometimes but I always try to shy away from calling myself that. I need a medical professional who is trained to see it, trained to diagnose it and then I will. I need it factually diagnosed.
But I support many people for wanting to self diagnose because just going the way of a diagnosis, just trying to take that first step to go to the GP is so so so hard.
I'm 52 and self-diagnosed.
I can't access diagnosis because I live in Indonesia. And I'm not sure to really want an official diagnosis (unless it's made much easier maybe) because I'm not expecting anything. I mean, identifying myself as autistic, at my age, is more about 1. Understanding my past and 2. Starting to take care of myself the proper way.
I've felt like "wow it explains sooo much" when I first suspected that I was autistic, it was like finally having the key of my life. If the autistic key gives finally sense to my life, why would I need a confirmation? Anyway, most people around me have no idea what to do/not to do with autistic people, it won't change if I show them a certificate...
I'm absolutely convinced of being autistic, it's the puzzle piece that gives a meaning to the whole picture, so... why should I want more?
Thank you for this video, Ella. I am self diagnosed and have spent over a year deeply researching autism and the diagnostic criteria, reflecting on and journaling about my life and participating in forums with other autistic people. I am on a wait list and anticipate a formal assessment next year but it is going to cost me a few thousand dollars and I will have to travel out of town. It took me quite some time to find someone I could get to without having to stay overnight in another town and thus accrue even more costs. I am 52 years old and there was no chance that I would have been diagnosed in childhood though the signs were there. I have never been fully independent and am concerned about my future as a senior. My full self diagnosis is actually Autism, ADHD and Anxiety and I am very confident about this diagnosis. I think you've summed up this topic really well......just let them be.
I heard someone on reddit say this to me when i was talking about how i doubt myself a lot (being self diagnosed). They said something like 'its very rare for a self diagnosed person to be wrong about their diagnosis' So think as long as you have done all the research you can and you still think its a label that fits you, then you're probably right about it. I do still deal with doubt pretty much every day but i live in the uk so even when i do finally reach out to get a diagnosis, i'll still probably end up waiting a year at the very least.
I'd love to have the chance to get diagnosed after waiting only a year. I live in the US, so it's $3k to have them diagnose you. I've looked at the DSM-5, and I've seen I meet all the criteria, and in the US the only support you'd get is disability, which I wouldn't qualify for because I am capable of holding a job. Realistically, I doubt I'd ever be able to spend that much money on something like that.
Getting an official diagnosis can stigmatize you too. Some places they'll take your kids.
Take your kids for having Autism? What if your kids are also diagnosed autistic?
Very possible especially in the United States. Sad but true. Very possible.
@@kraziecatclady yep child care protective services can take away your child for having autism if they see you are fit or capable of handling them.
@@Faethehippie15_ I doubt an autism diagnosis by itself would result in the government taking your children. Now if the person is proven to be unfit by other means, for example, not providing for their child (neglect) or being abusive, that's a reason in itself to remove the child and place it in a safer environment, but if you are diagnosed autistic, that should be a sole reason for children to be taken away. I have ADHD and OCD. Neither of my diagnosis have ever resulted in anyone trying to take my kids away.
I'm 40 and I will have my final assessment on September 17th ! My process what quite straightforward too: I went to the GP with my AQ test results - 42/50 - which made her refer me without too much asking. Then I had the first part of the diagnosis (1h30) with a specialist nurse a few months later. I was told that my traits were pretty significant enough to do the final assessment. And 1 year and 2 days later I'm going to have this diagnosis.
I didn't try to get it before because 1. In my country of origin (I'm now in the UK), it's very rare to diagnose adult women/afab properly ; 2. I always thought that I couldn't suffer from generalised anxiety and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, AND autism. I thought it was too much for one person and no one would believe me (even I). Turns out, there's actually a comorbidity between those... Otherwise, I would have sought to be diagnosed 20 years ago! XD
How did you get on??
@@georgiarous1019 It went very well I think, considering.
The assessment lasted 2.5 hours, I was asked many questions, I was observed by the specialist as I did some game tests with various toys and puzzles, I had to tell a story based on toys and a story based on an illustrated book without a text, and the specialist also reviewed my answers to the previous assessment.
I cried several times - something I only do when asked about what I truly feel about something since I either don't know what I feel or feel too much and have a meltdown - and we laughed a lot at some of my actions or answers.
It was relaxed, I had my partner with me to help me when I was feeling overwhelmed, and I could feel that the specialist had my best interest in mind.
By the end of the assessment she very kindly told me that there was no doubt that I am autistic, she said she was shocked that I hadn't been diagnosed as a child with relevant support, and gave lots of leaflets and info about support groups - I cannot find a job because of my disabilities so that was really needed.
And that's it. I received the official letter 1 month after I believe. I am autistic.
I knew it but it's something to receive proof of it and having a reason for all the struggles I have faced.
I hope you'll be all right if you are waiting for your own diagnosis. ❤
@@alexpoulpe979 I wonder now, January 2022, how you are doing?
@@lindaclairesartori Oh thanks for asking, I had forgotten about this post. It's weird to read all that, which I wrote directly at the time it happened!
Well, one year later, I can tell that took me some time to come to terms with the "loss" of the life I could have had if I had been given relevant support from childhood.
But I'm much better now, because I know what hurts me and what helps, my social circle knows and protects me, and I receive some well needed support at work too (I'm a librarian and got that job after the diagnosis!).
All in all, it's great!
Though I have been struggling with fear of abandonment during the whole c-19 situation as I'm lousy with communication and haven't seen my friends (who live very far away) in many months. But they tell me they miss me too and know well how my brain works, so I should instead focus on taking care of myself and making plans for when I see them again.
I'm sure I'm not the only neurodivergent person who's been experiencing those feelings lately...
Good luck to all of you in the same situation that I was before this official diagnosis, and lots if virtual hugs (the one I prefer 🤗).
