Autism

90 watchers

WA Jul 2020 9:17pm, 18 Jul 2020 7,225 posts	0 WA Rosehip, when SweetPea was referred, we were all keen for the diagnosis. By the time the assessment arrived, she was happy in her skin and didn't really care, but we went ahead because of the support she will be able to access if and when she needs it.
Velociraptor Jul 2020 10:17pm, 18 Jul 2020 47,603 posts	0 Velociraptor At youngest's age it may well be worthwhile, Rosehip. It was certainly worthwhile for both Kevin and VP as regards educational provision.
Little Miss Happy Jul 2020 6:41am, 19 Jul 2020 2,961 posts	0 Little Miss Happy V'rap - I knew you would know, it was probably a badly worded post. I don't like labelling people but unfortunately see in my work how much easier it makes getting appropriate support - which is still very difficult in some places.
Jono. Jul 2020 10:37am, 19 Jul 2020 6,749 posts	0 Jono. Rosehip, I would fully support a diagnosis. it can only benefit your child & if you ever have to fight for anything you will need to diagnosis.
mr d Jul 2020 10:04pm, 20 Jul 2020 3,686 posts	0 mr d Agree with everone, an early diagnosis helped us immensely and helped our eldest 10 times more.
swittle Nov 2020 10:11am, 17 Nov 2020 69,896 posts	0 swittle Here's a 30-min. programme I heard on the World Service in the wee, small hours today. 'Discovery' series - 'Broad Spectrum Helen Keen talks to people like her who have had late diagnoses of autism and finds out if knowing they are on the spectrum gives them insight into their lives and relationships.' She explores the growing recognition of autism in women aged 30+. The personal experiences hit home more directly than the science. V interesting. bbc.co.uk
mr d Nov 2020 11:55am, 17 Nov 2020 3,884 posts	0 mr d It's on now, came in halfway through. Will listen in full later, really interesting.
Flatlander Nov 2020 12:44pm, 17 Nov 2020 1,822 posts	0 Flatlander Thanks Swittle, I have just listened to it. As I obtained my diagnosis very late in life (November last year) my outlook and perspective is perhaps different to those of most people on here. However, the comment about how receiving a diagnosis in maturity enables one to re-examine one's history and allows one to recast as positive some events previously thought of as negative rings true to me. Towards the end of the programme, someone mentioned how autistic people will quite readily divulge their autism to friends they know very well. That is what I found last year when I was seeking a diagnosis; I told a very good friend who I trust implicitly (the one I mentioned in the blog I wrote last November about my diagnosis) and who agreed to take part in the diagnosis interview appointment. I didn't comment on this thread's discussion in July about whether it is worthwhile getting a diagnosis. In the programme, again towards the end, it was mentioned how someone had success in their job, but as soon as they moved into a management role, they "fell apart", but that their workplace was very helpful in accommodating their needs. As I wrote in my diagnosis blog last year, it might have been very helpful to me to have had a diagnosis while I was at work (in a low level management role) and was having an awful time, because I might have been given some protection and some changes made (other than "offers" of demotion). For those reasons, it may well be helpful to get a diagnosis whilst still young, not just for the reasons that LMH and others mentioned, but also for when they are older and in the workplace. I hope that helps. Sorry for the long post, I know I don't comment much on here, but I seem to have made up for it today .
halfpint Nov 2020 5:28pm, 17 Nov 2020 33,185 posts	0 halfpint Thanks for sharing. I have thought previously about exploring diagnosis but haven’t gone down that route. My Lind of work means people are generally fairly accepting of diversity and I don’t think at this point it would benefit me. Recognising that I probably am on the spectrum has been enough for me to reflect on life events as well.
swittle Nov 2020 8:50am, 21 Nov 2020 70,005 posts	0 swittle Author Penny Wincer reflects on whether there's enough care for the carers. As a young carer for her mother, and bringing up a child living with autism, she fears the impact that the pandemic is having on care givers and those for whom they care. BBC Radio 4, 5.45am. 21 mins. 'Four Thought' - 'Being A Carer'. bbc.co.uk