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[eBook] Free: "Autism: I Think I Might be Autistic" (A Guide to Spotting the Signs and Symptoms) $0 @ Amazon AU, US

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[eBook] Free: "Autism: I Think I Might be Autistic" (A Guide to Spotting the Signs and Symptoms) $0 @ Amazon AU, USAffiliate
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nocure on 17/08/2020 - 08:34 amazon.com.au (4513 clicks)
Last edited 17/08/2020 - 08:34
This post contains affiliate links. OzBargain might earn commissions when you click through and make purchases. Please see this page for more information.

This book is designed to help you learn about the signs and symptoms of autism and how to spot them and give you practical solutions and exercises you can do at home to try and alleviate the symptoms associated with the condition, as well as information regarding more traditional treatments that your doctor may subscribe so you know what to expect.

This book is the culmination of over five years research working with and improving the lives of autistic adults and children.

Whether you are reading this book for yourself, or you're worried about a child or loved one, it will give you an insight and a new found understanding into the condition and how best to cope with it.

What You Will Learn in This Book:

  • What is Autism
  • What are the differences between Autism and Asperger's
  • What are the symptoms in Children and Adults
  • What should I do if I think I have Autism
  • What help or treatment is available
  • Techniques you can do at home to alleviate symptoms
  • Stress Management
  • Trigger Management
  • Much, Much More!

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  • CharityCase on 17/08/2020 - 09:12
    +4

    thanks, thats all I need

  • sovereign01 on 17/08/2020 - 09:20
    +83

    I've never seen a deal more appropriate for ozbargain, this is amazing.

  • BigPeeper on 17/08/2020 - 09:28
    +13

    A book for all Ozbargainers

    • Naigrabzo on 17/08/2020 - 14:52

      YES; cause it's free yo!

  • Unacceptable on 17/08/2020 - 09:29
    +3

    I think I’m on spectrum. I need this. Thanks op.

    • jv on 17/08/2020 - 10:05
      +52

      Everyone is on the spectrum, otherwise it wouldn't be a spectrum…

      • WhyAmICommenting on 17/08/2020 - 11:08
        +13

        Wow JV got positive votes!

        • Wilburre on 17/08/2020 - 11:13
          +2

          Well he's not wrong :p

        • pclonan on 17/08/2020 - 12:01
          +3

          Only because he is wearing a mask :)

      • ak47wong on 17/08/2020 - 11:31
        +23

        That's not what "on the spectrum" means. Not everyone is on the spectrum. People with autism are "on the spectrum" because there is a wide variety of symptoms and traits and no two people are alike in their diagnosis.

        Here is one explanation but if you google "autism spectrum", there are dozens more.

        • jv on 17/08/2020 - 11:40
          +3

          Here is one explanation(the-art-of-autism.com)

          "Rebecca Burgess is a freelance comic artist and illustrator living in the UK. She has an interest in history and folk songs that runs through a lot of her work. Her obsession with comics runs into her spare time, where she draws two web comics! Rebecca also likes to play video games, explore the countryside and dress like a time traveler!"

          Ummm… OK.

          • deeevan on 17/08/2020 - 14:19

            @jv: At the top of the page, the article has the tag "#ActuallyAutistic Perspective" ie. Blog posts from actually autistic people

            I hope the e-book author is a qualified psychologist based on the other books she's written, but can't find anything concrete.

        • bargaino on 17/08/2020 - 11:46
          +11

          That's not what "on the spectrum" means. Not everyone is on the spectrum.

          Yes, but this is just semantics, as "spectrum" can sometimes mean different things.

          People seem to be continuously distributed along a spectrum, and these is no obvious line or gap between normal, and an autism diagnosis.

          "The autism spectrum" normally refers to the range beyond a chosen cutoff, just as the visible spectrum is a subset of the electromagnetic spectrum.

        • Chewiebacca on 17/08/2020 - 11:47
          +15

          Spot on. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) combines multiple previous diagnoses such as Aspergers and PDD, which are now all classified under the DSM-V as Autism Spectrum Disorder.

          The statement that everybody is on the spectrum is certainly false.

          • bargaino on 17/08/2020 - 12:08
            +1

            @Chewiebacca:

            The statement that everybody is on the spectrum is certainly false.