I think 'self identified' and 'official diagnosis' work well as descriptions. It leaves identification as a first, initial step in an individual's assessment journey. Official diagnosis, the process involving another person, a professional, in the process of diagnosis. I am still self identified, waiting until circumstances permit a diagnosis, like so many other adults in middle age.
Thank you Ella. I've been bumped from psychological assessment (because I occasionally see a therapist and the public system won't take me - duplication of care - sigh) and I'm waiting on a list now to see a psychiatrist. But I'm spent, this has been such a struggle trying to access care that will help me with both my mental health and autism diagnostic support..
That said, realizing that I'm *probably* autistic had been life changing. I understand why I am the way I am and I'm so much better able to care for myself and recognize my needs. I don't think I'm broken or fucked up anymore, I'm just not neurotypical. Life changing.
Anyway, thank you for the wise, nuanced view on this.
I absolutely love the “why don’t we allow people who need help to just get help?” Attitude!! That’s the way it should be. We should all be lifting each other up. If someone needs help shopping, help them. If they need help with sensory issues, help them! Why does any of this need a diagnoses? Knowing I’m autistic has seriously made my life easier because I recognize where I’m different and allow myself the space to do what I need. I’m otherwise a very low needs individual which is probably why I was completely missed until age 45. My life could have been a lot easier when I was younger but mostly of people would have just offered help when I was struggling, regardless of thinking I was NT, it would have been soo much easier. Thank you for this. I realize this is an old video but I still wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you. Have a spectacular day or night!!
I am currently self diagnosed and FIGHTING for my official one so when someone asks "What is WRONG with you?" or tells me I am mental or that I am making it up, I have an actual panel of professionals backing me up. If they tell me I am wrong then I don't know what I will do - go back into the mental health system for other erroneous labels? It's the only one that makes sense of it all.
I have self-diagnosed myself with autism, after carefully researching and putting the details into perspective, and I acknowledge the possibility that I am mistaken. And recently some random person on the internet commented to me that the idea is not only nonsense, but nobody truly on the spectrum would be so "egotistical" as to think they could diagnose themselves with anything. That is ignorant for two reasons: it belittles the struggles and questions someone my have to consider the possibility, and suggests that autistic people are neither confident nor competent enough to pursue an answer. So I appreciate your validation of people who have taken that route, and hope others learn from your example.
Hi! Thank you for the video! ^^
I've been formaly diagnosed with autism recently and here are my thoughts about self-diagnosis: no health proffesionnal ever tryed to find what was the origin of my struggles until I eventually find out myself that I'm on the spectrum. Hopefuly, I found a psychiatris that is knowledgeable on the the matter and confirmed my diagnosis. Now I still consider myself as self-diagnosed because I made all the research work and the analysis of my entire life myself, I just feel fully validated by the official diagnosis.
I live in the US and simply don't have means financially. The closest clinic that has any sort of specialist for me is hours away and is not covered by my insurance.
I was a pretty textbook example (my dad is as well but I'm not going to bring it up with him because he's happy).
I spent a lot of time dwelling on it and have decided after 6 years of off and on looking into it and testing and what not to just accept it.
My life has improved quite a bit. I feel like I understand myself and who I am more than I ever have before and especially helped with my marriage. I can explain things to my wife so much better now with autism specific references and what not.
Thanks from a mom of two on the spectrum that recognized herself through her kids. I take a long time processing so it took me several years to even take a test for myself. I had dealt with depression, suicidal thoughts and attempts, PTSD from childhood abuse and abandonment from my first husband, so for a long time, I figured that was more than my quota of issues. I had done the cheap "let's-get-on-with-it" therapy a person in my position could afford. Not a lot of help, not worth sticking with. I would mask all-rightness quite well,they could check me off their list in short order, and I could stop going and keep the deep down problems to myself. Then, I got married a second time, this time to a man who never knew he was diagnosed autistic till his mom announced it to him at age 35. And I began to ponder myself in a different way through him. And as my kids grew, I saw more and more me. I finally broke over and took a test. The results were a high probability of autism. But, could I afford any diagnosis process or go to any therapist who would have the depth and insight to take me seriously on this? Not in this country, nor especially this area of the country. My kids got theirs through the simple fact there is more in place for kids. I would feel more comfortable and more validated if I could find a way to make it official. Right now, I truly struggle to feel I fit anywhere. Edited to add that on the physical side, I also have unofficially diagnosed Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome I can't get diagnosed either, so there's that I walk around with too.
I am self diagnosed but also with unofficial confirmation from a psychologist who specializes in autism.
This is lovely.I think the balanced view expressed here is vital. Having family members (a great grandchild and a cousin twice removed) diagnosed, I started watching videos made by autistic people and began to see myself in a lot of what they were saying. Not everything, but enough to make me wonder. I went to the alexithymia online test first and scored highly. So I did the AQ test and scored sufficiently high to keep going. I then did another test CAT-Q and found my scares signigicantly nearer to average female autistic scores than the neurotypical female scores. I then spent a week mulling over all over this, considering my life in the light of a possible autism diagnosis. At first it was very emotional, head all over the place, but gradually it made more sense. The AVPD diagnosis I'd been leaning on was good but this was better, more complete, as if I was seeing myself in a whole new light, as if someone had shone a light into my darkness, painful at first but then I started to feel good, happy, all the odd bits of me finally started to make sense.
I'm 77 now, almost 78, and see no point in getting a formal diagnosis, My whole family is odd anyway, and I'm not going to be seeking support. I have enough trouble dealing with fairly severe ME, arthritis, gall stones, lichen sclerosus, tinnitus, etc, without troubling any more doctors, so why bother? I finally feel happier than i've ever been, the feelings of guilt about not being like other people have gone. I feel justified and content. So, self-diagnosed? Yes. Concerned about that? No. Other people in the same boat see it as fine and that will do me. Though my support worker has suggested I contact a local autism group.and I may do that. i'm housebound anyway so won't be goiing anywhere to seek verification. I hope it was ok to comment here on my experience.
