How to know if you have ASD or just overlapping symptoms?

TLDR: I think I am on the spectrum but don’t want to be wrong and risk co-opting a community that isn’t for me. How did you figure out whether you had ASD or it was just a combo of symptoms from your other struggles? am diagnosed with ADHD, PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder with anxiety, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and briefly bipolar disorder. During the pandemic I hit burnout and found myself retreating to the “weird” little girl I was and I now believe this was my unmasking. I asked my mother about me as a child and if she thought it’s possible i am on the spectrum and she said yes. My issue is, so many disorders like PTSD and ADHD have overlapping symptoms with ASD and I don’t want to shove myself into a community where I do not belong. I have a distrust of doctors and do not want to seek a DX I just want to understand how my brain works so that I can function. How did you figure out whether you had ASD or it was just a combo of symptoms from your other struggles?

Your answer

Bluesea

2y ago

Look up embrace autism for their website and take the six psychometrics assessments to self screen for autism, it may make you feel more validated. Since it's really hard to find a specialist that will diagnose autistic adults, self-diagnosing is valid. But if you need a diagnosis for accommodations then the same site I mentioned previously can help you with that, it is costly though.

Prism_Starr

2y ago

I'm in exactly the same situation. I suspect that I may be on the spectrum but I have absolutely no idea how to get diagnosed or how to even bring it up.

Ena_Silvoc

2y ago

I'm self diagnosed. It's been 2 months since I started my journey learning about autism nearly 24/7 and watching tons of youtube videos from autistic females like yo samdy Sam, mom on the spectrum, the thought spot, purple Ella, Olivia hops, and the rachelistic channel really helped me feel some solidarity that I wasn't the only person who went through certain experiences as I child. They all have videos on the dsm-5 criteria and give examples of how it relates in their lives which I related to as well.

Kaymarie

2y ago

When I was beginning to suspect that I might be autistic I started to do more research on it and found some tests online. Embrace Autism is a great resource and has very detailed tests that if you score certain number it could mean that you are autistic. I highly recommend looking into that. Hope it gives you some clarity.

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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