Matthew74
Stalwart
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I'm at least borderline. If I ever get on Medicaid I'd like to be evaluated.
The problem I'm running into is that there appears to be no good definition of "autism". Everyone refers to the DSM, but the DSM does not have a proper definition. It lists diagnostic criteria instead. It doesn't say "what it is", but it says "how to recognize it". The criteria are also problematic, but I'll spare you the explanation. Some facts: There is no identified "cause" of autism. Almost a third of autistics also have epilepsy. (IDK if there are any stats on how many people with epilepsy also have autism.) Both autistics and PWE have high rates of depression.
After giving it a lot of thought, I realized that if you have a brain disorder (like epilepsy, tumor, brain injury, etc.), you will probably have at least some "autistic" traits. If someone were diagnosed with autism first, it would obvious when they developed epilepsy (for the most part). On the other hand, if you were diagnosed with epilepsy first, you might never be evaluated for autism (unless it was obvious).
Thanks,
Matthew
The problem I'm running into is that there appears to be no good definition of "autism". Everyone refers to the DSM, but the DSM does not have a proper definition. It lists diagnostic criteria instead. It doesn't say "what it is", but it says "how to recognize it". The criteria are also problematic, but I'll spare you the explanation. Some facts: There is no identified "cause" of autism. Almost a third of autistics also have epilepsy. (IDK if there are any stats on how many people with epilepsy also have autism.) Both autistics and PWE have high rates of depression.
After giving it a lot of thought, I realized that if you have a brain disorder (like epilepsy, tumor, brain injury, etc.), you will probably have at least some "autistic" traits. If someone were diagnosed with autism first, it would obvious when they developed epilepsy (for the most part). On the other hand, if you were diagnosed with epilepsy first, you might never be evaluated for autism (unless it was obvious).
- So, is anyone here autistic? Has anyone thought about this?
- Another question might be: Do you think you socialize "normally", or do you always feel "different"?
Thanks,
Matthew