r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • 6d ago

Neuroscience New study finds online self-reports may not accurately reflect clinical autism diagnoses. Adults who report high levels of autistic traits through online surveys may not reflect the same social behaviors or clinical profiles as those who have been formally diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

https://www.psypost.org/new-study-finds-online-self-reports-may-not-accurately-reflect-clinical-autism-diagnoses/
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u/PsychologicalLuck343 6d ago

I've learned to navigate the system and now have the best doctors in my city in their respective fields. 99.9% of the public doesn't have that advantage and have to get thrown around on the tide of medical conventions that simply don't serve chronic illnesses. Anything that doesn't show up on the basic blood counts are discounted as being less probable than health anxiety that exaggerates their suffering.

edited for accuracy.

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u/This-Author-362 6d ago

I agree, this is a problem everywhere and my experiences are not going to be exactly the same as yours, but maybe some similarities. I have been talking about mental health to first my family doctor at a young age, then other specialists for almost 20 years now. I have also had to jump through hoops to get proper care and have faced the extreme judgement that can happen at times from medical staff, nurses and the like.

Being committed to a psychiatric ward can be viewed as shameful, and showing weakness in some peoples eyes, but when you are completely out of options and feel you are a danger to yourself what do you do? that is why these systems are in place and what I think is not enough of but some of our tax dollars pays for, along with all medical services that we have available.

Although it has gotten better since I started seeking help in the early 00's there is still a huge stigma around mental illness and people seeking help for things hurting them others can not see directly on their body, but only through actions.

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u/PsychologicalLuck343 5d ago

Yeah, like all invisible illnesses! I'm sorry you've had to put up with that.

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u/imaseacow 6d ago

All due respect, I get strong “I shop around until I get the diagnosis I want” vibes from these comments.