I used to identify as autistic, Aspie. Bipolar, PTSD, PDD-NOS. Part 2

My name is Xanthe Wyse
rest of the recording that cut off from previous video. • I used to identify as ...
My main diagnoses are bipolar 1 disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Pyschiatrist said I fit PDD-NOS under DSM-IV framework but come under threshold for Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. 'On the autism spectrum with significant features' but below threshold for ASD.
I identified as autistic/Aspie for at least 5 years. My son was diagnosed Aspergers as a child and we shared some features.
I was in denial about bipolar diagnosis, insisting I was autistic instead. It's actually captured in some of the 2017 videos which I uploaded segments from in a play list.
www.bipolarcour...
#autism

[@cani.j]

I think I know who you are talking about (the male guy). It was a real disappointment for me when I found out he wasn't diagnosed because he mentioned that he "was diagnosed" which means you are giving the diagnosis (by someone else).
Here in Germany - where I live - the diagnosis is always linked to impairment in life.
I'm on the waiting list for an autism diagnosis and I wish wouldn't have made the step to look a for diagnosis. But I don't have my shit together in life (although I'm over 30) and that made me go for a diagnosis. Whatever they tell me in the clinic (and I will be there for four weeks 5 times a week, until afternoon) - I definitely need at least some help/support in my life.
Lovely greetings.

[@BipolarCourage]

Here in New Zealand, diagnosis is if have impairment, not for validating identity. But noticed in Canada, UK, US people are now being diagnosed on mild traits. Which dilutes down the seriousness of a diagnosis, which harms those who need help the most (governments are happy to cut funding, happened in Australia when DSM-V came in).
I think people need to be open to other possible diagnoses but they cherry pick & say everything is a misdiagnosis. Including "misdiagnosed as normal".
I have Aspergers on some of my medical records, as though a diagnosis, but was only queried & still counted a self-diagnosis. Same as what the popular advocate had, apparently. Who admits likely doesn't meet criteria, yet still continues to make out that formally diagnosed. So turns out I don't meet criteria for Aspergers but PDD-NOS. And appropriately half PDD-NOS don't meet criteria for ASD.
Nothing is done for late-diagnosed autism in New Zealand. I got assessed for my own peace of mind after all the back & forth by clinicians. I get support because of the impairment from the bipolar disorder & PTSD diagnosis. Which are significantly managed currently (meds, therapy, only part time work, exercise etc).