Should you tell a high functioning Autistic person that they are Autistic?

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PsYcHo
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Should you tell a high functioning Autistic person that they are Autistic?

Post by PsYcHo »

The person is high functional. (Holds a job, has a house)

Is mostly functional in society, but..... can be extremely rude, has a massive negative response to stimuli (mostly aromatic, ie any sweet smells/ also tactile- clothing must be smooth with no patterns, color does not matter)

Can and will resort to violence if cornered (due to an asshole alcoholic father), but is extremely protective of those considered "safe".

Didn't graduate high school (home schooled. ), but can describe in detail how to fly an airplane (accurately, I've seen them on flight simulators and videos talking to pilots. They know more than most pilots)

Would there be any reason to tell them that they are on the Autism spectrum?

I'd really like to hear from people on the Spectrum, but I'd also appreciate anyone's input.
Alcohol may have been a factor.

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brimstoneSalad
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Re: Should you tell a high functioning Autistic person that they are Autistic?

Post by brimstoneSalad »

I think so, because then they can learn about their unique psychologies and may be able to learn from others about coping mechanisms and ways to get along better.

...I'd be wary about diagnosing, though. Perhaps introduce it in a "maybe" way.
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PsYcHo
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Re: Should you tell a high functioning Autistic person that they are Autistic?

Post by PsYcHo »

brimstoneSalad wrote: Sat Oct 21, 2017 4:01 am ...I'd be wary about diagnosing, though. Perhaps introduce it in a "maybe" way.
I will say, I have no doubts about them being on the Autism spectrum. But they are extremely high functioning, and (with a little guidance and support from family) they have made a nice life for themselves.

I'm just wondering if I should leave well enough alone?
Alcohol may have been a factor.

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brimstoneSalad
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Re: Should you tell a high functioning Autistic person that they are Autistic?

Post by brimstoneSalad »

PsYcHo wrote: Sun Oct 22, 2017 11:45 pm I'm just wondering if I should leave well enough alone?
In that case, I think I would leave it alone.
But I don't know how close you are.
knot
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Re: Should you tell a high functioning Autistic person that they are Autistic?

Post by knot »

Why wouldn't they know? ^^
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PsYcHo
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Re: Should you tell a high functioning Autistic person that they are Autistic?

Post by PsYcHo »

knot wrote: Mon Oct 23, 2017 7:00 pm Why wouldn't they know? ^^
Have you ever had anyone (usually either a caring relative/partner, or extremely honest stranger) point out something about your personality that you didn't notice, only to realize they were right?

I have, and I worked on those issues, so I considered it might help him if I pointed it out, or "put the idea in his head" so he would look into it and research it himself.

The more I consider it, the more I think I should just leave it alone.
Alcohol may have been a factor.

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Ignis Centaurus
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Re: Should you tell a high functioning Autistic person that they are Autistic?

Post by Ignis Centaurus »

It should be okay. He may or may not have considered it himself, depending on his levels of self-awareness. Obviously, just don't broach it like "hey you're autistic because I said so" and it should go well. He might feel offended but presenting the evidence in clear and concise ways without attacking him in return (though it may be tempting) is the best way to go about it.
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PsYcHo
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Re: Should you tell a high functioning Autistic person that they are Autistic?

Post by PsYcHo »

Update-

My partner told the brother that he seems to have all the symptoms of Asperger's syndrome, and he reacted quite positively. He researched about it, and found many of his "quirks" were quite common among those with Aspergers. He was thrilled to learn that his aversion to certain smells and sweet foods were normal, and also happy to know that it isn't a deficiency, just a different brain chemistry.
Alcohol may have been a factor.

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brimstoneSalad
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Re: Should you tell a high functioning Autistic person that they are Autistic?

Post by brimstoneSalad »

PsYcHo wrote: Mon Nov 13, 2017 11:41 pm My partner told the brother that he seems to have all the symptoms of Asperger's syndrome,
Oh, that was probably a smart way to go about it.
I'm glad it worked out well!
Grant_Barnes
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Re: Should you tell a high functioning Autistic person that they are Autistic?

Post by Grant_Barnes »

It's important to note that only doctors can diagnose; a person can't know whether they are autistic without seeing a doctor.
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