Confused

In some of the forms or questionnaire it states are you autistic or do you identify as autistic. I don't think this is correct. If you gave an organisation that helps paraplegics, would you also welcome people who thought that they identify as such.
 
I identify as autistic. I have autistic traits a lot of sensory issues and autism impacts all aspects of my life and daily functioning. Many people in my immediate family are autistic. Some diagnosed some are not.

Some people choose not to get diagnosed. Others, like me, are waiting for formal assessment and diagnosis. It’s a long wait in most areas in the UK and a very underfunded area of health and social care provision.

A lot of women are failed by the current assessment system and misdiagnosed with other things. Women weren’t included in autistic medical research until the 1990’s. I think it’s really positive and forward looking of NDSA to include non diagnosed / self identified autistic people.
 
You’re welcome, Hugh 🙂

Are you signing up to any courses or mentoring with NDSA?

I completed the 6 week ‘Living Well With Autism’ course last week. It was excellent. I highly recommend it!

I’m starting the ‘Pathway Programme’ soon and currently waiting to be allocated a mentor.
 
That’s fair enough 🙂

I notice that you’re in Portugal. I’m visiting Sintra next year. I first saw images of this beautiful place many years ago. It looks magical! Have you ever been there, Hugh?
 
Don't forget there's other forms of ND than ASC. My opinions of the diagnostic base are unprintable, because they've never asked us what we think, too. I call it brainsplaining.