In my city only children are diagnosed and adults still don’t know where to go. Moreover, the diagnosis of such things usually is looked down upon like it means you’re not normal. So people don’t strive to go to the doctors concerning psychological health or some difficulties. Though the situation is slightly changing as information is spreading over the Internet.
However, I feel like I would like an official diagnosis for my own sake. To feel justified that I may be different from what is considered normal. And to know that although some things can get better, it’s for life and I should accept some of my traits.
I appreciated this; thank you for making this video! I think this is especially important given that autism is underdiagnosed in people of color and women. I'm pretty sure when I was a kid I thought only men could be autistic because I heard NOTHING about autism in girls. The image in my head for a long time was definitely of a white male. There really needs to be more awareness.
One minute in and I'm struggling with the audio quality, loud and distorted, not sure if I can continue. Ten years ago, as an adult female, I tried to get a diagnosis, it was a nightmare, the psychiatrist said I couldn't be autistic because I write too well, he wanted to diagnose me with something else and prescribe a bunch of drugs I presume. I had already been misdiagnosed multiple times over the years, and harmed by all the drugs I've been prescribed. I left and never returned, he refused to take me seriously. I feel like it's too late now, if I had known as a child, and if my parents had known, my life would have turned out very different. As it is, I've struggled through life, the proverbial under-achiever, in spite of my intelligence, and now I'm approaching retirement age, but haven't ever been able to hold down a full time job for long, not knowing why. I'm very socially isolated, hardly ever go out, with lots of health issues, sensitivities and not much hope of things ever improving. I've self diagnosed, but it's pretty meaningless really, I don't interact with other people much, so who cares. I take care of myself better, now that I understand, but I'm very sad and disappointed, my life has felt like nothing but confusion, struggle, and shame, such a waste really. I was a good mother to my now grown daughter, so that's something, she is happy and achieving success in life.
I'm only in high school, and I already suspect that I am neurodivergent. I also struggled with the audio. I'm so sorry that you had such a difficult time with getting a diagnosis and doctors. I am afraid to ask my parents to go to a doctor. Hope things have gotten better for you.🥰
I hope that things are better for you too
You just described what life's like for the average human.
It's heartening to hear this. I am currently seeking a diagnosis in the USA. My mother definitely believes I'm not, but my brother and my girlfriend definitely believe I am. My sister is on the fence. Personally I don't know, and will not be sure until I have been assessed. What I do know is that many of the things autistic people struggle with, I struggle with - and strategies that help autistic people have helped me.
43 years old and self diagnosed, I basically did the self diagnosis during lockdown in 2020. Autism and comorbid conditions became a special interest and I read everything I could get my hands on. It was really hearing the lived experiences and identifying heavily that really convinced me. I would then look back at stuff from high school and primary school, being the weirdo who couldn't stand the sound of dog barking, or my hyper sensitive reactions to taste, being uncoordinated ie having dyspraxia. I even remember having a shut down on a train once and must have seemed like I was in some sort of weird trance not even responding to the person nearby that I knew. Chronic info dumper, sensory overloads in supermarkets. Its all there and abundantly obvious, so why would I need a person who is likely not autistic themselves to make an assessment on my lived experiences? Diagnosis is expensive and there are no adult specialist clinics in Victoria it's expensive and cost of living has already exploded in Australia. I live self sufficiently and whilst autism has its challenges I wouldn't need diagnosis to access additional services and it wouldn't undo decades of pain and suffering before I realised why I was different. I know who I am and people can either accept that or offer to pay for me to get diagnosed, I'm open to that option too.
😂😂😂 I love you!!!! 😂👏 the part where you did that voice, and then was like "idk why I did that voice" I swear to you, I do that SAMEEEEE voice when making a point like that or showing how someone rude would say it 😂🙏❤️ I'm so grateful I found your channel!!! 💗
Really like your audio i can understand everything u say, and i have a hard time understanding when ppl talk, thanks!!
I am supportive of the undiagnosed autistics out there ,so thank you Ella! I love your compassionate opinion! If we are undiagnosed and Autistic/Asperger's etc. on the spectrum we are certainly in an unenviable position in society. If for whatever reason we are undiagnosed even while seeking Diagnosis and we live with the powerful reality of our own Autistic life, then we have NO support for our selves. We may feel that we must self advocate in spite of a lack of formal diagnosis. If a person is blind because of a neurological condition but was never seen by a doctor their whole lives , would they be jerks to tell people they are blind? Of course not! Actually the undiagnosed but actually autistic person is demonstrating more compassion and courage toward themselves and NT people by being OUT and self advocating. The reason to get a diagnosis for me besides Mental health support is to further empower the Self advocate to self advocate . If we Have one NT or ASpectrum friend who understands we are actually autistic and acknowledges our lived experience then we don't feel so alone with our pain and we feel encouraged in our Happiness. One Person acknowledging our struggle can have a great impact on our inner happiness let alone multiple people ackowledging us. That said it's not easy for us to always sort out when and who to be open with about our experience on the Autistic Spectrum. If a blind person were sitting on the public bus but had no cane, you wouldn't know they are blind , but if they tell you they are blind , then it would be wise to beleive them wouldn't it? I love your video Ella. thankyou Ella .Thankyou ! 😎❤️
I am medically recognized for ADHD and took a self-assessment on Embrace Autism just because I heard that it's common to have both. So I went in it not even thinking about the possibility. However, when I scored high I took another and again a high score. Took one more and yet again I scored high. So yes, I self diagnosed with Autism. I remain that way for several reasons. One of those is; that it's too expensive. Another one is; that I could lose or be prevented from getting a job, having children, owning a house, etc. That's just naming a few examples. I am unemployed and don't drive due to other conditions so I don't benefit from an official diagnosis. I do however benefit from my self-diagnosis. A lot of things that I was experiencing started to finally make sense. I was able to finally describe to others what I was feeling because I did autism research. I was able to identify whenever I got overwhelmed with stimulation and even learned my triggers. I learned more about myself and in doing so I became more confident. Because I knew myself better it became easier for me to self-advocate. I still struggle with internal ableism which sometimes keeps me from using things that would help me but I am slowly working on that. So I 100% support self-diagnosis.
