Hello! I Found this Group Recently!
Hello everyone:-)
My name is Bridgett and I learned about this group through a LiveJournal friend. I am diagnosed with autism. My father was very against doctors -- especially psychiatrists and psychologists -- and though I had lots of problems in school (way too overloading) and ended up being privately tutored, I was not diagnosed until age 21/22 and diagnosed with Asperger's due to doing well on the IQ test and then that diagnosis was changed to autism due to my daily living difficulties. My mother and boyfriend help me out a lot. I am always looking for more people i can relate to:-)
So hi!
Hi, Bridgett 
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Hi! Thank you for the welcome:-)
Hi Bridgett!
Hi!:)
My dad didn't want me seeing a shrink in elementary school. I think now i understand why. It's a bit of a gamble if they will do a child good or just leave them with a diagniosis that will stigmatize them for life.
A lot of people have bad experinceswih psychiatrists and psycologists who can mistreat for many reasons and in many ways. I suspect my dad had such experinces either withhis depression or with his mother's "bipolar" ( i now wonder if it was ASD).
When i got into the mental health system it was a minefield. I am not out of it as i am still being treated by a physciatrist but i think he is very good. I wish he was a bit more health minded as i would like to minimize one particular drug and i'm not sure he is up for it. I understand why but my liver doesn't <smile>
Lots of parents do not want a child who is viewed as imperfect by society. Lots of people think if they ignore a problem it will go away. ( on occasion they are right too. God grant me the serinity etc. It's the wisdoim to know the differnce i sometimes lack )
I see any accurate diagnosis as a positive myself. It leads to a better acceptance of who i am , better knowledge of my strengths and limitations and hence a better tookl to determine my direction in life.
Hi Bridgett & welcome to AWN. I'm glad you found our forum. I've enjoyed reading your posts on the various discussion bords. 
Hi Bridgett! It is wonderful to have you here- I see you've already started posting a lot around the site! :D!
The stuff with your dad is sad, but I think it is more common than anyone would like to think.
I hope that you feel this is a safe and accepting place to interact. :D
Savannah Nicole Logsdon-Breakstone Director of Advocacy