            I would say it is mis-using the phrase "the spectrum". Which spectrum?
            What they are intending to say is indeed true. ASD is part of a broader spectrum. It is a question of degree, at least as far as current understanding goes.
            Maybe one day we will discover one or more underlying causes which definitively may be present or not.

            • Chewiebacca on 17/08/2020 - 14:57
              +5

              @bargaino: Sure, semantics. We are all part of a broader spectrum.

              However, we are discussing autism spectrum disorder, and with that in context, to say everybody is on the spectrum is unequivocally false.

              It was only recently coined as a spectrum. Combining the initially separate diagnoses of Aspergers, PDD, Rett etc, and a gradual widening of the diagnostic criteria is what has resulted in ASD as a spectrum. It is very specific wording with a lot of context, therefore to say "everyone is on the spectrum" is imo ridiculous and belittling to those with ASD. There is an overall stigma against mental disorders in society, it doesn't help downplaying it as if we all are on the same spectrum. As somebody with intimate experience with it, I found the statement absurd.

              there is no obvious line or gap between normal, and an autism diagnosis

              The purpose of the DSM is precisely so that it can be this black and white. That is also one of its criticisms. The bottom line is that mental disorders are complicated, and this is reflected in their diagnoses and treatment. Nevertheless, this is why the statement "we are all on the spectrum" in the context of ASD is both false and absurd. You either satisfy the diagnostic criteria or you don't, to say that everybody is on that spectrum is ridiculous.

              • bargaino on 17/08/2020 - 20:04
                -2

                @Chewiebacca:

                to say everybody is on the spectrum is unequivocally false.

                yes, I agreed. What you say is true. But what he meant is different to what you mean by the term. You are not disagreeing on anything except the meaning of phrases. That is a semantic argument. It sounds like you may be a little "on the spectrum" yourself. Welcome to the club!
                Now clearly (to a non-autistic person) I am not really implying you are autistic. Unless you thought I was, in which case maybe you are.

        • Naigrabzo on 17/08/2020 - 14:53
          +1

          @ak47wong, you feeding the troll yo.

        • 9839002 on 18/08/2020 - 10:37

          Are you gatekeeping autism bro?

      • OnTheMark on 17/08/2020 - 12:29
        +6

        Whilst arguably being technically correct, jv, you're going against the common usage of the term and attempting to make it completely useless.

        Arguing semantics is a common trait - where do you think you lie on the spectrum, jv?

        • jv on 17/08/2020 - 12:37
          -1

          you're going against the common usage of the term

          perhaps… many may disagree, but I believe we are all truly on the same spectrum of 'normal'

          • fredblogs on 17/08/2020 - 12:43
            -3

            @jv: I believe the universe was created by the Spaghetti monster. Many may disagree, but we're all entitled to our opinion.

          • OnTheMark on 17/08/2020 - 12:50
            +1

            @jv: Whilst in some sense I agree with you, the reality is that the majority of the population are "neurotypical" and although everyone is different, there are some pretty major differences between people on opposite ends of the spectrum.

            The only reason ASD isn't considered "normal" is because the majority of the population isn't ASD. Wouldn't it be interesting if ASD was the norm and neurotypicals were actually the odd ones out?

            • jv on 17/08/2020 - 13:05

              @OnTheMark:

              and although everyone is different, there are some pretty major differences between people on opposite ends of the spectrum.

              some forms of autism are quite mild though and hard to diagnose.

              • OnTheMark on 17/08/2020 - 13:16

                @jv: And?

                • jv on 17/08/2020 - 13:20

                  @OnTheMark:

                  And?

                  That's a logical operator.

                  Please stay on topic.

                  • fredblogs on 17/08/2020 - 13:28

                    @jv: Here are the diagnostic criteria: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/hcp-dsm.html
                    This shows you that not everyone is on the spectrum.

                    • jv on 17/08/2020 - 13:31
                      -1

                      @fredblogs:

                      To meet diagnostic criteria for ASD according to DSM-5, a child must have persistent deficits in each of three areas of social communication and interaction (see A.1. through A.3. below) plus at least two of four types of restricted, repetitive behaviors (see B.1. through B.4. below).