Am asperger and I just know!
bruh
I believe u
I've been diagnosed with ADHD recently. But then I heard about asd and it's relation with ADHD and with gut problems (which have always been a constant in my life). I asked my doctor about it and she just said "Yeah, maybe". And changed the subject. It really makes me anxious not knowing if I really have asd or if it's just me being paranoid about my mental health...
It's not like I want to make excuses for my shortcomings. I just want to know how to tackle my obstacles as effectively as possible
Self-diagnosis is not for everyone. For autistics that believe that that they will benefit from accommodations that may be available only to those with an official diagnosis, then obviously obtaining an official diagnosis is the best path, but for autistics that won't be requesting accommodations for work or school or wherever, self-diagnosis is a bit easier path.
In my personal experience, I did self-diagnose. I was being pushed by a loved one to consider that I could have asperger's (what it was called at the time). I resisted the idea for quite some time and then an incident occurred at work, where I was forced to admit to myself that it was absolutely true. My undoing was when I'd sent an email in anger to someone that had slighted me. I said some things that were ultimately deemed inappropriate and that was when I realized that I was completely incapable of foreseeing how this other person was going to react. I panicked at the thought of losing my job over this and so I jumped out in front of the situation by confessing to my boss, that I had asperger's. She was somewhat taken aback by my confession and I believe that it made the difference and I managed to keep my job. That was more than 10 years ago. There was no requirement that I prove such a thing, as who would admit to having asperger's would didn't really have it? I can count on one hand, all of the people that I've told since that time.
Then a few years later, my daughter had been struggling in school for a while and strangely, it did not occur to anyone that she might also be autistic. I don't exactly recall how I came to the realization, but I finally suggested it to her mother, who strongly resisted it at first, but I was determined to get some accommodations for her at school and that required an official diagnosis.
We found a specialist (we're in the U.S.) who officially diagnosed her with autism. The process of that diagnosis, actually highlighted some of the limitations of self-diagnosis. My daughter, her mother and myself, were each given a questionnaire to fill out concerning various behavioral and personality traits about my daughter. When the results were compared, the differences in answers between my daughter and her parents, were striking. My daughter rated herself as being quite good at reading social queues, etc, but nobody else thought that was a strong point for her. There were many more questions that had conflicting answers. My daughter was "masking" by giving the answers that she thought would be most acceptable. So, it would have been much more difficult if she had tried to self-diagnose (she was 13 at the time). In the end, she got the official diagnosis and accommodations at school were forthcoming. I can't say that life was smooth sailing after that, but today things are much better.
Looking back on it, I'd say that before I'd even self-diagnosed, I knew that she was different from other people in a similar way to how I was different from other people. When she was 6 years old, I told her that I knew a secret about her. Her eyes got really big and that's when I told her that I knew that she knows things that she can't explain how she's come to know them. By the look on her face, I knew that it was true. So, it wasn't such a leap for me to guess that she was also autistic, some seven years later.
B.
Thank you. I have worked in a few community/locality mental health teams, and one of the exclusion criteria has been a referral for being assessed for autism. In the geographical areas I have worked in, it is only the child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), community paediatrics, and adult teams for people with intellectual disabilities (previously known as learning difficulties/disabilities) that diagnose autism UNLESS the person is referred by the CCG (clinical commisioning groups) who agree to pay for somebody to go to a tertiary service such as The Maudsley Hospital. If they do, the person is highly likely/ needs to be already be in the mental health system with a severe and enduring mental illness and be a 'complex case', diagnostically or in management terms. Autistic people would be able to access the mental health services if they need assessment for a mental health condition, but unlikely to then get referred on to the tertiary autistic service, unless they fit in the category above.
Note, the Intellectual Disability Service may or may not assess somebody for autism. The person would need to be referred to the Team for assessment and management of something else eg ADHD, depression, psychosis, AND have a moderate - severe learning disability. These people are probably not the people listening to your fantastic channel.
thank you for all your thoughts! I agree with your opinion for the most part. I self identified as autistic for a bit, but my psychologist diagnosed me with sensory processing disorder and OCD after we talked through the symptoms. on your point about people should be getting support regardless of diagnosis, I agree to an extent, but I think having the support for the root cause of your issues, not just the symptoms, is essential. even if me and an autistic person struggle with very similar things, the root causes of those struggles is likely different because we have different neurotypes. so if I were just generally getting support as an undiagnosed autistic person, it could be helpful, but knowing I actually have SPD and OCD means I can get more targeting support. I imagine this would be even more important for people with with less similar disorders like an attachment disorder.
This is the first video I found when I searched this topic and I am happy I found your channel. New sub here. 👍
I live in the rural United States and don't currently have access to a doctor, let alone access to someone qualified to diagnose autism in adults. I'm also trans and had to travel 300 miles to get top surgery, just for perspective. Once I finally have access to a doctor I'm incredibly worried that I'll be sent to someone who has only diagnosed children and isn't up to date on research. As much as I need a diagnosis to feel comfortable identifying as autistic, I know I just need to take my therapists and my own word for it right now, even though no one else around believes me. It absolutely sucks but I'm learning more every day so ill have a stronger case when I do have access to a diagnosis
So beautifully said!! Thankyou 🙏💗
Congrats on reaching 4k! 🎉
Thank you, I'm really pleased to have reached this milestone.
This is a such a great video. It makes me really happy to see a person, especially a parent, to go about things in such a respectful, caring, openminded and simply logical way.
I agree with what you said about self-diagnosis, but would add that an official diagnosis can be wrong as well and that there is no "definitive truth", as more knowledge is being gained and diagnostic criteria and processes evolve. Just as we constantly learn and discover new things in our personal lifes :) - relating to which I noticed that the subtitle of your autism-playlist doesn´t seem to be up to date
Thanks Yana, you're right and as I watched the video back I actually thought the same thing. There are no absolutes. Can I ask you to elaborate on what you mean bu the subtitle of my autism playlist?
