I think I'm Autistic... How can I find out for sure?

Question

First of all, I know there's a wide spectrum/ lots of different levels of autism, and that it effects people in all different ways... some have it worse than others...

I think I do have some signs of mild autism, for example, I don't like being in a big group of people. If I am in a big group, I feel intimidated, even though the people are my friends, I'm really quiet and never know what to say, and I don't like making eye contact.

If I'm with just 1 or two people, I'm fine. But I can assure you I'm NOT shy in any way at all.

I find it hard to explain things, and I find it hard to tell people what I am thinking or feeling. I can never seem to find the words, its like a mental block.

I like spending time on my own... I'd rather be on my own all the time but I know I can't be. I find it hard to open up to people and can't really understand how people can get so 'close' to one another.

It affects me in other ways to, but I'm having a mental block right now and can't think how to explain them.

The thing is, I'd like to know for sure if I am autistic or not, but I feel so stupid going to my doctor and saying 'I think I'm autistic' or 'Can I be tested for autism?' Because if he asks me why I think I'm autistic or anything like that, I'll not be able to answer him and he'll think I'm just being silly. I'd probably just break down in tears......

I'm 19 and female by the way.......

What can I do? :(

Answer 1

i dont think your autistic

i think your a hypochondriac  

Answer 2

Wow, you just described me!! (Except you say your not shy i am shy but the thing is when i get to know people and feel comfortable around them i'm not shy at all but i dont open up completely and cant really express myself it sucks!

I went to the doctor once to explain i was depressed i was so scared about going in and like you i dont know how to explain myself its like the words are in my head i know what i want to say and i have to rehearse over and over again what to say because it ALWAYS comes out wrong (i couldnt sleep the night before the appointment because i was thinking about how to explain how i felt), as soon as i went into the doctors i burst out crying i felt so stupid! There was no point going really! Also when for example i went on holiday, someone said, "so what happened?", i really didnt even know where to begin, that probably sounds so silly to some people i dont know if that kind of thing happens to you..

I also dont understand how people can get so close, i watch reality tv shows and think wow their making friends so easily its weird because i cant do that!

I dont now if its autism you have i wondered once if i had it once but i dont fit some of the criteria (is that the right word) anyway, if i found out i had it i'd feel so much better because i'm so not "normal" people just dont understand what its like they say things like "you can make friends", when i say i dont know what to say to people they say "come on you can talk about anything its easy" when i say i cant they say "you can anyone can" i mean it would make things so much easier if i just understood myself and could say ok i actually cant because i have this particular disorder

If it would make you feel any better i'd suggest going with someone who could perhaps help you start the converstaion with the doctor, i mean you could ask for counselling to help you deal with being in groups, help you interact more (eye contact and such) with others i dont know... I've given up on myself i'm so tired of this. Oh yeah another thing, if you do go by yourself just be honest to the doctor as soon as you go in and say something like (ok i'm sitting here thinking what you could say i'm gonna be here forever lol.. Anywho the point what i was gonna say is just tell the doctor you feel stupid for asking then they'll say oh dont feel like that its fine and that should make you feel better! If you feel like your gonna cry then say i feel like im gonna cry and then the doctor will (well hopefully should say something and you'll feel better)

Hope this helps!  

Answer 3

Look don't get all stressy because people aren't rushing to go "OMG you are autistic. Now you have an excuse for being awkward in social situations". You may claim to not ve shy in any way but there are different ways of being shy. At home and with my friends I can be loud and bubbly and love making people laugh. But when meeting new people or in large groups of people or classes I feel awkward, can't think of anything to say (or have a lot to say but feel I can't say it) and feel like no one wants me there. But I don't jump to the conclusion that there must be something wrong with me. I also love being on my own, a lot of the time I would rather be on my own than with friends and don't much care if I don't have friends around all the time or have to leave my friends for some reason (I just left school and haven't seen them in two months but I don't particularly care much). But that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with me, I'm just not a people person. And you obviously aren't either. You're not autistic, get over it.