                      Seems a contrived definition. It's not black and white for many…

                    • rhangman on 17/08/2020 - 15:16
                      +2

                      @fredblogs: Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction.
                      Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities.

                      So not everyone, just all males?

                  • OnTheMark on 17/08/2020 - 13:28
                    +4

                    @jv: What's your point?

                    You seem to enjoy being deliberately obtuse…

                    • jv on 17/08/2020 - 13:32

                      @OnTheMark:

                      What's your point?

                      I've already made my point above. Not interested in going in circles…

                      • OnTheMark on 17/08/2020 - 15:14

                        @jv: We all know that there are people on the Internet who enjoy being obnoxious - aka trolls.

                        I suspect some trolls are actually people on the spectrum who unfortunately don't have the insight to see how their behaviour online is viewed by others - despite multiple attempts to call them out on what they're doing.

                        I could of course be wrong and there may well be other explanations as well.

                        Personally, I think that trying to redefine everything as normal is pointless because it achieves precisely nothing to address the problem. Instead, I think that we should acknowledge that we have differences and work towards celebrating diversity.

                        Because of their differences, ASD people have contributed a great deal to many things that we take for granted in our everyday lives - we could easily still be in the middle ages if it weren't for them.

                        Both my daughters are diagnosed level 2 ASD and my wife and I are also both on the spectrum.

                        • jv on 17/08/2020 - 15:30
                          +1

                          @OnTheMark:

                          We all know that there are people on the Internet who enjoy being obnoxious - aka trolls.

                          You shouldn't be reading their blogs then and assuming they are credible medical articles.

                          • OnTheMark on 17/08/2020 - 15:41

                            @jv: I guess a third explanation could be that you're smoking (or taking) something you shouldn't be…

                            • jv on 17/08/2020 - 15:46

                              @OnTheMark:

                              I guess a third explanation could be that you're smoking (or taking) something you shouldn't be…

                              Saw a show on the ABC recently that it can definitely help with PTSD.

                              • darkmoss on 17/08/2020 - 18:23

                                @jv: What can? You left that bit out

          • ozbargainer88 on 17/08/2020 - 14:00
            +1

            @jv: I disagree with you being normal

      • Naigrabzo on 17/08/2020 - 14:50
        +1

        @JV is definitely on the positive spectrum for this one.

  • MS Paint on 17/08/2020 - 09:30
    +1

    Just confirmed what I already knew. Dang.

  • RSmith on 17/08/2020 - 09:46
    +43

    Anyone who doesn't have first hand experience of knowing someone with autism, they won't be able to appreciate the challenges faced daily by the person with autism and their families.

    • WhiteEvo6 on 17/08/2020 - 09:50
      +49

      As the father of a child with Autism I couldn't agree more, these comments are highly offensive and using Autism as a joke or insult is disgraceful

        • Nickelback on 17/08/2020 - 10:48
          +6

          How ignorant mate?
          And you are generalising too.

          With all the challenges they come with, autistic kids are super intelligent… Something that you clearly aren't.

          • bargaino on 17/08/2020 - 12:03
            +9

            @Nickelback:

            autistic kids are super intelligent…

            Some are, most are not. Please don't tell parents their autistic kids must have special powers like Rainman.

            But I've met a Ph.D. laser researcher with Aspergers. Nice guy, but you had to be careful talking, as he would tend to take everything literally.
            He had never even heard of the "Big Bang Theory" TV show (which is weird enough!), so we made him watch it. He just did not get the jokes at all. (I have to admit, its not really that funny. ) It must have made his life challenging, but he was doing OK. Did he have a disability?

      • RSmith on 17/08/2020 - 09:54
        +10

        Exactly. I am in the same boat as you. I can only convey my best wishes to you. Take care.

        • shaiguy on 17/08/2020 - 11:13
          +4

          Makes a few of us and spot on re the daily challenges. Hopefully you fellas are also on the Facebook Groups (e.g. Fathers/Parents Australian/International ASD group - they're very useful.

          For everyone, 2 great short videos on autism (about 3 minutes) are below:

          Respect for all those with autism on this site a well.

          • fredblogs on 17/08/2020 - 12:36

            @shaiguy: Do you have the fb links? Looks like there are dozens of groups.

