Understand the importance of the diagnosis of autism even if late
More than 2 million Brazilians are autistic, according to the last census released by Ibge. And you probably know someone who recently received the result. Some of these autism diagnoses have reached adults who until then lived as if they were only complicated, timid and antisocial, among other titles. And this is my case.
It is important to say that while he was read as “strange”, he was also seen as “normal” by many who did not imagine what I had to face. Autism is not a disease. It is a condition of neurodactiveness. A different form of brain function. There are level 1, 2 and 3 level autistic, which vary according to the need for a support in life.
Evolution of the condition
Over time, level 1 supporting people, as my case are, often learn to mask the signs. Especially when it comes to people with high skills or qualities. And so it was with me. First I avoided talking. I focused on the observation of people, their expressions. He trained and revised the dialogues frantically. Not that I stopped behaving like this, but a lot has changed.
After subsequent depressions and some suicide attempts since childhood and the constant feeling that there was something inexplicable, I looked for a psychologist in 2020 who led her to suspect “borderline”. Until then he had not crossed more than ten professionals, who had been efficient in a timely way. But there was always a sense of incompleteness in the treatment that were therefore interrupted.
Seek help
This time, however, the sessions have evolved well, provided that I could distinguish and even solve some old problems or find healthy ways to deal with them. This experience finally helped me to recognize that there was really something lost in my past. It was then that I reported the search for an answer to therapy. But the psychologist could no longer help me.
In the meantime, life has started asking me for the answer. I started finding serious problems of coexistence and adaptation at work and I went back to depression. The truth is that the therapist, although competent, was unable to help me reach the answer to my question. This is a problem that many drivers face. There are few qualified professionals to reach the diagnosis.
Discovery of autism
I received my diagnosis just before I was 39, for a psychiatrist with whom I was consulted for three years. He carefully examined my past and read a large relationship that I wrote in a day of intense Hyperfoco. I felt the famous sense of relief, as reported by many people in the same situation. I was not “problematic” or “too fresh” for not having supported some experiences that seemed ordinary for others. Travel on a crowded bus, works in an office with other colleagues every day and speaks at the time of coffee, for example.
To do like others, I needed to stop living important things. The weekend often became in the days closed at home to recover from the weekly routine. Now I understand and respect my limits. Looking for ways to face them without hurting me.
For this reason, currently, in addition to the psychiatric follow -up, I make therapy with a neuropsychologist specialized in autistic spectrum disorder and a psychologist who provides assistance Gestalt therapy. Despite the ups and downs, like everyone else, I have never been so healthy. For the first time I have the appropriate and qualified support I need.
Importance of talking about autism
Contrary to what sometimes makes campaigns related to the theme, autism is not a child. Who is autistic, autistic is born. But, as expected, one day grows and has to face adulthood. Even if it comes for old age without diagnosis.
If you suspect that you have autism signs, look for a psychiatrist, a neurologist or a qualified neuropsychologist. In addition to the related rights, you can know you better and learn to respect more yourself, thus finding greater quality in your life. But never forget: autism is a spectrum. Therefore, it can vary as it will appear next to every personality.
*Written text by Thiago Prado
*Thiago Prado is a writer, visual artist, director and writer. In the last publication “it will be, it will be”, it turns to being and the feeling in the contemporary world.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
