Blogger Widgets Ender-Chan's Thoughts: New Labels (and What I Think of Them)

Thursday, July 9, 2015

New Labels (and What I Think of Them)

Today, I got an evaluation with a neuropsychologist and received two new labels to add to my one. One of them highlighted a talent that I have always had and the other explains the scatterbrained mess that I am. In other words, they confirmed my suspicions as labels should and aroused new ones. Having already embraced the autism (Asperger's, but the DSM V does not have it anymore), I opened  myself to new ones.


Profoundly Gifted in Language 
I always knew I was good with words, but not that good. My verbal reasoning is more than just a thing I use to impress my teachers. I use language to express myself creatively, communicate, and gain a foothold into the world. Having strong language skills makes me a diplomat, musician, and potential catalyst for something important in history. As an unofficial intermediary between neurotypical and autistic people, I can use my language skills to bring both groups to an understanding. It is no secret that language has power; civilization would not exist without it. 



Inattentive ADHD
This one went unnoticed for a long time as it tends to go under the radar in girls. While doing research on ADHD in order to portray Steve accurately, I found that I could relate to most of the symptoms listed. I do not exhibit as much hyperactivity/impulsivity as others and probably disguised this my entire life with my academic record. That and the telltale executive function deficits masquerading as a symptom of autism made this one fly under the radar. Some people deliberately avoid getting diagnosed with ADHD because of the stigma associated with it. If you spent your entire life flying under or sporadically dodging a diagnosis, I'm here to tell you that a diagnosis will help you to avoid a lifetime of trouble.

Final Reflections

  • The labels do not change who I am. They give me insight into who I am so that I can act accordingly and be the best person I can be.
  • I don't think my language giftedness is technically a savant skill because I fall into the average to above average range in other areas (except for math, which is below average).
  • Please don't crack squirrel jokes on my blog.
  • Labels are, indeed, for soup cans. I would like to know what's in the can before opening it. Likewise,  I would want to be informed of something that makes me a little different from the rest.


10 comments:

  1. I completely get the "Profoundly Gifted in Language" label. On my recent IQ test I scored in the 99.97% for Verbal Comprehension. I really don't care, I've always been very good at English. Sometimes labels are good because they give us answers and plus they allow us to connect with other people with the same labels. I have anxiety, I attempt to embrace the label because it is just a small part, but a part of who I am plus if I can break the sigma even slightly by being me that's good. I'm glad you are able to embrace your new labels. Are you enjoying your summer?

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    1. My verbal comprehension is 99.9%. English is also my forte. I have anxiety, just not a full-blown anxiety disorder. My summer is awesome. I like swimming and playing with my friend's pet rats.

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    2. Sounds like your having a good summer so far! My language skills are ok but actually talking is not exactly my strong suit.

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    3. Mine's full blown. Yeah my verbal comprehension is "superior" but my processing is 10%. So it all evens out in the end.

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    4. My processing is 15-75%. That range... :\

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    5. I'm having great trouble reading your post. the words extend into the rainbow colors on the left. Maybe it's just my computer I don't know.

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  2. That's weird! After I published that last comment, the problem corrected itself! Anyway...I think labels often confirm what we've already suspected. They can be very helpful in getting proper treatments and services and help us realize why we are the way we are. On the other hand, getting a label for one of my sons at age 15 made him feel so much worse about himself that I regret pursuing it. It's hard to know what decisions to make sometimes. I agree that your language abilities can help bridge a gap. That's why I appreciate the insight and thoughts of more verbal people with autism. I'd be honored if you shared this post at FH&L!

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    1. Thank you for alerting me of the problem! I have also noticed it. I'd be honored to share.

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  3. This is a great post! I totally agree with you about labels. They can be helpful in certain cases, and I'm glad that you are having such a good experience. :)

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    1. You commented!!! I'm a big fan of your blog. I think these labels aided in my good experience.

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