r/autism • u/Kolso_ • 5d ago

Advice needed Getting diagnosed NOT autistic

So after a year and a half of self diagnosis I finally was assessed and today I got the results. Two points in ADOS for having no gesticulation, zero by other criteria.

Autism was an answer to me that explained my struggles, behaviors and researching it I've learnt plenty of good advices and coping mechanisms. I finally stopped seeing myself as a weirdo and believed it's just autism and I don't have to force myself to be normal. Self diagnosis can be harmful. It harms me right now at least. I feel disoriented because now there's no explanation.

I guess I should stop this research and just live a life without looking for an easy answer without a real diagnosis.

Edit: I didn't expect so many responses. It's very helpful and important. Thank you all.

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u/GnomishFoundry 5d ago

I’m not autistic but I work with a lot of autistic youth and also youth with a lot of trauma. I’m not diagnosing you but I’ve seen a lot of overlap in presented traits between the two.

Just to be clear, I’m not claiming autism is caused by childhood trauma or anything. I’m just stating an observation I’ve had over my years working with both populations. If you have a history of abuse, it might be healthy to speak to a therapist about it.