            • shaiguy on 18/08/2020 - 11:28
              +1

              @fredblogs: These are the ones I am on (I believe they are all private - however the admins are really good at running it):

              Autism Dads Australia: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AutismDadsAustralia/ (as per below seedy runs it - really good place in my view to bounce things on)

              ASD Connections: https://www.facebook.com/groups/496104163789347/ (the first one one I was on. Good to get a lot of info about events, giver/hear people rant, advice, weekly photos of proud parents/achievements etc. probably the one I defer to the most).

              Autism Parents Australia: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismparentsaustralia/ (larger Australian ASD parents site (about 18k people)

              Autism Dads in it Together: https://www.facebook.com/groups/798672493573079/ (about 2.5k members for fathers only - I usually go here for a good chuckle but there are also some really tough stories here.). E.g. recent post below:

              Regardless which one(s) you join it is amazing how a lot of the parents come together and relate - there's a lot of camaderie/brotherhood. A couple of recent of funny and heartwarming posts from these groups:
              - Ok, so my son just figured out how to use Alexa against me… today he set an alarm to tell me to make him lunch at 11… it was very specific in that he wanted chicken tenders and fries (he eats lunch at 11 every day and eats only chicken tenders and fries). Lastly, using Alexa he just called me from his bedroom to tell me its time to read him his favorite bedtime story… I thought I was the parent in this relationship!
              - I have been away for 3 months and 1 week for work out of the country and have been unable to return due to COVID restrictions. I am returning to the States tomorrow and will be home Thursday. To hear my soon to be 3 year old non verbal son scream with excitement ( Daddy come home!!!! ) when he found out today was the sweetest sound I have ever heard. It’s the little things.

          • seedy on 17/08/2020 - 12:58
            +1

            @shaiguy: I run a FB Group for dads of kids with autism :- https://www.facebook.com/groups/AutismDadsAustralia
            There are about 900 of us in the group. It's a really good vibe

            • DoctorCalculon on 17/08/2020 - 19:11
              +2

              @seedy: So, why the neg on this book deal?

              • seedy on 18/08/2020 - 14:33
                +1

                @DoctorCalculon: Hey Doc,
                I did a big rant on it a little bit down the page. IMHO these books just open the doors on people self diagnosing. I've run a few autism support groups for several years now. Almost all the hassles we have had have been from late diagnosed and self-diagnosed people.

            • shaiguy on 18/08/2020 - 11:08
              +1

              @seedy: I am on it!

            • shaiguy on 18/08/2020 - 11:10
              +1

              @seedy: Double

      • namgib on 17/08/2020 - 10:58
        +6

        I agree and disagree at the same time. I have two, yippee!, and we make fun of ASD all the time as does one of the kids. We never make fun of the kids for having ASD or anything like that. So I agree with it is very poor form to use it as an insult, although again we do use it as a turn of phrase in a self-deprecating manner mostly. Maybe it just our survival mechanism.
        Anyhoo I hope if you are coping with the strangeness of this year and those in Victoria - ask for help when you need it cause I know quite a few that are really struggling.

      • [Deactivated] on 17/08/2020 - 11:00
        +15

        And as someone who has actually lived with the condition my entire life (diagnosed by an actual psychiatrist, not self-diagnosed), I must say I'm reeaaaallllllyyyy sick and tired of people like YOU deciding what is and isn't offensive to say about MY condition.

        If we can't joke and talk shit about the condition, then how are we supposed to live with it?

        • SlickMick on 18/08/2020 - 09:29
          +2

          I was pleased to read this post. I was going to say something similar, but decided it wasn't my place to comment on something I don't have to deal with personally.

          But looks like I'm going to now :)…
          We all deal with what we have to deal with. Doesn't mean we can't be happy, and doesn't mean everyone must be sober around us.
          Some people seem to want to dwell in their misery, and have everyone join them there.

      • countmein on 18/08/2020 - 05:33

        Same boat, couldnt agree more, tho i wouldnt take it personally (wouldnt even care or bother to read people comments)

    • seedy on 17/08/2020 - 13:22
      +2

      Personally I hate books like this.

