Alex's Answer
I think I might be autistic
Your Question
Hi I’m 17 and I have struggled with my mental health for past 3 years… I’ve been to many doctors over the past 3 years as in 2020 I became very unwell, which later found out was anxiety.. I think I may be autistic but unsure how to bring up the conversation with my parents, I hate feeling different and I just want to be accepted for who I am.. any advice? I am diagnosed with anxiety disorders, OCD traits, sensory issues… but I think it’s just autism
Answer
Hey There,
Welcome to Ask Alex.
We are sorry to hear that you have been struggling with your mental health for so long and that you had gotten so unwell at one point. You are very brave contacting Ask Alex and talking about your anxiety.
If you would like to understand autism further and how to talk about it with family, it may be helpful to reach out to AsIAm as they have information and resources on their website. See www.asiam.ie for more information.
It is understandable that you are finding it hard to bring this up with your parents however, you have a right to their support. Do you think it might help to think about how you would like them to react and what their support might look like? When bringing autism up with your parents it could be helpful to describe this to your parents.
It is never easy feeling different but we would like to remind you that you have the right to be you and to be accepted and celebrated for who you are.
You have mentioned that you have been unwell with your mental health. Here are some articles that may help you in these areas: www.childline.ie/what-is-ocd/; www.childline.ie/anxiety/; www.childline.ie/autism/.
It is important to try and remember that you are not alone, Chilldine is always there to listen and chat and can be contacted for free at any time by visiting www.childline.ie by clicking the Orange Tab or by calling 1800 66 66 66.
Take care of yourself,
Alex