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Hey guys.... how do I know if I have or "had" autism?? Reading this thread and looking up some info on wikipedia of everything related to autism is creeping me out but now that I think about it, I sorta can relate to my whole life so far.... for example:
My parents mentioned to me before and I think I remember from my memory as well that I didn't really talk or had ANY speech language skills until I was 5 (which was when I came to US). Before then, I don't think nor recall any memories of myself actually talking, saying words or anything and I have a good past memory that I can remember of my time when I was 3 or 4 which was when I was in Korea (since I was born there). Then according to my memory, I remember saying my first words in English on the first day in US, but don't remember anytime before speaking in any language, especially Korean. So then how do I communicate if I wanted milk or cookies or any sorts? My mom told me I just grab attention without talking like hitting or like showing a picture or something... idk, I don't recall that much b/c I think my mom knew exactly how and what I was thinking...
The next thing I realized is that I didn't really became active and talk to many people, I was one of those quiet folks throughout elementary and even middle (though I can safely say I'm not like this anymore) where I'll have 1 or 2 friends. I would frequently be quiet and do w/e I want to do. (ie. playing games like Pokemon by myself for like a 12 hours straight) My parents + relatives did mention that I was also very quiet when I was like 3-4 in which I can sorta relate and remember.
Hmm... another thing I recall was I was super OCD with few things at different parts of my life. The most common one was during High School, I was super OCD of unable to sleep in my own bed unless I took a shower. I would never sleep on my bed unless I clean myself and since I was lazy many times, I would often sleep on the floor of my room instead of the bed because I didn't take a shower before I went to bed... Now that I recall this, I laugh and all but after reading a whole article, research, and etc on autism, it bugs me...
I also can recall in relate to this topic is that I am (still is) a very very selective eater which apparently has some parts of autism... I would NOT eat seafood whatsoever (though there were times where i forced myself to eat and this was only recent to mingle in social events), would NOT eat anything related to sweets (chocolate, candy, etc but I do eat and enjoy sweets now ^_^), and just am picky with this and that type of food.
Also I know stacking is a big thing in autism.... I just loved to stack random things during my freshman year in college (I don't really remember of doing this in my memory though I know I've done it some part of my life) where I would just stack water bottles on top of each other just for the heck of it. I mean I was an engineering major and I was thinking of like stacking on top of each other to see how high it would go. But I stopped doing that b/c I realize how stupid I was during my 2nd year.
Finally, in the case that I feel many of us just plainly have it and doesn't relate to it (though it did state it could be part of autism) is extreme physical laziness. Like I would thought out and make plans of any given situations, imagining of how to execute and do this plan but I end up always failing to do the plan. My body wouldn't let me do some of the stuff I want to do b/c I suppose I'm just down right lazy? This includes especially to assignments, plans for meet up and etc in which would benefit me but I just wouldn't go for it sometimes despite thinking about it for hours of how to do it....
I have several other examples that I can tell and possibly relate to the topic of autism but they're just kinda pointless. They're interesting and also somewhat embarrassing stories or situations I've dealt with but perhaps in future blogs if my fellow TL readers would be interested in me...
Now, back to my main topic. My parents never told me about autism (and I sorta have a doubt they even know what it means) nor has anyone. I never had to attend special schools or anything since I went all public from elementary to high school, lived a normal life (well not normal if you read what I just wrote), and is in college perfectly "fine". But I never really knew about what autism means or who it effects until I just did some brief research on wiki... hmm... so are these enough proof that I have autism or am I just weird? DO I HAVE AUTISM???
Poll: Do I have Autism?No, you're just weird! >_< (46) 79% Yes, you do!! o.O (7) 12% Other..... (5) 9% 58 total votes Your vote: Do I have Autism? (Vote): Yes, you do!! o.O
(Vote): No, you're just weird! >_<
(Vote): Other.....
