Category: Autism

The Diagnosis Journey: A Guide for Seeking an Autism Assessment

Posted on by Gregory Wood

by Ilia Walsh, M.S.Ed, MBA

For individuals and caregivers seeking information about autism and the potential for a diagnosis, the process can take several paths. Whether you are an adult considering self-diagnosis or seeking a professional evaluation, or someone wondering about the diagnostic options for a loved one, understanding the resources available to you and what your goals are will help you choose the best way forward. Below, we provide detailed insights and actionable steps to help guide you through this important decision.

Barriers to Receiving an Autism Diagnosis

First, let’s look at some of the challenges. For some, significant barriers still exist when seeking a formal diagnosis. Individuals may find themselves waiting months to years for a diagnostic assessment, and the associated costs and lack of transparency can make the whole process inaccessible for some. Many professionals who conduct evaluations lack training in neurodiversity-affirming care, rely on outdated information, or may use diagnostic tools that are not age-appropriate and do not adequately consider the diversity of experience. read more

Navigating Relationships

Posted on by Gregory Wood

Since my divorce I have been making an attempt at online dating to learn about different types of people. I found that most of the ladies lack some basic functioning or live with their kids. I do feel some degree of independence is needed.  I say this because I have worked hard to have what I call a degree of responsibility and keep my business in order. For years I had trouble holding jobs. I felt I needed to figure out why. Therefore I did did not believe in dating or having kids after marriage. Why create more problems and stress for myself. In my brief marriage I did see my issues due to my Asberger diagnosis that were a lot more intense than I thought they were. I could never get my ex wife to learn to work with me.   

I met several woman who seem to think that I am stuck in my ways because I have been single most of my life. This is an example of how neurotypical people (in this case a female) mislabel people on the spectrum based on their ignorance of the characteristics of individuals who are neurodivergent. They look at my difficulty with change as being stuck in my ways. No different when I had a manager tell me years ago I lacked social skills. Some people get attached to certain beliefs, for example, stuck in their ways. Not a very common aspect of finding myself on the spectrum.  

I am finding at times I really want no part of the dating world because I work hard to function while most people, I am learning, seem to just go by the seat of their pants.  

Before and during Covid I did an experiment where I got on several online dating sites. My goal was to just meet people and see the different situations they are in without getting into a relationship. I did not want to make the same mistake as in my marriage. And with Asberger’s sometimes it was hard for me to see social cues in the dating world. I met over 50 people in a 3 year period. The experience taught me to see what I am not willing to get involved with. It was interesting to learn that many people are in some interesting situations. In the end it would be best to be with a person who is like me and who understands Asbergers.