And if you're still convinced, the very obvious answer to your question is to see a doctor.

Answer 4

just like me i don't think it's autism it's shyness i get those mental blocks as well but only when talking face to face

i'm 15 male by the way

Answer 5

I am exactly the same as you. It takes me a long time to get used to new people, and find i freeze when talking to people - especially in a large group.

It is just like you said, its like having a mental block, and you cant think what to say.

You

Plus i hate talking on the phone, and used to avoid doing it. The only thing that got me used to it, is that its part of my job of being a receptionist/administrator. But i have to admit, its still not my favourite thing in the world.

However - This is NOT autism. Its actually anxiety. You are not shy, as many people on here keep saying. I'm not a shy person at all. It is quite simply anxiety, which is holding us back.

A way to conquer this, is to see a CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) therapist, which helps you to change your way of thinking, and help you to relax with other people. They have great ways to deal with anxiety, and i have found it to be a great help.

Edit - i have to agree with Lauralorlor.  I really do doubt you are autistic, but if you really think you are, please go to the doctor to find out.

Answer 6

Ask your parents to tell your doctor to test you for autism.

Or go to a different doctor.

Answer 7

I feel the same way as you do in many situations. People sometimes think I'm just quiet or shy. I haven't thought of getting myself tested for autism. But, I do know that the things you listed can also be symptomatic of socio-phobia.

A diagnosis by a trained clinical psychologist will help you get the answers you need. I would recommend that you consider self-referring to a psychologist. Or, if you feel uncomfortable about seeing your regular doctor, maybe you could see a new doctor. Rehearse before-hand what you will need to say:

That you wish to be referred to a psychologist.

Because you suspect maybe you have autism, and want to be sure one way or the other.

Take a copy of the things you have just printed here with you. Then, if something happens and you reach a mental block, you can offer this to the doctor to read.

I hope you find the peace of mind that you need.

EDIT: Aspergers Syndrome is another possibility.

Answer 8

you are just shy

Answer 9

There's more to autism than that. Communication delays, abnormal coordination, unusual behavior and mannerisms, etc. Did you get all the way through grade school and high school and nobody noticed your behavior? That's not very likely. Autism is almost always diagnosed in childhood.

Maybe you are just shy. But if your shyness is enough to make you "break down in tears" maybe you should tell a doctor. It could be Social Anxiety or something else. Doctors are supposed to help people; I wouldn't worry about a doctor thinking I'm "silly."

EDIT: You just said you don't like being around people and then you say you "aren't shy." Sorry, but that's confusing. I'm basically a shy person socially unless I already know the people, but I used to be a musician and perform in front of people. I'm more comfortable playing music on a stage than being at a party where I don't know the people and I have think of something to say. It's not the same thing.

Answer 10

I'm not an expert on autism, but you sound like a lot of people who are probably just "normal".

Some of the "symptoms" you describe are often symptomatic of Auditory Processing Disorder.  Many people don't even realise that they have APD because they have never heard of it before.  Many doctors have never heard of APD.  Some people with APD are misdiagnosed as being autistic in some way.  APD is a type of "hearing" problem, not hearing loss exactly, but something a little similar.

Your "symptoms" could be a result of how you were brought up.  Nature vs nurture?  They could just be indicative of being 19 years old!

Remember, some people think before they talk and some people talk before they think!  You're probably just self-aware rather than autistic.

Answer 11

Well my brother's autistic and he's 17, he got diagnosed when he was 5 or something because he had behavioural issues and couldn't even talk until he was 7 or something. It is very noticeable when someone is autistic and is diagnosed at a young age - parent's tend to notice it.

I think you should see a doctor, if it isn't too late, and just write your symptoms down in case you have a mental block when your seeing him. It's nothing to be embarrassed about, the fact that you can see when there is a problem is a big step. And doctors can't laugh at you because they're meant to be understanding. Don't worry, there's no need to feel anxious. :)

EDIT: Just had a little look at this website - it's not much information but it is nice to know from professionals, good luck

http://www.autism-awareness.org.uk/conte...