      IMHO if you have reached adulthood, got a job, have had girlfriends (or partners), got through school - and did not get a diagnosis in childhood - then it is pretty unlikely you have autism.The DSM V itself says "Symptoms must be present in early development" and "cause a clinically significant impairment" i.e. is a disability. However we get all these people having read books or googled autism or done the AQ and convinced themselves they have autism. Then they either rest on their self diagnosed laurels or, armed with their evidence, run off to a psychologist and answer all the questions perfectly and get their diagnosis.

      They then they go around saying "ooh I am autistic" and you have to use these words not those, this colour, not that, this date not that date, this pattern not that one and because I am autistic and you are not, you need to listen to me.

      BTW, yes I am a dad to child with autism, we found out when he was 13 months old, it was that clear. He's a good kid but I will likely be his carer for the rest of my life, I lose sleep worrying about what will happen when I can no longer care for him or when I die.

      • b2dz on 17/08/2020 - 15:25
        +6

        Also a dad to a child with Autism.

        Your example is flawed.

        What if someone hasn't done all that? Or has struggled from relationship to relationship, had kids but they don't speak to him, struggles with bright lights, crowded places. Struggled with speaking, relationships etc from a young age and had no early intervention because it wasn't a priority for his parents that work 7 days a week to put food on the table?

        Has shown symptoms all along but never knew why?

        You bring up good points - inaccurate self diagnosis - but that clearly can apply to anything, with people going around saying it. Celiac, Crohn's disease, bipolar or OCD are all illnesses that I've heard people being used to describe themselves. Saying "oh no, hats terrible, when did you get the diagnosis?" Often kicks start a good conversation

        • slowmo on 17/08/2020 - 15:31

          i personally hate it when people described themselves as 'on the spectrum' or use words like "i'm so OCD"…. but hasn't got any doctor's diagnosis ….

          it is on the same level as those 10 questions IQ test in the 90s that's floating around when people discovered internet

          these people just use those as 'labels' as an excuse of their shitty behaviour.

          • SlickMick on 18/08/2020 - 09:35
            +1

            @slowmo: I don't need a test to know I have issues. Last thing I want is to put labels on them all.
            Or maybe we could wear them as a badge of honour like qualifications etc!!??

            However, I bet there a lot of people in my life wishing I would get treatment for some of my behaviours.

            Surely something like this book has to be better than nothing for at least raising a person's awareness, maybe not for self-diagnosis but also identifying warning signs in friends and family and their children etc??

            • slowmo on 18/08/2020 - 14:05

              @SlickMick: if you genuinely have those issues, then you would feel exactly the same way as I do about people who are perfectly normal but shitty people, use the excuse of "I have OCD", "This is my OCD talking" to justify their behaviour.

              i said nothing about the book, nor i said anything about enforcing labels on sufferers.

              • SlickMick on 18/08/2020 - 21:15

                @slowmo: I do feel the same way… if you think I was disagreeing with you, I must not have chosen my words carefully enough

      • Benoffie on 17/08/2020 - 16:08
        +8

        I was diagnosed at 36. Grew up, have jobs, married, family etc. But it doesn't mean my life is without difficulty. If I had known at childhood then my life would have been different. But considering the first modern diagnosis for men didn't start until 1994, well, we're catching up.

        What does it give me now? Ability to self advocate, more understanding over co-morbid medical conditions (Autistics have loads), option for NDIS, improved job-relevant dealings (especially in interviews etc).

        There's a lot to be said for understanding why you do or don't do something and why you cannot change.

        • b2dz on 17/08/2020 - 17:39
          +1

          Does it also give you better treatment options? And also places to just downright avoid, like brightly lit/super crowded/huge shopping centres and stick to the smaller shopping centres?

          I suppose you may have done that already just instinctively.

          • Benoffie on 17/08/2020 - 19:01
            +2

            @b2dz: You learn more why you're not coping and can change behaviour without feeling guilty about it.