Also, while on topic, are there any celebrities in US who has autism and are successful? Since my field is Broadcast Journalism and I am planning to take on the road of media world so will my chances to be a famous broadcaster in both TV and radio will be affect by this??
 
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On May 23 2010 08:30 QuickStriker wrote:
My parents mentioned to me before and I think I remember from my memory as well...
Remembering from your memory... you got skillz son.
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You almost certainly do not. I know some autistics are pretty functional but I think you would be kinda pushing the boundaries a fair bit. The things that make you think you have it (stacking, selective eating, slight OCD (unless you do in fact mean OD as in overdose)) I'm pretty sure are common enough.
I personally have all of those. My sister is autistic. I am not. You are probably not either. I can't say for sure because you never know but in all likelihood, you're not (and if you are, I must be too :o)
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You should consider going to a doctor if you are really that worried.
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Doubt you have full blown autism, you could just have very,very mild aspergers.
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Oh wow... it seems I'm just very weird afterall... darn, I look like a fool now thinking I had autism... so not able to talk until you were 5 is considered non-autism? And all those things I've explained (ie. stacking, selective eating, slight OCD) is common? Hmm... I guess....
But would I really go to a doctor to prove myself that I am autism? Hell no, a waste of time in my life, rather be playing SC for several more hours...
*edit* Also I did mean OCD, not OD... LOL
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Well there are mild cases of autism, but honestly you should not be that bothered on whether or not you have or had autism. It's not like it's going to change your life if you know.
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OCD =/= Autism, just to start things off. There are tons of people out there diagnosed with OCD that would otherwise be considered normal.
There are a lot of characteristic things to notice early on in the life of a person who is autistic. Were you one to get extremely upset if something were to go outside of your normal daily schedule? Did you consistently repeat hand gestures or other body movements? Was your gaze rarely ever directed toward the people you were talking to? Did you understand that people are people and that you shouldn't be handling them like they are objects? There's just a very large list of things that can point to autism, and these usually start showing up around one or two to maybe age five, and can continue throughout their lives.
It sounds like you were able to be decently social with others, if not just a bit withdrawn. For the great majority of autistic people, social interaction and normal conversation is impossible. You seem to be able to communicate pretty well in your own right from your post.
If there's still any doubt though, see a doctor.
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On May 23 2010 08:53 QuickStriker wrote:
Oh wow... it seems I'm just very weird afterall... darn, I look like a fool now thinking I had autism... so not able to talk until you were 5 is considered non-autism? And all those things I've explained (ie. stacking, selective eating, slight OCD) is common? Hmm... I guess....
But would I really go to a doctor to prove myself that I am autism? Hell no, a waste of time in my life, rather be playing SC for several more hours...
*edit* Also I did mean OCD, not OD... LOL
Yeah, the not talking thing is probably the strongest thing to link to autism. Like somebody suggested earlier, it could be asperger's. I have a cousin with that and he kinda seems like a less severe version of my sister.
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On May 23 2010 08:54 Nemesis wrote:
Well there are mild cases of autism, but honestly you should not be that bothered on whether or not you have or had autism. It's not like it's going to change your life if you know.
Yes it will! Because that way, I have a hidden possible card I can use and exploit to get thru certain phases in life such as classes..... Though I'll probably keep quiet in most parts, I was taught in my political science class recently that since this world is full of exploiters, 95% of the people in class (and in the world) will be those being exploited. I refuse to be those 95% and rather be anywhere closer to the 5% to exploit others to succeed in life. And for other reasons as well...
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On May 23 2010 08:55 IndecisivePenguin wrote:
OCD =/= Autism, just to start things off. There are tons of people out there diagnosed with OCD that would otherwise be considered normal.
There are a lot of characteristic things to notice early on in the life of a person who is autistic. Were you one to get extremely upset if something were to go outside of your normal daily schedule? Did you consistently repeat hand gestures or other body movements? Was your gaze rarely ever directed toward the people you were talking to? Did you understand that people are people and that you shouldn't be handling them like they are objects? There's just a very large list of things that can point to autism, and these usually start showing up around one or two to maybe age five, and can continue throughout their lives.