@@PurpleEllaif I click on your channel I see the playlist "Autism" and next to it the "play all" button. Below that is what I called the "subtitle" which says "I'm an autistic Mum with two autistic children, a boy and a girl, videos all about autism" . Based on how you addressed super kid I thought you might have wanted to change it but missed it.
Also I wanted to say, watching your videos, especially the ones you and your super children did together, has been really helpful for my mother. It helped her to understand my autism diagnosis looking back on my childhood, and the videos you did with Ros helped her to see how it is now. Thank you so much for what you are doing!
@@PurpleElla probably how it references your older child.
This was excellent! Thanks 😊
I'm so glad that you're journey was relatively straight forward and you got a proper assessment and were then properly diagnosed. I was really poorly assessed, an hour interview by a resident. Every trait I present on paper was dismissed simply because in the hour interview I did not present as autistic; I made eye contact and so forth. I agree in my mind needing proof. Like somehow I'm not enough. I know myself so much better now that I've embarked on exploring autism. Anyway. I'm now on a wait list for a private assessment. It's a year long wait time and tons of money but I have to know. I want a proper assessment, a thorough assessment, not simply being brushed to the side like I feel I was previously. I also want the possibility to have access to services especially geared towards autism, however I need a formal diagnosis for that. It's really difficult. My husband supports my endeavour but will not concede or voice an opinion as per autism since I'm not formally diagnosed.
Natural Vegan Mom If your husband is NT he probably don't get what to the autism problem with you really is.
He like she had a disability who struggle are because he can really help you with that.
It's amazing you really do get know you.
Just from reading your comments.
Your a open book and that what is mainly a strong case for diagnoses.
I was so open and honest at 15.
I'm not now I see my thinking as grey and living a grey world.
Moving on to your assessment. don't mask.
It O.K You can lose concentration and say random things that can be your naturally aspergers/autism self.
A lot of women say that with all this masking.
They pretended to be normal (NT) they forget what their autism personalty is even to autism diagnoses assessor.
Can't see though the mask.
If you told them your behaviour in childhood that would help.
What childhood behaviour did have which would have been classed as autistic?
Mind reading proof, no one can mind read.
That the Simon Bahon Cahon autism and theory of mind test.
Reading the eyes test.
That studies show that people with autism how deficit in theory of mind.
Compared to normal (NT) people.
There the strange story task in your fail with that task as well you'll get a diagnoses.
I know that Bahon Cohen is sexist.
And the whole diagnoses process is still design for boys not even men.
Young children.
Do you think you UK needs a women autism assessment with a part on masking and social burnout.?
Gary Francis I want an official diagnosis, not so much of asd, but simply to know what it is I have, if I have anything. I encounter tremendous difficulties in my daily life, but the help I've received in the past has only made me worse; it was not geared towards asd. If I do have asd, then having a diagnosis means that I would have access to appropriate services. Whereas right now no one can really help me, since I don't even fully know what I have.
Gary Francis the whole asd diagnostic criteria should be revised. It is a spectrum. No two people are alike. Things such as masking, social burnout, etc. Should definitely be included and looked for while assessing someone.
Natural Vegan Mom I forgot this Purple Ella channel.
I Have female mates with aspergers/autism who are married and have children and they have to stay at home looking after the children.
Because have problems working with energy accounting.
So Ella give me more understanding my female friends on the spectrum.
Also Ella was the first masking video I ever watched.
I could put a link up of that video.
I’m self diagnosed and was looking into getting a professional diagnosis but where I live I only have two options. Paying thousands of dollars for a private diagnosis (which isn’t possible for me) or getting on a wait list for 3 years to see a doctor for free, but it’s two hours away from me and I would need to get there and back 4 different times which would be very hard.
amazing, ella
I think I am autistic... I have had M.E. since I was 11, was selectively mute for a while when I was a young kid, and the way my brain works seems to relate with people who are autistic, more than neurotypical people.
I would quite like to seek a diagnosis, because I don't personally feel comfortable self-diagnosing, but it seems difficult to do this on the NHS? As a disabled student, I am lacking in funds - do you think would this be something I'd have to save up for?
Very encouraging. Great video. 👍
I’m currently stuck in the NHS “limbo”. I’ve been waiting nine months and looking to at least another other ten months wait. However in April, a psychiatrist noted that I have traits but the autism needs ratification.
Thanks for this video.
I think self diagnosis is fine, as long as it’s logical and well researched. It’s pretty hard to get a diagnosis in the U.K. waiting list was 2 years last time I checked.
I love you, and all you support. I need you in my life
I’m 70y/o. Recently self-diagnosed. As long as the criteria and self tests (multiple tests multiple times) fit me I have no need for school or work accommodations and live in the USA, it doesn’t make sense! $$$! And long wait!
I am not diagnosed at the moment, I would like to get diagnosed so I can get support because I have been going through things in life with such a struggle, i know I have traits but until I needed to do a course at work called 'Understanding autism' there I noticed that everything was how I felt and how I'd struggled through life, it caused a meltdown and a 4 week delay in continuing my course. I always wondered why it was hard to keep friends or make myself understood or even understand anything other people say, I dont get joke of movies or have the attention span, I'm diagnosed with adhd and dyslexic and am on medication for anxiety and depression, i have such a different way of looking at life compared to anyone e I meet and people just call me odd or weird or generally avoid talking to me. Am I autistic, i dont know but if I was a diagnosing Dr I would say yes. I need to wait 3 months to see the autism diagnostic team what do I do until then, I'm fed up with struggling through life with nobody understanding how I feel.
