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Denying the Diagnosis of ASD [level 1]

"My husband has an ASD diagnosis, but he still denies he has the disorder. The diagnosis came a year after we separated - following my son’s diagnosis. My husband no longer wants to work on our marriage and has given up. The divorce paperwork has been initiated. Is it common for a person with autism to refuse to accept the diagnosis and its impact in the relationship?"

No one wants to accept the idea of a lifelong disorder that makes him or her "different." When a spouse (or girlfriend) suggests to her partner that he "may" have ASD, it is not uncommon for the man to deny the possibility - and to refuse to seek a formal diagnosis. Instead, he may blame his partner for the problems in the relationship.

Some men go through divorce, job loss, and years of anxiety and depression before they accept the possibility that there may be an underlying issue which explains why their life has taken the odd twists and turns it has. Then - and only then - will these "on the fence" individuals consider seeking a diagnosis. And even then, they may refuse treatment (e.g., counseling), assuming they can "wing it" on their own without any outside assistance.






The "autistic" can have several reactions to the diagnosis:
  • He may react by minimizing it. In this case, he doesn't view ASD as something to be taken very seriously, and views himself as someone who  simply "thinks differently." 
  • He may react by emphasizing the diagnosis. Now, his disorder defines him as a person and becomes an uncontrollable force that dominates his entire life. He may even come to believe that his spouse or girlfriend must become his caretaker since he has a "disability." Rather than recognizing the many "positives" associated with the disorder, he instead focuses on the worst aspects.
  • He may respond positively, identifying the many constructive features of the disorder. Here, the individual embraces the diagnosis, is happy to finally find an explanation for the troubles he has endured, and attempts to take control of the challenges that arise along the way. Now that he has identified "the problem," he can work on his deficits AND capitalize on his strengths.

Many newly diagnosed individuals go through a wide range of emotions (e.g., disappointment, anger, fear, etc.). Some feel isolated, as if they are the only ones with the disorder. Still others are outraged that they have been singled out from the rest of the population.



The most common reaction to the diagnosis for the "neurotypical" partner is relief, because she finally and gratefully understands that she is not to blame for the relationship problems that have occurred. Also, she now has an explanation (not an excuse) for why her partner has said and done so many "hurtful" things in the past. She is grateful that it's "just" ASD, because she had come to believe that she was insane.

In any event, you really only have three choices: (1) continue to try to change your husband (good luck with that one), (2) take on more responsibility for the relationship than he does (not recommended), or (3) take care of your sanity in any way that seems appropriate to you.

2 comments:

  1. Please explain more about the positive aspects of ASD 1. I am overwhelmed with the negatives right now.

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  2. On day I was goggling trying to figure my boyfriend out and I stumbled unto Aspergers which now I know is referred to as ASD 1 that same day I read female Aspergers presents a bit differntly and is harder to detect and diagose. I being a nurse and a why person read the refered "Samantha Crafts unofficial female Autism list" I realized I was autistic too. Personally I see no benefit in a intimate relationship with a NT or ND. As with any relationship the other one can't be in denial plus the extra hurdles. It's alot of extra hoops to jump in and out of a relationship. I realize I have limits but also things I need to unharness to reach my full potential. My depression, anxiety, attention deficit and thoughts hold be back. I know I'm super creative, wity, smart yet dense on things, inventive, good at art, kind, giving and sometimes too much, frank and too blunt that I have to rein in and not to be hurtful. I know I have untapped potential and being with another Aspie who isn't inspiring me has caused me to become a recluse and box myself in. I need to be around people that inspire me. We are usually about what we can get from others. Don't necessarily need people but what they give us. I need to be more of a giver. I'm a retired nurse and it gave me that lol. Now retired and a hermit with a almost hermit boyfriend. How do I find what and who inspies me ?

    ReplyDelete

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