diagnosis

My Mum’s ‘Non-Diagnosis’ Story

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Today is Mother’s Day in Australia.

So what better way to recognise the lives and contributions of mothers everywhere than by sharing the heart warming story of my own. She sought a formal autism assessment not long after I discovered I was on the Spectrum. But this was just one step along the journey from a disconnected childhood world “with a solitary occupant” to one that is “open and welcoming and actively seeks connection to others”.

So thanks Mum! I love seeing you grow in confidence to be seen. Despite the fact that I’ve been living a very independent life for over a decade, you’re still an invaluable ongoing support to me.

Thanks again for everything! 🙂

Peace,

Paul.

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A tender moment between mother and son. (Paul’s year 6 graduation)

Mum’s Non-Diagnosis Story:

Early in 2015, a few months after his 30th birthday, I received an email from my eldest son about coming over for Sunday lunch. He added, “PS: Continue reading →

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Diagnosis Story 12: Escaping the Cocoon

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Today’s story is another anonymous contribution. The reason is again for fear of damage to professional reputation in a world that is still not ready to accept the strengths of autism.

It seemed that even in this day and age, disclosure so early on in my career might have unfortunate repercussions and I was advised to consider the impact this may have on my career … the irony for me was that the one thing that helped me perform above others in my field was the same thing I had been gently advised to keep hidden away.

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the more adept I became at camouflaging, the more I suffered with social hangovers

My Almost Diagnosis Story:

I call it my ‘Almost Diagnosis’ because Continue reading →

Diagnosis Story 11: University gave me roadblocks

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Today’s story comes from 37 year-old Mark in the U.K. After a encountering many obstacles he finally found the ‘missing link’ and was able go back to university to prove that someone with ASD can be an asset to the nursing profession.

“My experience so far at university this time is very positive, very different to the times before. I feel like a lot of people are rooting for me”

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My special interests are retro Computing (building the hardware and discovering the applications and games from 1980s – early 2000s computers), as well as transport and city exploration (London underground map behind me!)

Mark’s Story – Background

I’ve got through occupation training and adult college qualifications okay, but
Continue reading →

Diagnosis Story 10: I wasn’t prepared for being called disabled

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Today’s story is from Saskia in Germany. She found her ‘brain family’ online before seeking an official diagnosis.

“When he finally gave me the diagnosis, I felt relieved, but when he started talking about disability, I started crying because I wasn’t prepared for being called disabled.”

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One of my special interests is making my own cosmetics. My living room looks like a science lab!

Saskia’s Story:
Hi, my name is Saskia and I grew up in Cologne, Germany. I’m 24 now and I Continue reading →

Diagnosis Story 9: I never thought we would see progress like this

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Today’s story is from Brad in the U.K. He is in the process of seeking a formal diagnosis but is 99.999% sure due to how much good the self-realisation has already achieved.

“At age 11 I concluded that despite my best efforts, I was inferior to everyone around me and that I truly hated myself. That self loathing stayed with me for nearly 19 years.
… (after the self-realisation) …
I  cured myself of my self hatred and depression overnight. I never would have dreamed that possible unless it happened to me.”

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Brad’s Diagnosis Story:

Continue reading →

Diagnosis Story 8: I understand me better now

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Today’s story is from Allan MacBain, a Scottish IT Specialist, with a serious special interest in Genealogy, who made the best of limited resources for adults in his region and managed to eventually receive an official ASD diagnosis in his 50s.

“through it all, I just thought I was nothing more than a geek, kinda weird, guy. Which most of the people I knew would agree on.”

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Arran Sunset, Scotland (pictures courtesy of Allan)

Allan’s Story – Background: Continue reading →

Diagnosis Story 7: Stumbling into diagnosis

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Today’s diagnosis story comes straight from the dark recesses of the internet. The Author has requested to remain anonymous due to the legitimate fear of damage to professional reputation working in the mental health field. Unfortunately, this is a story I’ve heard often. Anecdotally, it seems the types of jobs where it is LEAST safe to disclose are those of health professionals.

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“It helped me realize I am not alone.”

Anonymous Diagnosis Story:

Continue reading →

Diagnosis Story 3: I always felt there was more to it

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Today’s guest diagnosis story comes from 26 year old Maggie.

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visit Maggie’s blog here

 

 

“While the 10 or so different diagnoses I’ve received over the years have indeed been mostly valid and descriptive of what I was experiencing at the time, I always felt that there was more to it. More than being mostly introverted. More than being anxious. More than being highly sensitive.” Continue reading →

What is Aspergers?

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CLICK HERE TO WATCH:
MY EXPLANATION OF WHAT ASPERGERS FEELS LIKE FOR ME

Aspergers is essentially an unusual brain configuration. Senses, thoughts and emotions seem to be connected in a different way, resulting in many atypical traits. Whether this means a person is blessed by amazing talents, or cursed by frustrating difficulties, one thing remains true… Aspergers makes it hard to be ‘normal’. Continue reading →