Thank you for this video Ella. I am self diagnosed and I %100 agree with you. I want a formal diagnosis because of the same reasons you explain at the beginning. Till then I keep it to myself and my family. So why I am self diagnosed? Because in my country unfortunately there isn't a center for adult autism diagnosis nor any expert. There is no competent authority. How I did? I took Ritvo Autism Test and I applied to my husband and to my sister. They scored 3 and 5 I scored 145. Then my sister, my mother and I talked about my childhood. My mother says that she was scared to stay at home with me when I was a baby since I've cried constantly. She says they took me to many doctors and they couldn't find any reason. Now I think it is because of vestibular system and sensory overload problems. I have had meltdowns since I can remember and those meltdowns do not fit to any other psychological disorders except autism. My self diagnosis solved many issues by adapting autism friendly life style. I want a formal diagnosis (I don't know how, I search for online- skype options) because I am a scholar and now I understand that I have lots of things to say and write but I can't because of ethical reasons. So this is my story, thank you for reading....
Self dx here. Pretty confident of it , 99.9%
I'm fourty-five and I know now why I did & do strange things nobody but me does. It explains like all the things I remember from my childhood onward. Before that I attributed those bizarre behaviours to my schizophrenia but I wasn't always sick. Autism explains like EVERYTHING. It just cannot be anything else. I will seek a formal diagnosis-but I'm ninety-five percent sure I already know the verdict. It's like if I didn't know I'm bisexual or trans. Such a relief. Kisses and Milk.
Happy new year !
I am currently self-diagnosed but in the process of getting a diagnosis from my local diagnostic clinic. I am identifying as a self-diagnosed autistic girl because I have had several psychologists tell me that chances are I'm autistic based on my experiences, they just weren't able to diagnose me themselves.
I think you touched up on all areas well here.
I self diagnose if I know enough to do so. The info is out there, in the right places
I'm 17 and sense 6th grade ive questions if i was autistic, my older brother is autistic but I'm not currently able to go to my parents about it and im despret for a lable and and answer but when i think about self diagnosing myself I feel worried im wrong 😬 I have done a lot of research trying to figure it out but i need some tips 😩🙏
I’m in that boat now. I really want a proper diagnosis. But I’ve had so many professionals who have no experience in diagnosing adults and less in women tell me no. Maybe manic. Maybe borderline. It’s just depression and social anxiety. Etc. I live in a small town in the middle of Canada so getting proper referrals is very hard. Telehealth just doesn’t cut it. But unless we pay for a private assessment I can’t get anyone who actually knows anything about it. But this is the first thing that actually fits. I can’t even get a flipping drs appointment with my GP to get better pain management for my arthritis. We can’t afford the assessment and I’m freaked out that I still won’t get an accurate one but it’s important to le so I think I’m still going for it.
4:20 what changed? is there a reason you have to wait longer?
Thanks for another great vid! I think the reason that people are skeptical of people's self diagnosis (or identification, such as gender identity etc) comes from a widespread "scarcity" (as opposed to abundance) mindset.... something in the programmed subconscious comes up and goes 🚨🚨if this person is different, they are special and will get more attention than me🚨🚨 and their automatic reaction is to try to invalidate your difference out of a subconscious fear on subsequently missing out on attention, assistance etc because of your difference. If an abundance mindset was more commonplace most people would do exactly what you said and accept that if people are taking comfort and seeing benefits in their life through self identification or self diagnosis then there's no real issues with it. I think generally we are headed in that direction, of acceptance 👌 very important point about people potentially having something other than autism like an attachment disorder 😳 but I'd say generally autism is the last thing to dawn on people, like they go through all kinds of other diagnoses and treatments which don't seem to have the desired affect... but unfortunately in a lot of countries it is actually quite difficult to access services for any mental health issues 👎 Thankyou again for sharing your valuable insight!
How do I get it across to my parents and jp that I am almost certainly autistic?
I have my appointment for assessment coming up on 7 Sept. It has taken years to get to this point. I don't think I'll tick all their boxes but I am autistic.
Good luck with your assessment! It took years for me and I know how scary it is when the day finally comes around. Be yourself, try not to mask, stim if you want to etc, I was helped to feel very comfortable during mine, so I hope you have a good experience too!
@@Ash-up9gl Thanks!
advancedwatcher Update? :)
@@Jess-db3vt It was interesting. I have had the report on the first stage - I'm through to the second stage now. After that, they'll meet with me to tell me if I'm autistic or not. Without wishing to sound totally arrogant, what they'll be telling me is whether they are effective or not! The report says I don't do reciprocal conversation. I had to find google that to find out what it was...
@@advancedwatcher update 2.0?
Hi, Purple Ella. What do you think of unofficial diagnosis? I have a clinical psychologist who agrees I’m autistic, but he didn’t give me the test so it’s not official. Is that good enough?
My local authority have a self referral service for adults who suspect that they're Autistic. That's the easy part. I filled in the form 7 months ago. Had a couple of pre-diagnostic meetings whilst I appreciate that, and I know that in other parts of the UK the waiting list is even more horrendous, they weren't that helpful. And now those of us that attended are back to waiting...
What if you live in a country where you can’t get a diagnosis? Or a country where it costs a lot of money, and you’re broke.
You're so wise
I feel the same way. I have suspected autism for myself for years, but I won’t say I am for sure until, and unless, I have an official diagnosis.
I had an autism *investigation"/test whatever also for three months because I didn't respond well to cognitive behavioral therapy and they wanted to know why.
Turned out I have autistic traits, but not the actual disorder.
I did however before (during and still up to this day) believe I have a non verbal learning disorder/NLD.
The professional who did the autism "test" on me also said that my symptoms most closely resemble NLD but that's not an official diagnosis anymore as it seems.
So she described it as me having a "not otherwise specified neurobiological development disorder".
But I still consider myself someone to have NLD, even though I have not been officially diagnosed.
Now I do understand where the whole autism idea came from because there seems to be a lot of overlap between people on the autism spectrum and people who have NLD and some people actually think it is or could be seen as a subset/subtype of autism and want it to fall into that category in the future.
Just like PDD-NOS or Aspergers for example.
I don't know how I personally feel about that and I don't think that will ever formally happen.
Have you ever looked into NLD and do you yourself see resemblances of people who are on the autism spectrum and people who have NLD?
