Who Am I?

Autistic

Posted: June 17th, 2016 | Author: | Filed under: Autism, Personal | Tags: , , | Comments Off on Autistic

Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1.

It’s hard to describe what it’s like to hear those words from a diagnostician’s lips. Even when you’ve spent most of your 51 years of life trying to figure out why your brain seems to work differently from everyone else’s, it’s still a shock to hear that it’s because your brain actually is different. And that’s true even when you’re somewhat prepared. I had spent the weeks leading up to and after the testing bouncing from trying to decide how I would react when I was told I was autistic to how I would react when I was told I wasn’t. I couldn’t even figure out which would be the more positive outcome. It’s a pretty serious and significant diagnosis. Even at level 1, the challenges associated with it are not insignificant.

Ultimately, though, I have always known that I experience the world and interact with it differently from most people. The diagnosis finally offers context and an explanation for so many experiences and struggles throughout my life. And with that knowledge, I’m at least hopeful I can better use my energy to work constructively in areas and on relationships that really matter to me instead of floundering in all directions.

The resources available for autistic adults are limited, but I live in a major urban area so at least there are professionals who do work with autistic adults. Unlike many, I have options. I also have a well-paying job with good health insurance, something I gather many in my position lack. And I can well understand why. I’ve been fortunate in a great many ways.

Anyway, for anyone who still checks my blog, I just want to say hi!

::wave::

I have quite a few things bouncing around my head that I need to express, so I’m sure I’ll be writing more frequently. Most of those posts, however, are likely to be autism related. You’ve been warned.

Thoughtful comments always welcome, as usual.

Grace and peace.


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