When a Diagnosis of Autism Isn’t Enough

Have you taken your child or marriage mate to a variety of health care providers in desperation to discover just what’s wrong? So many thoughts swirl through your mind…”is it dementia? Maybe it’s just a hearing loss? Or Generalized Anxiety Disorder? Or OCD? Or possibly even mild psychosis? No…it couldn’t be Autism!”It’s frustrating to know there’s a problem but you can’t get to the bottom of it, because no one understands. Could a diagnosis of ASD (formal or informal diagnosis) explain it all?

Many times the diagnosis of ASD does explain the underlying cause of the problems your family faces. However, there are some Aspies who have multiple problems that make their ASD worse. Either way, you need to know what you’re dealing with but it’s tough when your Aspie is terrible at explaining their inner workings.

Some signs that indicate the possibility of ASD are:

• Feels bewildered or unsure in social settings
• Is overly bossy or withdrawn
• Doesn’t make reciprocating conversation or eye contact
• Can’t read a situation or people’s faces
• Dislikes loud sounds, smells, or light

Being told that your loved one has ASD or Asperger’s can be very devastating. What’s most important is to remain positive. It’s vital to learn to accept your ASD family member as she or he is. As Psychologist Tony Attwood says:

“Being diagnosed with ASD is not a tragedy, it’s merely a difference.”

Making your Aspie feel confident and secure in your unwavering love and support is crucial and will act as a buffer against negativity. How do you do that?

If you’d like to learn more of the science behind ASD, download a free chapter from my book, Out of Mind – Out of Sight.