This video has edited captions in English.
2022 update: I had a second assessment, this time privately. Psychiatrist said I fit PDD-NOS but not Aspergers under DSM-IV and am below threshold for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for DSM-V (New Zealand uses both DSM-IV and DSM-V). ADHD ruled out as lack of childhood features. Psychiatrist said I am 'definitely on the autism spectrum' with 'clinicially signifcant autism spectrum features' yet below threshold for ASD. Apparently not everyone who meets criteria for PDD-NOS also meets criteria for ASD. This is despite scoring high on tests to support a diagnosis of ASD.
Bipolar affective disorder (type 1 with mania) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are still my main diagnoses.
This topic has been a sore point on social media. People have been quite aggressive about my diagnoses and that I no longer call myself autistic, after my first assessment with mental health services in New Zealand with a psychologist (public system).
My name is Xanthe Wyse and I have been sharing some of my experiences and insights mainly about mental health.
I find it quite interesting that several people with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (ASD) or Asperger's Syndrome (or at least claim to) insist that I'm on the spectrum.
After much confusion with professionals, I finally had an assessment and my autistic-like traits (sensory issues, avoidance of eye contact, communication difficulties, stimming) have all been better explained by diagnoses of bipolar 1 disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder. PTSD is childhood presentation of mainly avoidance and shutdowns.
So I have traits but not enough to meet their criteria. Plus I was told that I wouldn't get an official diagnosis as an adult only (only rarely for 'severely impacted') and not a clear-cut diagnosis (more like a retrospective diagnosis as I was told before my assessment 'it's not good practice to diagnose autism in adults').
For years now, people on social media keep insisting I'm on the spectrum. I used to say I'm an Aspie after a psychologist and a pyschiatrist said that I have Asperger's and I'm gifted and mask but they wouldn't diagnose in writing as they didn't formally diagnose adults. So then I was confused when other mental health professionals said they could only see bipolar disorder, not autism. So it's been very confusing.
I was told that there would be no accommodations if they did assess me as being on the autistic spectrum (yet not officially - yes, confusing). And I think I forgot to mention it in this video but a diagnosis would likely prevent me from accessing treatment for PTSD (the bipolar diagnosis actually was a barrier for that but eventually I was approved therapy).
I will not be seeking a private evaluation as it's likely I will be told the same thing. Plus I was told it is seen as more of a 'quirk'. It was much more important for me to have my trauma validated so I can have treatment. I am about 6 months into a year's worth of therapy sessions with a clinical psychologist specialising in trauma.
There's a war in social media in the social media world - pro-self-dx vs official diagnosis only, advocates vs parents, ABA, autism as an identity, rejecting medical models, some rejecting disability. It's all very polarised and only a minority seek a balanced view - accepting someone and that also includes acknowledging struggles.
So who do I believe? Strangers on the internet who see overlap with their diagnosis of autism? Or professionals with 7 years training? Are people mis-diagnosed? Sure they are. I have been. That is a problem. But my current view is cautioning against self-diagnosis, although I appreciate there is a barrier for many people (cost etc).
My needing to move in repetitive ways (especially when I'm anxious and/or in an elevated mood with bipolar) can be called stimming or it can also be called psychomotor agitation. From what I gather, they are very similar.
#autism
#bipolar
#PTSD
my books: www.bipolarcour...
2022 update video: why I am not going back to calling myself autistic • Why I don't call mysel...
25 авг 2024