It sounds like you were able to be decently social with others, if not just a bit withdrawn. For the great majority of autistic people, social interaction and normal conversation is impossible. You seem to be able to communicate pretty well in your own right from your post.
If there's still any doubt though, see a doctor.
In regards to this, yes I would often be very upset (and still am to the point I get pissed, angry, or some sort of emotion out of me) when things I've planned or my usual schedule goes out of the way. Yes I repeat hand gestures b/c I got a habit to talk with my hands swinging around sometimes. My gaze USED TO be rarely directed to people I talked to until I was taught to look at other people's eyes and all. Yes I know people are people to the point where I pretty much want to find out how everyone lives, thinks, and dreams. Any more questions to ask? I'll answer them all very simply to prove my point.
Now I don't really remember exactly when any of these situation happened the first time but they all started some part of my life and some of them continue today to a lesser extent or improved..
And I refuse to see a doctor until I'm really sure or if I really do have a good reason to go to.
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On May 23 2010 09:01 QuickStriker wrote:Show nested quote +On May 23 2010 08:55 IndecisivePenguin wrote:
OCD =/= Autism, just to start things off. There are tons of people out there diagnosed with OCD that would otherwise be considered normal.
There are a lot of characteristic things to notice early on in the life of a person who is autistic. Were you one to get extremely upset if something were to go outside of your normal daily schedule? Did you consistently repeat hand gestures or other body movements? Was your gaze rarely ever directed toward the people you were talking to? Did you understand that people are people and that you shouldn't be handling them like they are objects? There's just a very large list of things that can point to autism, and these usually start showing up around one or two to maybe age five, and can continue throughout their lives.
It sounds like you were able to be decently social with others, if not just a bit withdrawn. For the great majority of autistic people, social interaction and normal conversation is impossible. You seem to be able to communicate pretty well in your own right from your post.
If there's still any doubt though, see a doctor. In regards to this, yes I would often be very upset (and still am to the point I get pissed, angry, or some sort of emotion out of me) when things I've planned or my usual schedule goes out of the way. Yes I repeat hand gestures b/c I got a habit to talk with my hands swinging around sometimes. My gaze USED TO be rarely directed to people I talked to until I was taught to look at other people's eyes and all. Yes I know people are people to the point where I pretty much want to find out how everyone lives, thinks, and dreams. Any more questions to ask? I'll answer them all very simply to prove my point. And I refuse to see a doctor until I'm really sure or if I really do have a good reason to go to.
Shit man, you got me concerned now. :o
As this thing goes on, you keep adding more things that I seem to fit as well. I like never made eye contact until I made a conscious decision to do it and began working on it like a year ago. And I do use a shitload of hand gestures. But I'm pretty sure I managed to talk at a normal age so I should be fine. But still, I'm starting to get drawn into your boat here :/
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On May 23 2010 09:01 QuickStriker wrote:Show nested quote +On May 23 2010 08:55 IndecisivePenguin wrote:
OCD =/= Autism, just to start things off. There are tons of people out there diagnosed with OCD that would otherwise be considered normal.
There are a lot of characteristic things to notice early on in the life of a person who is autistic. Were you one to get extremely upset if something were to go outside of your normal daily schedule? Did you consistently repeat hand gestures or other body movements? Was your gaze rarely ever directed toward the people you were talking to? Did you understand that people are people and that you shouldn't be handling them like they are objects? There's just a very large list of things that can point to autism, and these usually start showing up around one or two to maybe age five, and can continue throughout their lives.
It sounds like you were able to be decently social with others, if not just a bit withdrawn. For the great majority of autistic people, social interaction and normal conversation is impossible. You seem to be able to communicate pretty well in your own right from your post.
