Ep73. Am I Autistic? The Power of Self-Diagnosis and Self-Diagnosis with Andrew Brucker

In this episode, I interview Andrew Brucker, a neurodivergent therapist, about his process of self-diagnosis and the power of self-acceptance.
#selfdiagnosis #autismacceptance #autism #neurodivergent
FIND ANDREW:
Website: www.andrewbruckertherapist.com/
WHO I AM:
I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 20 years. I'm laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering this community through reliable knowledge, creativity, and skill-building. I love curating and collecting tools, sharing mindsets, and promoting habits to help the neurodiverse community thrive and find joy and meaning in their lives.
🌎 www.meaningfulgrowth.com
📸 Instagram: @drgwenempowered
DISCLAIMER:
The information provided on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and should solely be used as a self-help tool for your own use. This video is not intended to provide mental health treatment or consultation and does not constitute a client/therapist relationship. The information provided in this video is not intended to replace professional psychological or medical advice. Always seek the advice of your own medical/mental health provider regarding any questions you may have about your specific situation or condition. The decisions you make, even if influenced by this video, are freely yours.
AFFILIATE LINKS:
Heads up, there may be some affiliate links in this description or in the video. Don't worry, I only list what I love. Your purchase through this link won't cost you anything extra and it helps me continue producing content that is free to you. Win-Win!

[@debwinking6002]

Just finished listening to your talk with Andrew, and boy did I get schooled. I appreciated how you explored how neurotypical therapists, teachers and advocates can try to understand and own the fact that we have an ableist perspective baked in, even if we don't think we do. We need more people like Andrew to help us! Thanks for this one.

[@DrGwenEmpowered]

Couldn't agree more, Deb! We need more people like Andrew!!!!! Thank you for taking the time to listen and for being a positive voice for this community.

[@sophiecohanim3490]

Hi Gwen your awesome!!😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@maryannehunter7569]

I am a mid 60s woman that was told several months ago by my daughter (a pediatric nurse) that she thought I might be autistic. In typical "me" fashion I jumped into research, watched videos, and took every online test I could. Every test came out autistic. So I booked an appointment with a therapist recommended by my doctor for an initial assessment. After an hour with him, in which he seemed to not want to hear about the things I felt might mean I was autistic, he told me I couldn't be because I had friends, I wasn't delayed in school or developmentally, I didn't talk late, and I make eye contact (I don't really. I look at noses or mouths). All this even though I scored a 26 on the RAAD 14 test he gave me, which he said only showed I might have a few autistic traits. The entire process was so disappointing. However, I know what I know and, since I don't have thousands of dollars for s detailed evaluation, I will just have to go with my self diagnosis. But it would have been validating to have confirmation because I will always wonder if I am just posing, if I am an imposter.

[@JeffMeadowsOutdoors]

Your story is exactly what I am afraid of happening even if I could find someone to go to for a diagnosis and be able to afford it. Why can’t there be an option where we present our self diagnosis to someone and they sign off on it making it “official”?

[@JeremyKingTech]

This is a great talk. Thanks for posting it!

[@fdevlin5932]

I’m a white male and I have zero friends or family or support or even a diagnosis, I don’t understand why I don’t “especially” need support as much as my non-white counterparts. Please advise.

[@fdevlin5932]

I’m a white male and I have zero friends or family or support or even a diagnosis, I don’t understand why I don’t “especially” need support as much as my non-white counterparts. Please advise.