I really agree with you! :)
I don't know how I feel about self diagnosis (I definitely don't feel confident to diagnose myself and genuinely don't know if I am autistic or not - I have some traits and an autistic child, but definitely not all traits and have built a life where my support needs are minimal, so would feel a bit of a "fraud" if I claimed to be autistic - but then I look at my daughter and see so many similarities ... I can spend hours going around in these circles) ... but in any case I LOVE your crazy idea that we could just understand and then meet people's needs!
Just as of 2021, I realized that I may be autistic with adhd, and no one believes me because none of my teachers have ever recognized any symptoms of either disorder. My working theory is that hardly anyone recognizes the presentation of autism or adhd in girls and women. I was told by my own parents that they don’t believe because my teachers never complained about behavioural or intellectual issues while I was in class. I’ve taken so many quizzes and surveys and researched for months now and I just don’t know how else to describe my life experience. I can’t afford a formal diagnosis, I’m a university student who’s not working, and no one is willing to even look into the lists of symptoms that I’ve experienced first hand. I never did badly in school until my second year in high school because it just became too much for me to handle at the time, my family just thought I was slacking. I’ve always had sleeping issues but they didn’t really help with that either. I was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder a few years ago but I’m starting to think that was a symptom of either adhd or autism that I didn’t know about. I have issues understanding certain phrasing, I can’t make eye contact, I have conversations and forget what they’re about immediately afterwards. Instructions have to be given either multiple times or very clearly and simply because I don’t know how to preform tasks the way they’re “supposed to be done” so I’ve just taught myself how to achieve the right outcome in any way that I can manage. I have problems with procrastinating, I have depressive episodes, sometimes it’s hard to physically speak, and I don’t want to be touched or spoken to sometimes. I feel emotions very strongly and sometimes feel like my range of emotion is more vast than my peers’. I have to do the same things in order everyday or it’s even harder to sleep/function. I can’t have long sleeves sit on my wrist so they’re always over my hands. I hate bright light sometimes but the dark is scary to me. I feel like I hear everything, even the sound of the lightbulbs being on. I told my parents about these things and they just told me that everyone feels like that sometimes and that I’m being a hypochondriac, which is something they tell me a lot, but I’ve also heard that being a hypochondriac is another symptom of autism so I don’t know what to think. I feel that I’ve become so good at masking these things since I was raised believing that I was neurotypical, but it’s getting exhausting. This is just a short list of things I’ve experienced and struggled with for as long as I can’t remember. Any advice would be appreciated, I’m really struggling with this now, even more so than usual.
In a fair society a diagnosis, self or otherwise, wouldn't be necessary; people would simply accept that autistic traits are a legitimate expression of a person's humanity. Unfortunately too many people are all too ready to apply labels and ostricise, a self diagnosis can help a person understand that they aren't wired or broken they simply experience the world differently to the majority. Once you reach that conclusion, particularly as an adult you can find yourself wondering why you should share all your most painful experiences with a series of Dr's just to get a kind of approval which may not be valued in the eyes of those who most need to accept it!
👏👏👏👏
I’m still struggling to get a diagnosis as someone who was born female (I identify as male he/they 😊) Throughout primary school I had meltdowns but people were like “oh she kinda quirky I guess” - now I’m 18 and I’m expected to do adult things it’s getting really hard. I also possibly have ADHD but again, getting a diagnosis is so hard. I’m still on the path, but it is a loooong one. And if I don’t get the diagnosis/it turns out I’m neurotypical I don’t know what to do. I really don’t.
I was told I was pseudo autistic. I am afab. Did not know much about autism. And left it at that even though what I have experienced seemed autistic. I don't want to self diagnosis myself, but the psychologist who tested me believed because I could verbalize things, understand emotions (although I will say I am quick, even to a therapist too just say an emotion expected getting better at actually trying to figure those out), and make eye contact that I didn't have it even though I look around the face, right above the eye marker, okay with the side profile corner eye, you get the idea. And I could say things. But some of the big things in me that were noted at the PHP was rocking, not talking, shaking sugar packets next to ear, and not engaging. And yeah, I would have I guess meltdowns (saw that video Purple did) less way now, did have an almost but got out of that situation recently. Definity as a child through.
Now with a friend whose family has children with autism to varying levels. What I've done like hit head against things and other odd things. I would like to be seen by someone who knows afab people who have been masking since his mom, and others always made him feel so abnormal (as well as himself always felt so odd that he felt like a freak) could see him- me. My friend after seeing me this past week really asked me a ton of questions about this stuff. she has children with ASD and sees me and my experiences like how her daughter devolved. But testing is expensive, another friend who sees traits of autism is being seen for her own diagnosis only to do so now because her insurance will cover before the yearly thing ends, and then she will have to pay the huge fee for it. She doing it so she can get help in college if she starts struggling again
I waited over two years for my assessment which was today. I was assessed by two doctors who specialise in ADHD and diagnosed as having ADHD which has left me thoroughly deflated. Everyone who knows me thought I was definitely Autistic, I have always felt disconnected from others and almost alone, I have struggled with life but learned how to handle certain situations and thought getting diagnosed would enable me to piece together what feels like a disjointed life. I felt that a positive diagnosis was a chance to press restart but right now I feel desperately sad and cheated and I don’t know which way to turn
I kinda self diagnosed myself before I a doctor diagnosed me. I didn’t tell people I was autistic, until I had the doctors diagnosis, I told them I was suspecting it. I just wanted my thoughts to be validated. I don’t see a big problem with people self diagnosing just because here in America it’s really hard because docs visits cost a lot of money. Along with that a lot of time. I really wish health services were different here in the US.
I worry about my own self diagnoses. Am I a real autistic person? Am I claiming an identity that isn't my own? But it also strikes me as somewhat authoritarian that people need someone blessed by the medical establishment to validate their own personal experience of their own psychology.
After all, one of the big problems with having authorities at all is that an authority can ignore you, your knowledge, your experience, your insight, and decide not to listen to you.
This happened with my ADHD diagnosis, the first GP I went to completely dismissed the idea that I could have lived 4 decades without being diagnosed.