If there's still any doubt though, see a doctor. In regards to this, yes I would often be very upset (and still am to the point I get pissed, angry, or some sort of emotion out of me) when things I've planned or my usual schedule goes out of the way. Yes I repeat hand gestures b/c I got a habit to talk with my hands swinging around sometimes. My gaze USED TO be rarely directed to people I talked to until I was taught to look at other people's eyes and all. Yes I know people are people to the point where I pretty much want to find out how everyone lives, thinks, and dreams. Any more questions to ask? I'll answer them all very simply to prove my point. Now I don't really remember exactly when any of these situation happened the first time but they all started some part of my life and some of them continue today to a lesser extent or improved.. And I refuse to see a doctor until I'm really sure or if I really do have a good reason to go to.
Btw, you might also want to look into Aspergers syndrome. You seem like you really want to know as well, so I don't see why you wouldn't go.
But yes, check out Aspergers if you have the time.
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Well, I only got sparked up and became interested into this topic after browsing in TL thru another session of procrastination of my final assignments in which I dedicated my entire Saturday to work only to not really doing them... (which means I'm pretty much screwed now since I gotta cram everything on Sunday and my motivation isn't ticking yet...)
I have taken a brief look at Aspergers syndrome but I don't really get how that and AS are different. They both are similar and yes, I do want to know and am curious but I don't really like going to doctors as much (nor do I know any real doctors to go to).... I guess I'll do some reading on Aspergers..
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I would recommend checking out Aspergers as well.
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On May 23 2010 08:49 maps wrote:
Doubt you have full blown autism, you could just have very,very mild aspergers.
I bet most people have very very mild aspergers.
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I don´t think you should ask the internet that go see a psychiatrist^^
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Just go to a psychiatrist!
EDIT: O wait. Since you are in the US, can I derail this blog and argue about how easy (or slow) it would be to get a psychiatrist if the US had socialized medicine?
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the more you think about this, the more you're likely to interpret your actions to things someone with autism would do..
just enjoy life and stop worrying ^^ so what if you do weird shit, everyone does
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I though people with autism had communication and socializing problem. These 2000 post on this forum are a bit contradictory with that.
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autism is not some sort of psychological disorder like OCD or ADHD or anything. It's not something you develop or FIND OUT you have. If you had autism, and were self aware, you would have known it your whole life.
Autism manifests INCREDIBLY early in life. It has harmful physical and mental effects. From a very young age the repercussions are evident
Most kids are severly underweight and have trouble putting on weight. Babies are are fussy and hard to cope with.
More importantly, all the first stages of development are severely delayed.
those being: rolling, crawling, standing, walking and talking.
So no, you do not just go "oh hey I think I have autism". It is a incredibly widespread disease that severely impacts families and the individuals with it.
EDIT: btw everything you mentioned about your early elementary life and further can be applied to almost any nerd who trolls forums.
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No, your just wierd! >_< ^^ Especially if people call you a stalker.
edit: I got ADHD btw so I know a little bit about this. Also, that kinda explains all my posts when I only joined last Feb.
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You might want to look into The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time (something like that). It's a pretty good book in which the narrator is autistic, and it was written by a guy who spent a good deal of time with autistic children. From what you've described, it seems like you are perfectly normal, but are focusing on your eccentricities to convince yourself that you have a condition that could yield special treatment or just attention in general. Not that I'm questioning your motives...Everyone has weird stuff they do.
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You don't have autism, but you are retarded...
...for seeking medical advice on teamliquid forums.
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Didn't read most of your post, but one of my friends didn't talk till he was 5 years old. Now he is extremely social and 'normal'.
Maybe you are just introverted?
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You don't have autism. One of the biggest aspects of autism is how it affects your thought process and your social interaction. From your post, you obviously don't exhibit signs of autism.
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self diagnosis is fun guys
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You're way, way too vocal and informative in your posts to be considered autistic. I also thought I had autism, but I turned out I just had ADHD lol.
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I've met autism kids in a speacial school and I don't think they are sane enough to make a thread on the internet.
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You're adorable. 
