Can't say I'm quite thrilled about doing this, nor can I say I'm irritated, just indifferent.
I find that many individuals think Autism cases are all the same, or similar to one another. However, that is not the case. That is why it is referred to as a spectrum. Of course, many of you know this given the nature of this site. To start off this thread, I'll provide a much information as possible on who I am and the state of my condition.
I was recently diagnosed with High-Functioning Autism at the age of seventeen. My reaction to this? Indifference. My parents? A sigh of relief.
Growing up, I appeared to be an ordinary, shy, child. My deficits, if you will, are subtle enough to allow me to appear as a normal individual to the everyday passerby. Though, if you got to know me, and you had relative experience in dealing with Autism, then you'd suspect a thing or two.
During my infancy to toddler development, my parents grew concerned. I did not develop the ability to speak until the age of two, but when I did I spoke in a manner such as you're reading now. (Early language delay). There was no baby talk, as they call it. Before reaching the age of two, my parents took me to a pediatrician to see what was wrong. His conclusion was that they could spend all the money to get me tested for Autism, but they're just going to tell you what I am telling you now, he may or may not be Autistic. (High-Functioning Autism was not a term used at the time). With this information in mind, they decided to wait and see how I would develop over the course of my toddler years.
After developing the ability to talk especially well, my parents disregarded what the pediatrician said and treated me like a normal child up until this past year. I grew up with an older brother with a seven year difference between us. He was a very social child, which benefited me due to him receiving all the attention.
Entering primary school, I did not know how to count until first grade, nor could I read up until that point as well. Now-a-days, all I do is read. The lady who was charged with teaching me how to read took note that while I couldn't understand literature, I was overhearing fifth grade course work and able to understand the concepts well. Eventually, reading and writing became understandable. From then on until my junior year of secondary schooling, everyone thought I was another ordinary individual.
Since I barely talked, no one would be able to know me by personality traits. My brother was off and away since I started high school, so now all the attention was on me. My mother attempted many times to have extended conversations with me, only becoming more worried with my stoic demeanor after each one. A boiling point was reached and she and my father both agreed to send me to a therapist. The intention was never to see what sort of inhibiting condition I possessed, but to get me to open up on my feelings. After a month into weekly therapy, I was told that I may have a condition called High-Funtioning Autism.
After discussing and reviewing notes, my therapist explained to me what all it entails and how to get tested. I inevitably did receive testing and it was confirmed that I had High-Functioning Autism. My condition entails numerous symptoms. Most notably little emotions and a lack of genuine empathy. Others include an inability to understand sarcasm and a constant state of indifference, lacking motivation and desires.
My therapist suggested I visit this site and introduce myself on these forums to get a better understanding of those in a community I am innately apart of. Thank you for reading this post. Feel free to ask questions, I do not mind.
I find that many individuals think Autism cases are all the same, or similar to one another. However, that is not the case. That is why it is referred to as a spectrum. Of course, many of you know this given the nature of this site. To start off this thread, I'll provide a much information as possible on who I am and the state of my condition.
I was recently diagnosed with High-Functioning Autism at the age of seventeen. My reaction to this? Indifference. My parents? A sigh of relief.
Growing up, I appeared to be an ordinary, shy, child. My deficits, if you will, are subtle enough to allow me to appear as a normal individual to the everyday passerby. Though, if you got to know me, and you had relative experience in dealing with Autism, then you'd suspect a thing or two.
During my infancy to toddler development, my parents grew concerned. I did not develop the ability to speak until the age of two, but when I did I spoke in a manner such as you're reading now. (Early language delay). There was no baby talk, as they call it. Before reaching the age of two, my parents took me to a pediatrician to see what was wrong. His conclusion was that they could spend all the money to get me tested for Autism, but they're just going to tell you what I am telling you now, he may or may not be Autistic. (High-Functioning Autism was not a term used at the time). With this information in mind, they decided to wait and see how I would develop over the course of my toddler years.
After developing the ability to talk especially well, my parents disregarded what the pediatrician said and treated me like a normal child up until this past year. I grew up with an older brother with a seven year difference between us. He was a very social child, which benefited me due to him receiving all the attention.
Entering primary school, I did not know how to count until first grade, nor could I read up until that point as well. Now-a-days, all I do is read. The lady who was charged with teaching me how to read took note that while I couldn't understand literature, I was overhearing fifth grade course work and able to understand the concepts well. Eventually, reading and writing became understandable. From then on until my junior year of secondary schooling, everyone thought I was another ordinary individual.
Since I barely talked, no one would be able to know me by personality traits. My brother was off and away since I started high school, so now all the attention was on me. My mother attempted many times to have extended conversations with me, only becoming more worried with my stoic demeanor after each one. A boiling point was reached and she and my father both agreed to send me to a therapist. The intention was never to see what sort of inhibiting condition I possessed, but to get me to open up on my feelings. After a month into weekly therapy, I was told that I may have a condition called High-Funtioning Autism.
After discussing and reviewing notes, my therapist explained to me what all it entails and how to get tested. I inevitably did receive testing and it was confirmed that I had High-Functioning Autism. My condition entails numerous symptoms. Most notably little emotions and a lack of genuine empathy. Others include an inability to understand sarcasm and a constant state of indifference, lacking motivation and desires.
My therapist suggested I visit this site and introduce myself on these forums to get a better understanding of those in a community I am innately apart of. Thank you for reading this post. Feel free to ask questions, I do not mind.
