How Did You React To Being Diagnosed?

[Athena]

When I heard it, I cried. I'm not sure why that was, I think to finally get recognisation of what we'd been thinking for a while. I was glad we knew now what it was that's different about me.

 

[oscar2012]

I was happy when they told me because i thought i was going crazy

 

[SUM1]

I haven't been diagnosed yet, but it's extremely likely I have it, and I will be diagnosed soon. When I am, it'd come as no suprise if it was AS, but I'd be very very shocked if it wasn't.

 

[Aalo]

Because I was almost certain about what I had, I didn't almost react in any way other than "Yes, just as I thought." It didn't bring any good news as I already had studied what kinds of coping mechanisms are suitable for as-people and so on, but I wasn't disappointed either. I didn't lose my hope for the future because of that, if I'm capable I'll still push forward no matter if doctor agreed with me or not, I knew it'd not change how I am. Ans yes, life didn't begin to be any more or less difficult because of it.

 

[robertwnielsen]

I haven't been diagnosed yet, but it's extremely likely I have it, and I will be diagnosed soon. When I am, it'd come as no suprise if it was AS, but I'd be very very shocked if it wasn't.

Keep in mind, the DSM-V is in the process of being released (if it hasn't been fully released already)...and with it, designations like AS, PDD-NOS, etc., are all going away. Everyone is (or will be) classified under the blanket heading of "Autistic Spectrum Disorder."

 

[Val2]

Extremely happy. It was finally a diagnosis that made sense

 

[dudeman]

I remember feeling anxious because I didn't understand what it meant and I wondered if I was a freak or a biological mistake. It certainly explained why I had always had trouble understanding things in school and in fact, my mother had suspected for years that something was up before my teacher suggested testing me (I was almost held back in fifth grade out of concern that I wasn't ready to move on, developmentally speaking). This is why Wreck It Ralph has become one of my favorite films, because I see a lot of myself in Vanellope and I went through the same emotional arc that she did.

 

[Lynnemarie]

I finally got my diagnosis today... Finally been diagnosed with autism.... It was Such a RELIFE! For 20 years i knew i was different and it took this long for them to notice something was wrong. I suppose my Response to my diagnosis was just total relife, happy tears and closure. after having lots of other special needs Lables - this was the one thing that was never picked up on and i always knew there was something else - so now that closure has happened today - my world has finally been drawn together and making sense... Now i can look forward to the future - yes its gunna be scary but i'm finally going to have the Support behind me to cope

 

[SoylentHuman]

I thought to myself, "Well, that explains a few things...".

 

[FutureTeacher]

The only thing Aspergers seemingly affects me is with my social life. I always thought those things were related to my chronic battles with depression. Little did I know...Ironically, I'm well respected in the fields I work in (education, youth sports) but don't get much credit in my personal life. That said, I was angry- I found out my parents basically hid it all from me. I would rather have known and be aware. Now, I'm just hyper-vigilant in social situations. Start Sophomore year of college next week, ill have a better chance to see my progress.

 

[PennySings]

I actually haven't been officially diagnosed yet. But reading about Asperger's and autism, I've realized that's very accurately me. Basically, my reaction was pure relief. I haven't been that happy in a very, very long time. If you care to read more about it, please visit my blog: nothing will EVER be the same

 

[Madame Catfish]

When I was first diagnosed (later half of grade five) with Aspergers, I immediately pictured an ass with meat patties resting on the cheeks (also some decorative buns on top) I first laughed at the absurd image, but after it was explained I only felt more alienated and had a sort of meltdown in my room. I didn't like it, and kind of held the feeling that it was something to be embarrassed about, something else for other kids to make fun of, so I didn't really share it with anyone until high-school, when the teachers refused to tie my shoes and I needed some help convincing my friends for assistance.

 

[MoCoffee]

I had very mixed feelings when I was first told I had Asperger's Syndrome. My first response was "what is Asperger's?" I knew very little about the condition, and would never have suspected I had it. My idea of someone with Asperger's was that they were a kind of savant with extreme behavioural issues. As I learned more about it, I realized that yes, I really do have Asperger's and that it explained so much of what I've gone through in my life. In some ways the diagnosis has been a blessing. I am now able to explain to friends and family why I need so much time alone, and about my meltdowns when I'm overwhelmed. They now know that not hearing from me for a while doesn't mean I don't love them, or that I'm angry about something. My diagnosis has also helped me accept that I cannot tolerate the closeness needed for a romantic relationship. I felt very sad and yet relieved when I broke off my engagement. It was the right thing for me to do because we could never have made each other happy.

 

[XxLordxX]

I was diagnosed when I was 14, it was pretty funny, because I never knew of such syndrome before, it was just a surprise, I started to think that there was a reason for me being so different and that comforted me for a time, then in some time I hated being an Aspie, because I wasn't able to start a relationship (stupid, I know), but when I overcame it I can proudly say now that I'm an Aspie, enjoying my gifts and learning how to overcome my disabilities.

 

[Fluttershy]

I was diagnosed at age 12, which is an awful age for that. I refused to accept that I was "retarded" and throughout middle and high school did things to reassure myself I was normal and my diagnosis was wrong. It took almost 10 years to accept it.

 

[Warwick C]

For me me diagnoses went through two stages. I had been refered to a norml psychiatrist, the first seession went like a normal meeting then on the second meeting we went into the thought processes, and she may have mentioned that she thought I might have aspergers. She went on to explian the strengths of having it. I was then refered to a specialist in aspergers who confimed that I had it. I was not worried about the diagnoises, it just now has been a case of me understanding why I do what I do.

Sorry for my rambling, it might still be a part of my reaction to my diagnoses.

 

[Fluttershy]

Mine was a two part diagnosis as well. My psychiastrist diagnosed me, and since I refused to believe it my parents eventually took me to a specialist who tested me for it so they could prove I had it. I still denied it. It was a bad experience and I associated Aspergers and Autism really negatively. The way the people around me acted didn't help. If I did something dumb, like how I didn't help out around the house then, my mom would say it was my Asperger's. And I was followed around by a case manager in high school who made me feel dumb so I never did the work. In college where I direct myself I thrive much more.

I just wanted to clarify in my last post. I don't think AS or Autism is "retarded" and that word makes me angry. It was just my 12 year old reaction. I couldn't comprehend the things I do now about it.

 

[Warwick C]

Fluttershy: Supose part of it could be at what age you are diagnosed. I was told of the benifits rather than the negative side. One of the things she mentioned was the analytical
side to it and I could see I was doing that at the time, combined with an open mind. I think with time you will see more and more strengths you have.

 

[Ravkrat]

My first reaction: "yay another label"

 

[joshodude1308]

I got diagnosed on Tuesday, 24th October 2011. I had a sense of relief because I knew there was something different to me compared to other people excluding my friend James, who was diagnosed with AS when he was 3.