            Treatment is still meh. There's no additional Mental health plan access etc but as it then counts as a chronic condition it triggers additional visits if needed. Whether or not you get access to a GP or shrink who have a clue, well, that's another matter 🙄

      • slipperypete on 17/08/2020 - 19:13

        my next door neighbour, he is 32 and has just been diagnosed with autism. He is a great guy, a little sensitive and really good natured, honest and definitely not an attention seeker. His brother has Aspergers but was diagnosed early in life.
        My neighbour suffers from depression and anxiety plus has had some pretty tough events in life contributing to this including finding his fiancé cheating on him a few weeks before wedding day, resulting in a drinking binge and loss of drivers licence for two years, then job etc!!.

        The process for the diagnosis was lengthy and by his description not very pleasant.

        The symptoms may be observable earlier but may not be noticed as well. As you know there are definite variations and functionality. The DSM has changed significantly over the years and one of the reasons there are more diagnosed with this….NOT because of vaccinations.

        Really appreciate your help with this community and your facebook page.

        BTW I used to help with autistic kids whose parents were unable/incapable of coping

      • mantra on 17/08/2020 - 20:18
        +1

        spent 20+ years of my life without any diagnosis, many social deficits, struggled but never prevented positive friendships/relationships as long as i could manage them in sensory friendly places, was great at masking symptoms subconciously treading caution in all life choices made recieving correct support incredibly difficult

        life this way was incredibly fatiguing, consuming high amounts of energy managing normal to eventually burn myself out, recieving level 3 diagnosis, last 2 years stuck with all supports unsure how to move forward, never would've imagined family so worried for my future

        it's an incredibly complicated diagnosis, likely to have met level 2 as a kid, we can learn to become highly adaptive with high risk to our health and wellbeing

      • jv on 17/08/2020 - 21:48

        However we get all these people having read books or googled autism or done the AQ and convinced themselves they have autism.

        Wasn't there a South Park episode with a similar plot ?

  • Saura on 17/08/2020 - 11:00
    +5

    I have autism pls be patient with me

  • bchliu on 17/08/2020 - 11:03
    +7

    This book is good knowledge - but please do not use it as an official diagnosis because most people will have a cognitive bias towards what they want to believe. If you do suffer from these problems, please see a proper medical practitioner and not use an ebook as self diagnosis..

    • muwu on 17/08/2020 - 12:24
      +4

      Agree.

      I questioned myself growing up about potential autism traits. Ran through a couple of sessions with a clinical psychologist specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of autism (her solitary practice), ane came up well short of meeting diagnostic criteria.

      It's complex thinking about whether you are or aren't on the spectrum. Sometimes you might find yourself lapsing into using your perceived developmental difficulties as almost an excuse about some shortcomings in your life. Not being diagnosed has been an important part of catching up in my social development, and I'm a very different person today compared to 18 months ago.

      Like most things, trust in a trained health professional and work with them.

  • Whodis on 17/08/2020 - 11:51
    +2

    r/wallstreetbets needs this

  • thepigs on 17/08/2020 - 12:17
    +1

    wait, its me who has the problem?

  • noscopedJFK on 17/08/2020 - 12:17
    +1

    Nothing like a good old clarification on a Monday morning.

  • Blue Cat on 17/08/2020 - 12:18

    Have they finally found what causes autism and if it can be dedected while the baby is still in the tummy?

    • RSmith on 17/08/2020 - 12:24
      +1

      No

    • Benoffie on 17/08/2020 - 16:00

      it's genetic, about 1000 genes. So if you're Autistic then there's a good chance your kid will be.

  • bogan on 17/08/2020 - 12:46

    What You Will Learn in This Book:
    * What is Autism
    * What are the differences between Autism and Asperger's
    * What are the symptoms in Children and Adults
    * What should I do if I think I have Autism …

    But nothing about how to weaponise it.

  • nurbsenvi on 17/08/2020 - 13:11
    +2

    Too scared to find out

  • et tu brute on 17/08/2020 - 14:17
    -1

    :( Chill OzBee'ers… way too many arguments wrapped petty semantics… I came looking for an actual comment on the Kindle title… not the philosophies of arm-chair 'experts' (you know who you … we all do.. so don't bother to flame me)

  • ChadHominem on 17/08/2020 - 14:20

    If you enjoy bargains more than you enjoy the company of others,
    you're probably on the spectrum!

    • ChadHominem on 17/08/2020 - 14:24
      +1

      Also if you use a lot of bold words 🤗

  • Naigrabzo on 17/08/2020 - 14:49

    PERFECT! Found a birthday gift for my favourite relative.

