oh, so you think you have broken your leg? are you sure? did you see a doctor? you're probably just imagining it. #SelfDx

I just moved here from another lovely instance because I found I wasn't posting at all about its subject matter but was only posting about #Autism. So here's one of those #Introduction posts with lots of #CamelCase hashtags -

#History
#HistoricalFiction

#Music
#RockAndRoll
#Blues
#Showtunes
#BelCanto

#Theatre
#Movies
#CostumeDrama

#Books
#QueerLit
#Libraries

#Sixties
#Beatles

#Asexual
#Autistic
#SelfDX
#WeirdPride

Hey self-diagnosed autistic folks! Here's your validation 👇 (not that you needed any—you're already amazing :ablobcatheart:)

"""
Often people seek an autism evaluation in hopes that it will open the door to the support that they need.

Unfortunately, many find that the official diagnosis did little to change their practical circumstances. Autism-specific services for adults are severely limited. And if people around you are intolerant of your differences and difficulties, they will not necessarily become more accommodating after an official diagnosis.

For many, the best part of learning they’re autistic is understanding themselves better and finding a like-minded community. This can be pursued without a formal diagnosis.

In our experience at the University of Washington Autism Center, many professionals are not informed about the variety of ways that autism can appear, and often doubt an autistic person’s accurate self-diagnosis.

In contrast, inaccurate self-diagnosis of autism appears to be uncommon.

We believe that if you have carefully researched the topic and strongly resonate with the experience of the autistic community, you are probably autistic.
"""

https://depts.washington.edu/uwautism/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Self-Diagnosed-Adult-Autism-Resources-handout-9-22-22.pdf

---

#Autism #Autistic #SelfDX #ActuallyAutistic #Support #MentalHealth #Resources

@devxvda I tried the masking test you mentioned.

Score: 149

This test—and the results—in particular bring up questions of the effects of role congruity on a test-taker's answers.

If:
1. I believe myself to be actually autistic.
2. I believe I mask to appear more "normal" (as opposed to actually being more normal).
3. I want to appear as an insider to a group that I feel are my peers (other autistics).
4. I take tests designed to quantify numbers 1 & 2.

Then it benefits me to score in a way that validates those beliefs, which could influence my answers on the tests.

It's the sharpshooter's fallacy applied to self-diagnosis.

Of course, this would equally apply to a clinical diagnosis, though you'd (at least subconsciously) be aiming to conform to the psychologist's expectations of what it is to be a masking autistic.

Then again, writing this post is probably better evidence than any of the tests. 😋 :blobcatfearful:

https://embrace-autism.com/cat-q/

#actuallyautistic #autistic #masking #selfdx #CATQ

Based on your results, there's a strong probability that you are autistic.

Well duh. 🙄

Disclaimer: Not for official diagnoses, so take it with a grain of salt. But hey, you do you.

https://www.clinical-partners.co.uk/for-adults/autism-and-aspergers/adult-autism-test/

#autism #actuallyautistic #selfdx

As a *newly #selfDX / #latediagnosed #actuallyAutistic who struggles with severe RSD and has very limited experience with online culture; I've restricted my follows (for now) to the #actuallyAutistic community. This has been in an effort to focus my attention and LEARN as much as I can (from the inside) while attempting to avoid any potential bullying from the 'outside'
#irony

I thought how do you know if you miss social clues, the point is you can't see them? Then I thought well I am missing them but that's just because I'm don't look at people when they talk to me.........oh! #autism #selfDX

Enjoying #storygraph as seen recommended on here. But have also found #Basmo which sets a timer while I read. So motivating to keep reading when getting distracted. Record to beat 12 pages in 28mins. 😐 #adhd #selfdx

#Introduction post! I'm new to Mastodon, I have of course moved over from twitter 😂

I'm Chloe, I'm a 26 year old goth mum of a 4 year old, and stepmum to two autistic teenagers. I too am #autistic, #selfdx currently, awaiting the my diagnostic appointment, and have been going through a massive identity crisis but this is what I know:

Likes: #psychology #philosophy #art #tattoos #piercings #marvel #dc #guitar #makeup #horror #disney #animalcrossing #sims4 #skyrim #fallout4 #stationary #writing

@MistyMelanie I've been struggling so much the last few years. The online #autistic community started me on the late #selfdx path & so many of my battles & struggles suddenly made sense. Now exhausted & on waiting list for dx. Shocked at all the misinformation + appalling autism 'research' that ignores autistic people + ignores the supports that have been asked for (that would genuinely help). There was an ND online art course I joined but it's stopped now. You belong 💙