What is the most concerning or destructive thing that is going on right now in your child’s world?
Today, let’s take another small detour because once again, Autism Self-Testing is trending. I thought perhaps you would like to explore this matter.
Luker, S. (2024) website HOME Page; find these UNITS on MENU page.
(Additional Reference)
Know Autism – Know Your Child: with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker 2023
UNIT 2 – Why Is It Autism?
UNIT 2 – INTRODUCTION
UNIT 2 – CHAPTER 1 – Diagnosis & DSM-5 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition; published in 2013 by the American Psychiatric Association (APA)
UNIT 2 – CHAPTER 2 – Denial & Misdiagnosis
UNIT 2 – CHAPTER 3 – Doctors & Direction Unit 1 – REFERENCES
UNIT 2 – REFERENCES
UNIT 2 – APPENDICES:
APPENDIX A SCREENING ASSESSMENTS
APPENDIX B LATEST 2022 FINDINGS
APPENDIX C DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENINGS
Today, let’s take another small detour because once again, Autism Self-Testing is trending. I thought perhaps you would like to explore this matter.
Staff Writer (2023) – Some adults wonder whether they should pursue a formal autism diagnosis, especially if they have lived without one for their entire lives. This is a personal decision…
While referred to as "self-diagnosis." it is not recognized as a medical diagnosis and does not provide access to certain resources and supports. But it is generally accepted within the autistic community and can be incredibly meaningful to individuals.
You may feel angry for being "missed" in childhood, and for feeling unsupported or misunderstood throughout your life. It is also possible to experience a combination of both positive and negative emotions, and these feelings (about possibly being autistic) may ebb and flow over time.
< My Thoughts > “…about possibly being autistic…”
To clarify your wants and needs, you might ask yourself –
- How will a diagnosis make a difference in your life?
- What do you hope to accomplish?
- Which help and/or support do you feel you need?
- Have you been impacted by a physical / emotional crisis in your life?
Staff Writer (2023) Because every autistic person is different, a diagnosis can result in a variety of feelings. Often, autistic people learn to "mask" their symptoms, which can be emotionally and physically draining. Sometimes, an autism diagnosis allows people to feel permission to be their authentic selves.
Here are some things you might consider:
Pros of getting a formal evaluation:
- Access to supports, services, and protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Better understanding of yourself, including your personal strengths and challenges
< My Thoughts > “… an autism diagnosis…: “…formal evaluation…”
Informal, online tests tend to be very generalized, even simplistic. Autism Spectrum Disorder (which includes Asperger’s), is extremely complex. Sometimes, even difficult to diagnose. Persons may be experiencing Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress, Bipolar Depression; or, Learning Disabilities and Social / Communication problems which may lead one to think it is autism. While these problems may also be seen with people with autism, they themselves are not indicators, nor indicative of autism.
Staff Writer (2023) A good clinician should be able to explain their rationale for ruling a diagnosis in or out, including which criteria you do and do not meet for any diagnosis.
Some people worry about what a diagnostic label means for them and fear losing their individuality. It can also be overwhelming to figure out what supports you may need and how to navigate those systems.
< My Thoughts >
When you enter your personal information into a website, or even an offsite facility that information has a chance of becoming available to others; without your permission.
Reference:
Luker, S. (2024); Know Autism, Know Your Child with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker; Retrieved online from – www.sarasautismsite.com
Staff Writer (2023). Wondering If You’re Autistic? Retrieved online from –
End of DAY ELEVEN. Note: Excerpts from the books – (13% indicates location in the Kindle version of the eBook, instead of page numbers).
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Regards,
Sara Luker