hey sam so when i was nine i was diagnosed with autism. recently ive started thinking that i don't have autism because i don't have any of the symptoms. anyway so the autism has affected me at school as teachers have preconceptions about me and kind of talk to me like i'm a baby and i was wondering if i could have it removed?
Sam
Hi there,
It's always okay to ask questions about a diagnosis, especially if you feel it doesn’t match what you’re experiencing. A diagnosis is there to help make sure you’re getting the right support and your needs can change over time.
When someone is diagnosed with autism, that diagnosis won’t usually be changed unless there’s a mistake. Autism is something that people are born with, but how it affects them can change over time. If you’re ever concerned about your diagnosis, you should speak to your doctor about it.
Even when your diagnosis doesn’t change, the way it can affect you can. Lots of young people will find new ways to manage their autism or find it affects them less as they get older. However your autism affects you, it’s not okay for people to treat you like a baby or underestimate you.
It can help to share how your teachers make you feel with someone you trust. This could be someone at school, or your parents or carers. Sharing how you’re being treated can help you think about how you’d like to respond when it happens. It can also be helpful to have an adult speak up for how you deserve to be treated.
You know yourself better than anyone else. It’s always good to share and talk about what you need or don’t need.
Take care,
Sam
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