HELP--Do I have Autism?

Question

I've never been to the doctor for the official diagnosis, but my parents both agree that I might have it. They say that I never expressed emotions and affection to them or other people growing up. I do cringe when someone hugs me most of the time, but sometimes I do appreciate someone's care and affection for me, I'm just somehow hardly able to return it. I do know how to speak and easily got over my habits of awkward movements. My Mom says marriage is not in my future; but I actually want to get married. What is the future for someone like me? Do you think I have autism?

Answer 1

I have Asperger's syndrome,a form of autism. I have been told,as a child,that I would cringe and cry when someone touched me,and I did not return forms of affection. But then,most of my family,back then,were practicing alcoholics,and they would want to hug me,dance with me,ect. and to smell the alcohol on them was gross. I was diagnosed when I was 5 and was told back then,to be institutionalized. My mom didn't listen,and I'm darn glad she did'nt! Asperger's,is the most treatable of autism,and the most functioning too! You can get a job,go to college,ect. Most of us are verrrry intelligent and have problems with people that are slower than we are (think dense,or mentally challenged). I know I do. And most of us are anti-social,ie,we do not like people,crowds,ect. Loud noises scare us silly ( then why do I like my music loud????) and we tend to block people out when they annoy us. You will pet the dog before you allow Mom to give u a hug. I am told I should turn my writing into a profitable business. that would entail dealing with people. Should I?? yes,I want to. how to start? I have no clue. I have registered 3 written screenplays,and want to be a sucessful screenwriter. I don't know where to begin. I live in bristol,va,and have no idea who to contact. This is me,and I have autism,it does not have me.

Answer 2

I doubt it. Autism has many more facets to it than the inability to express affection, and all cases are different. It is telling that your mom says marriage is not in your future. That shows that you have probably been affected by other things she has said in the past. Telling someone that they will probably never get married (whether the person wants to or not) is an insult, because she is telling you that you can't and won't ever have an ability to love people, receive love, etc. Just because you are uncomfortable with hugging people doesn't mean you don't love them. Your parents telling you that you are autistic is just an excuse. The issue is between you and your parents, not you and other people in general or you and your brain structure. If I were you, I would go see a therapist - your parents would probably approve because you could say it is to see if you have autism - and that person can help you figure out where your problem is, if you have one at all.
There's nothing physically wrong with you and I bet you don't have a severe emotional problem. Your mom probably doesn't understand why some people are uncomfortable with touchy/feely affection in public or otherwise, and therefore she thinks something may be wrong with you. She was wrong to say there is no marriage in your future and things like that. Maybe her family was very affectionate toward each other and you're just not. There's nothing wrong with that, and I hope that you know that. Do see a therapist (if you are in school, they should have someone at school you can talk to) and work out your feelings from there.
EDIT: I see NO evidence of your having OCD.

Answer 3

There are many forms of autism, so I guess it's possible. It's also sometimes hard to diagnose, but you should talk to a doctor anyhow. I know people who absolutely hate being touched, even hugged and also have a hard time expressing emotions like affection. People have different ways of expressing those types of emotions, so maybe physical affection is not your thing. Even if you are diagnosed with a mild form of autism, I don't think that being autistic should prevent you from getting married. When you find the right person, they will understand.

Answer 4

The only way to know for sure is to get diagnosed by a doctor.

To answer your questions, people with autism can often get jobs, get married, live a happy life, etc. For example, Jerry Newport, a man with a form of autism called Asperger's Syndrome, is married to a woman who also has Asperger's Syndrome and they have published several books. Many people with autism view it as a positive thing about themselves that they would not change.

And just to clear up a few things, some others answered:

"You are expressing your self very well so I doubt you have autism," and "Autism is a form of Down Syndrome, and you write well and in my opinion are not Autistic."

Autism does not necessarily determine if some can write or express themselves well. It just depends on the person. Autism is also not related to Down Syndrome.

Answer 5

se_roddy is incorrect. Autism is not a form of Downs Syndrome. It is a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), not mental retardation. People with PDDs likely have normal IQs.
Honestly, I'm not sure if your symptoms are severe enough to meet the diagnosis of Autism, but I couldn't tell without seeing you. You do describe some of the symptoms.
There are less severe pervasive developmental disorders, like Asperger's, which should only be diagnosed by a psychologist.

Having a PDD is not the end of the world. Yes, if you have a PDD, you will have some social difficulty, but many people with PDDs were able to go to college and get married.

Answer 6

Autism is not a form of Down's Syndrome. There are quite a few disorders under the same spectrum of autism. Someone with one of those types of disorders can be very intelligent but not outwardly emotional or be able to "read" body language well if at all. Some are very high functioning with "quirky" type behavior. This is something you should follow up with a Dr. about. Someone who knows about Autism.

Answer 7

The chances of you have autism are slim to none maybe your ability to not show affection is because it wasn't shown to you while you were growing up or at least not enough. Sounds more like OCD.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder, more specifically, an anxiety disorder. OCD is manifested in a variety of forms, but is most commonly characterized by a subject's obsessive (repetitive, distressing, intrusive) thoughts and related compulsions (tasks or rituals) which attempt to neutralize the obsessions.

there are more characteristics than just this but do a little research and discuss it w/ ur dr or your parents.

Answer 8

Autism... there are so many different types and severities of Austism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) out there. Your best bet is to see a Pediatric Neuropsychologist and be tested to see if they can figure out "what" makes you the way you are. The testing usually takes 3-4 hours and you get the results back in about 2 weeks. Well worth your time and effort.

If you need help in finding a Pediatric Neuropsychologist, contact the Children's Hospital that is closest to you.

Best wishes

Answer 9

hi. i have worked with little ones with ASDs contained in the previous and Thomas became actual outstanding on the video- with somewhat of success in some unspecified time sooner or later he will prepare his associates that he became renowned on YA! do not difficulty about the stares. regrettably little ones with autism were put in hospitals until eventually the Seventies yet society has developed somewhat now and considered they're frequently component of society. Edit - I agree - he seems an fairly satisfied youthful lad. you need to be so proud!

Answer 10

Only a doctor could know in a sense. You are expressing your self very well so I doubt you have autism. I need to know what grade you are in and what your teachers think of you. Your problem with affection might have to do with your upbringing.
See a doctor and discuss your doubts with him.