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You could have a mild case of it, I've had a few friends who were very OCD and slightly "different" but otherwise they were fully functioning human beings. Then, one of them was diagnosed with mild Aspbergers (sp?).
As others have said, if you were able to coherently write that entire blog post, if you do have autism it is not noticeable.
edit: your case might be different though, because they were diagnosed from the ages of 4-5
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Man, you cant "get cured" of autism, because is not really a sickness.
You could have autism, yes, but if you do so, clearly is on a really low level, or you would know better. Dont worry about this, just focuse on living your life. There is nothing wrong with you, think that you have just a different aproach to life than most of the people. Take advantage of that.
I personally, wouldnt touch my peace and clarity of mind. Do I have autism in a very low level? I dont fucken want to know, I stopped going to the shrink when i was 16, went regulary from 8, my girlfriend works with autist kids and she says I have so much in common with them, right now, and when we talk about my childhood. And when I was 23 I used to faint with some kind of epileptical shock. I still do when I am weak, so try to eat good. I hear cracks on my brain when I am not stoned. Ganja is one of the few things that makes me feel normal.
And mOnion isnt right. There are several levels of autism, it doesnt need to be severe all the time.
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Some people just feel their is something wrong with themselves and kind of go searching for a name that they can put to it. If they find one, it can be relieving that they now know they have disease X and have solution Y to fix it.
Other times there isn't any disease. This is probably one of them. If you think something's up then go seek some professional help. Therapy can never hurt.
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Netherlands4515 Posts
monion is super wrong wtf >.<
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i'd say that you probably dont have it but its really hard to say without more to go on,
ther's a swedish girl with autism and she wrote a great book about how it feels to have autism and how it affects you and how you react, thou i never got down to read it but i will someday.
i whould recomend you that you see a doctor to see if you got something like autism or one of the "other" ~autism's~
i dont think it whould effect your carrer will be affected at all as long as you do a good job, and if you do end up getting the diagnose there will be pleanty off media chanses for you and a bunch off work as a writer.
sorry for bad spelling and writing >.< just hungover and feeling like some eliphant is sitting on my chest x') i hope things work out good for you.
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Norway28743 Posts
On May 23 2010 11:01 Cocojack wrote:
You might want to look into The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time (something like that). It's a pretty good book in which the narrator is autistic, and it was written by a guy who spent a good deal of time with autistic children. From what you've described, it seems like you are perfectly normal, but are focusing on your eccentricities to convince yourself that you have a condition that could yield special treatment or just attention in general. Not that I'm questioning your motives...Everyone has weird stuff they do.
i think everyone should read that book regardless of whether they have any interest in autism
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probably not autism...sounds more like cancer to me
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You can't really base your final diagnosis by reading a wikipedia article. Go to the doctors so you can be properly diagnosed. I remember watching a video saying that when most people try to diagnose their problem over the internet they generally tend to believe that they actually have that disease/disorder etc.
I have had an example of this. My wrist started to hurt about 3 years ago. At first it was bearable but soon got more and more painful. I went to the doctors to check it out annnnnnd he said that it was from playing on the computer too much (stupid doctor made my pain last for more than it I wanted)... >.> I received a bunch of treatments and medications but nothing worked. I tried to diagnose my issue by typing in "Wrist pain diagnosis" on Google. I got a whole bunch of results but it I came to the conclusion that I had Tendonitis because all the symptoms matched. I also checked the symptoms for Carpal Tunnel and Arthritis but they didn't seem to match.
Later in life (this year... >.> ) I went to a more professional doctor at my local hospital. AND GUESS WHAT? I actually had Arthritis!... More specifically, Psoriatic Arthritis. I received steroid injections in my inflamed joints (Right wrist and right knee). And now I'm feeling a lot better.
Moral of the story? Don't trust your own diagnosis.
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you need to be clearer on how you think when you socialize and interact with other people. You've barely mentioned it at all and it's usually one of the large factors in determining autism, or at least asbergers.
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EPT