  • Benoffie on 17/08/2020 - 15:55
    +8

    I would avoid a freebie, US based and now years old book. There are better Australian websites available to assist with this as with Facebook support groups even for those in the process of self diagnosis.

    • Autism association in your State (such as Autism SA)
    • Aspect Australia
    • ican network

    As soon as you see terms like high/low functioning, the use or promotion of ABA therapy or attempts to continue to separate Asperger's from Autism, then it's either outdated or misguided.

    Edit - if you are genuinely interested/concerned and want to pre-empt any chat with your GP ot Psychologist, do the following test online

    Aspietests.org/raads/

    It is the only online test Australian Psychologists will pay attention to. Read instructions thoroughly.

    • slowmo on 17/08/2020 - 16:27
      +1

      genuine question, not trolling. there are cultures that group all things like autism with mental illness and see these as really taboo to discuss. a recent friend fears of discussing things related to things like depression with doctors who would then put these discussions into records (eg myhealth). potentially resulting in those information possibly be detrimental to their employment prospects or insurance premiums.

      i know the above sounds like a few concepts being conflated, however, it was a real conversation i had with someone a while ago. what would you suggest or resources i could point them to, to get help?

      • Benoffie on 17/08/2020 - 16:57
        +3

        Yep absolutely. MyHealth the individual has control over and so they can opt in/out, give access to GP etc. That's the first thing.

        The second thing is disclosure. I choose to disclose. When I was finishing a qualification recently I had 2 practicums. I disclosured on 1 and not on the other. I honestly wanted to see whether it was Autism that had been tripping me up in work all these years. Sure enough, I was marked down in the non disclosure for lack of eye contact, for stimming, for talking too much or too little etc, social interactions not being just right.

        When the boss said oh but hang on, she's Autistic, the marker went back and changed it. Now some might argue I should be penalised and my entire life i have but these are aspects of myself I cannot alter. So now I see the value in disclosure but acknowledge it is risky and comes with its own problems.

        Insurers hate Autistics anyway due to the comorbid conditions. That'll cost you before the Autism does. Autism itself is not a health issue.

        As for jobs, use it to your advantage. The APS has RecruitAbility, then there's the Daffodil Program and places like Specialisterne.

        Why do Autistics have to keep excusing themselves simply because other people don't really want to be inclusive?

        • slowmo on 18/08/2020 - 14:18
          +1

          thanks for the reply, I will use that information wisely.

          Why do Autistics have to keep excusing themselves simply because other people don't really want to be inclusive?

          I don't have the answer to this, to be honest… I would guess "because other people can be absolutely A holes" but I don't feel comfortable discussing further in an open forum.

          Thanks for the information so far.

    • Shaun R on 18/08/2020 - 14:53
      +3

      Thank you for saying this.

      Anything that uses the “puzzle pieces” is likely to be outdated, ableist, and potentially even harmful. Not to mention ABA, use of the term Aspergers Syndrome, functioning labels, “levels”, etc.

      The “Autism Speaks” association is also highly problematic (I especially love how no one on their board is autistic) and typically associated with a lot of problematic claims about autism and autistic people.

  • doppelganger47 on 17/08/2020 - 22:43

    Decent read but not overly in depth. Not a diagnostic tool. More of a read to get a basic understanding.

  • Misplaced on 18/08/2020 - 10:27

    The REAL way to know if you're Autistic is if you listen to "Spasticus Autisticus" by Ian Dury and you dig it and can totally relate.

    https://youtu.be/6isXNVdguI8

    Before anyone goes off about this, it was performed live @ the London Paralympics in 2012 by a large crowd of performers with all levels of disabilities. The song has become more-or-less socially acceptable (at least in the UK) because of its message. Ian Dury suffered from Polio since childhood, and that is essentially the reason behind the song.

    I am actually Autistic (like, properly) and can confirm that this is indeed the best song in the universe. I do not find it the least bit offensive, in fact, I will proudly play it very loudly in my car with the windows down.

  • ozbjunkie on 18/08/2020 - 15:20

    I might be autistic, or maybe I just really like trains.

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