Anyone know someone who's lived with the misdiagnosis of retardation, to only find out it's autism?

Question

My fifty something cousin was diagnosed as a youngster as retarded, come to find out in the last month, she is not retarded but autistic. All our lives we thought she had a great memory and a gift for numbers, but had strange behavior socially. What a weird feeling now to find out she is autistic. I feel for her and my now since dead uncle who lived thinking and reacting/perceiving etc. to my cousin as if she were retarded. Makes you reconsider what people who are given the label "mentally retarded" go through. We need to reconsider our reactions to everyone, including those who are truly "mentally retarded" or however you want to term that. What a shame for everyone involved.

Answer 1

As sad as this is, you should know(maybe you already do) that 50 yrs ago autism was thought to be caused by cold hearted parenting. Dr Bruno Bettleheim came up with the theory that it was caused by "refrigerator mothers" who did not give their child the love that was needed. Imagine being told that you are the reason that your child is like this. His theory has since been proven wrong, but he caused autism to be overlooked for decades. I'm not saying that this makes anyone better off. I just like to look for silver linings. God knows we need them

Answer 2

Unfortunately many people are misdiagnosed whether they fall under mentally ill or mental retardation.Thats why its so important for families to keep diaries,charts,etc.And to have a good support system and someone who can do meetings with you who isn't afraid to go against the status quo.