I stumbled here during a boring digital electronics class while reading about the khmer rouge and their high school turned extermination camp, took the little online tests and failed with flying colours. The question that has arisen is, why seek out a professional and go from the realm of odd to having a disease of the mind? Is there some kind of treatment?
If it is AS you are talking about there is no cure at least. But you may learn to live a great life with AS. I don't know if there are any psychiatrists who could help you learn such things, it seems there aren't any proffesional people who could.
Autism is not a "disease of the mind"; it's a difference in the way the neurons are arranged--a structural difference in the brain, probably inherited, probably permanent. I put autism in the same sort of category as ADHD, dyslexia, or a very low or high IQ--a "weird brain", out of the ordinary but not a disease.
So your question is, "Why get a diagnosis at all"?
For some people, there's no reason; and these people only seek diagnosis if they are trying to find out more about themselves.
Other people might have AS weaknesses that need supports in the school or workplace--for example, permission to stay out of a noisy, smelly lunchroom; or non-flourescent lighting in one's office. Some Aspie kids might need social-skills training.
There are some counselors who work with Aspies to teach them what they need to know; but many Aspies can actually learn about their own minds by reading about AS, and in this way teach themselves the necessary skills. Of course it helps to have an outside observer for learning things like body posture and social skills!
I agree that it's not a disease of the mind because it can't be spread like that, and I don't think it's only limited to suffering. It's helpful to know who you are, however, so you can learn copeing stragegies and not hate yourself.
Autism is exactly the realm of odd you're talking about. Not a disease of the mind.
What potential downsides am I looking at if I am diagnosed with this syndrome? Will this be placed on my medical records? The absolute last thing I want in this world is the pity of others. I despise help in any way shape or form and special treatment is simply out of the question I would not accept it so besides having a name for my quirks self awareness is the only benifit?
ps. I realise aspergers is not an infectious disease, However it is cited as Asperger's Dieases in several texts. I'm guessing they made it more politically correct in the last few years I didn't mean to offend anyone here. I also realise many of you here are diagnosed and proud, I would rather continue to work on my attempts at becoming more normal however and not embrace a backwards step in this attempt unless there is a point.
What potential downsides am I looking at if I am diagnosed with this syndrome?
The main downside will be the prejudices of other people, which may manifest itself in a variety of ways, such as not being able to get jobs with mean-spirited employers. Seeing as you don't seem to want or need any help, then I personally don't think an official diagnosis is needed for you.
And besides, most "treatment" is provided my money-grabbing quacks.
What potential downsides am I looking at if I am diagnosed with this syndrome? Will this be placed on my medical records? The absolute last thing I want in this world is the pity of others. I despise help in any way shape or form and special treatment is simply out of the question I would not accept it so besides having a name for my quirks self awareness is the only benifit?
ps. I realise aspergers is not an infectious disease, However it is cited as Asperger's Dieases in several texts. I'm guessing they made it more politically correct in the last few years I didn't mean to offend anyone here. I also realise many of you here are diagnosed and proud, I would rather continue to work on my attempts at becoming more normal however and not embrace a backwards step in this attempt unless there is a point.
Colleges and Companies will not like you if you try to apply for them.
It's a possibility that treatment will be thrown at you without your permission.
Asperger's Disease is a bullshit name. Enough said. That's why we hate it.
You can be Aspergian and not be diagnosed. Aspergians really aren't all that rare. I have a feeling that the ratio of Aspergians in my school is ten times higher than actual diagnosed Aspergians.
It's not a disease, just a differently structured mind.