Should I get a diagnosis?

[a-a-ron]

Lately, it's been looking like I may be on the autism spectrum. I definitely check off quite a few behaviors. Would it be worthwhile to get a formal diagnosis and would it help with my breaking this addiction? I do know I use porn to help regulate my emotions and relax. It also has a routine and almost ritual aspect to it. Are there people here who are on the spectrum that can give some advice? I'm struggling and I feel defective and beat down.

 

[Blondie]

Hi @a-a-ron, that's a good question.

I'm not on the spectrum just to clarify, but I don't think it would hurt at all to get a professional diagnosis, especially if it would give you some clarity to help you overcome this. In my opinion, we all need as much help as we can get, and whatever the answer would be, it would be one less "thing" you have to worry about and try to understand.

Getting over porn is quite the journey of self discovery, so getting some information about that, if that's what you think should do, is only going to give you more understanding about yourself in the end. A win-win if you ask me.

I'm struggling and I feel defective and beat down.

Sorry you're feeling defective and beat down, porn will do that to you! All the more reason to quit brother!

Good luck

Blondie

 

[a-a-ron]

Thank you brother. I just want all the help I can get and the right tools in order to get this addiction under better control and so I can make meaningful changes.

 

[TheFuture1]

In the past, I’ve wondered whether I might be on the autism spectrum too.

I’m not sure what to think at the moment though. I don’t think I can know whether my lifestyle has been so unhealthy for so long (irregular poor-quality sleep, bad diet, lack of exercise etc.) that I’m simply so tired that my thinking is affected in a way that makes it seem like I have some kind of mental problem.

Maybe a professional diagnosis would help but for now I’m just trying to build my own awareness of how I’m feeling and what I’m struggling with.

I get what you mean about feeling defective. When I find myself struggling with something it can be upsetting and I can tend to get defensive about it or start criticising myself. Especially if it’s something that feels really important to me.

I’m starting to find some self-love and self-acceptance and that’s the starting point for acknowledging what I’m finding difficult and trying to do better at it. I need to stay calm so that I can try problem-solving rather that freaking out and giving up. It’s not easy but I’m making progress with it.

One of the reasons I struggle with certain things (eg. Social skills, being organised) is probably that I never gave myself a chance to learn. I’m trying to give myself that chance now.

There might come a time when I think about seeing a professional for a diagnosis but I’m not there yet. I still need to get an honest perspective on what I can and can’t do.

What particular things are making you think that you might be on the autism spectrum? Obviously if you’re seriously struggling in your day to day life then seeing a professional is the best option.