I think there's a lot of intersection here with gatekeeping in LGBTQ+ spaces as well as how humans deal with hierarchies and bureaucracy. We in the west probably have an over reliance on certification and credentialism that is at play here as well.
Wow, there's a lot here. If I were more with it I think it'd be well worth it for me to make a video about this.
I feel the same way. I usually feel like I can't really say I'm autistic, but at the same time I do meet all the criteria, and a diagnosis is $3k. Also, one thing I've learned over the years is doctors are human, too. They've gotten a lot of years of schooling, yes, but they've also had to focus on many different things, far beyond just learning to recognize autism in various people, and how it differs in women vs men.
It's like what I've read a lot with keeping pet rats. You take them to the vet in your area that will see rats. But that vet has probably focused their career learning how to treat dogs and cats, and if they treat other species of animals than dogs or cats, they have to study pretty much any species that could be brought in. They cannot focus all their time on your specific animal, so rat owners tend to study rats and learn all they can about treating their medical conditions so they can assist the vet by informing them of things like the best ways to treat mycoplasma. It's not that they know more than the vet, it's that they, as a rat owner, only needs to concern themselves with one animal.
It's the same with self diagnosis. While it might be useful to know what might present in a manner similar to autism, and the psychologist will have that, they also need to study every possible mental issue, and for some reason, despite the fact that autism lasts a lifetime, our medical field only focuses in diagnosing it in children, and also focus more on diagnosing it in males than females. Which, since high functioning autism has only been recently acknowledged as a thing that exists, many adults with autism wouldn't have been diagnosed as children, especially if they're female. Also a diagnosis costs $3k, which is not something most people have lying around, especially if your autism poses enough of a problem for you to interfere with your career prospects.
I kinda dont feel I should call myself "autistic" without an official diagnosis. But I do certainly have many of the traits and I deal with issues like anxiety, being highly sensitive, and having pathetic social skills. Even without any official diagnosis I can still recognise I have these issues and try to adapt my life accordingly to deal with them. Its unfortunate that mental health care in my country is expensive. I did try a few times to see a psychologist but it wasnt helpful and I couldnt really afford to keep paying for it. Its really sad that more help isnt available. Whenever someone commits suicide I always hear people saying "why didnt they get help for their issues?" Well maybe they couldnt get help because it costs so much money! I really just have to try to help myself cope as best I can, but it is a struggle.
Hi, I was diagnosed late in life after developing serious seizures. The Neuropsychologist tested me so thoroughly so IQ which was great to see which parts of my brain where being affected. I had been diagnosed with Bi Polar which I knew was not me. I was even hospitalised to a child psychiatric ward for months when I was twelve for shutdown after my dad died but just sent home with a shrug, we don't know what happened but she's talking and eating now. So my Neuropsychologist referred me to the assessment centre and after 18 months and a testing stage that took hours to complete I was told that I was pretty heavily on the spectrum and as most of your videos suggest, support is very problematic. Self diagnosis, that is very difficult to hear from someone because I have been through the nightmare of being misdiagnosed. Autism is a difficult diagnosis but someone may have Bi Polar, schizophrenia, a serious stress disorder, a personality disorder or any number of conditions that could be more serious whereby someone needs a constant eye kept on them and the right medication. Self diagnosing ANYTHING is dangerous especially when it comes to the mind. If something is wrong or someone has identified a problem that can be considered as Autistic then a thorough analysis needs to be done because many people will need/get more support for mental health conditions than autism. I cannot tell you how fast the mental health services dropped when my diagnosis came through. My care was passed back to my GP and I was referred to social services who in fact had no support services in place for anyone. It can be a serious step down in support. I have no problem with people being 'on the spectrum' but after being misdiagnosed and medicated while all the time knowing in my heart that I did not go through cycling and I did not fit many of the boxes for Bi Polar I had to endure years of lazy treatment whereby my real issues where ignored and it broke down all of the asd coping mechanisms I had unconsciously developed my whole life. Mental health and function need to be taken seriously and the right diagnosis is so important so, no shade to the self diagnosed but please don't leave it at that, get tested it is so important to tick the box or cross it off and find out what you are really struggling with. We are our best selves when we own our truth, there is no speculation or doubt and life can become so much more simple. Also remember that if you are autistic you can also have other issues on top such as Bi Polar so please don't leave it at self diagnosis. Demand the best and most thorough testing so at least you know for sure what you are dealing with.
Excellent, Purple Ella, thanks.
Twice you mentionned being diagnosed by a neurotypical professional. Do you think that an autistic professional would be able to diagnose autism?
For me ive had 3 different diagnosis types from schizophrenia , to schizoaffective to bipolar now. Im enjoying your videos and fascinated by this, i still don't know much about autism, your such a nice person. I myself have struggled to know whats wrong with me, everyday is a battle, life is very hard. Really hope your doing well, i get anxiety too. Love your videos
DOCTORWHO ISGR8 There is a grey area with mental health and autism.
Like Schizoaffective disorder have a few similarities to aspergers/autism.
Problem non verbal communication.
Random thinking and can say random things.
Anxiety and paranoia.
Schizoaffective is a bit of worry it it's a mental health diagnoses because mental health is look at from a NT view point.
But the worry thing is it's rare but you can have autism and schizoaffective disorder,
Autism a persuasive developmental disability.
Schizoaffective a mental health problem.
You should take the AQ (autism quota) test online.
And think to childhood not just now when answering the question.
If it come back your not on the spectrum.
Then good.
Gary francis, your comment not hhere
No,, its schizoaffective, was diagnosed, thanks
Some people don't want to be diagnosed from a professional aspect. You can't really be a police officer or a pilot with a diagnosis and if you're very high functioning or have perfected a mask these jobs may still be available to you.
I am not autistic but have severe stut ter and always abused and insulted and never given a single rupee by my parents. My teachers were bastards too
i get super angry when someone says (and this exact wording has been used against me hundreds of times) "duba duba duba, spit it out."