u/LemonTusks

Hi, I've been seeing a therapist for roughly a month now for low mood/anxiety, and I have 6 free sessions and my last one is next week. This week she mentioned that she thinks I could be neurodiverse/autistic and that I show a lot of traits. She also, however, made it very clear that it was not a diagnosis and that she doesn't necessarily believe (?) in diagnosis because she thinks people can see it as their identity and hide behind it.

Since hearing that and reading some more into it, it feels like something has clicked, like it all makes sense now and it feels right.

I have had a hard time with being self-critical of myself, but since hearing that I might be autistic, it has eased the judgement that I have against myself and I have been a lot nicer and kind "you might be autistic, maybe that's why you do xyz, and that's ok" but then the other side of me is like it's not formally diagnosed so I can't use it as an excuse/explanation.

What I'm trying to get at is, should I speak to my therapist next week about possibly going down the route of getting diagnosed, even though she does not necessarily believe in it? I don't want her to be dismissive but I also think maybe she could help? Has anyone else been in this position? Would a diagnosis even be of help?

Thanks

some context: Benji (male b&w shorthair, 7 y/o) and Pippin (male gray maine coon, 13 weeks) have been slowly introduced using the jackson galaxy method over the past 4 weeks. They accidentally came face to face when we brought Pippin in his carrier but he went straight into his own room and they didn't see each other for another week. We did scent swapping with toys and brushes and also fed them closer and closer through the door and now they can eat in each others company without hissing or growling from either.

Benji we've had since he was 1 and has pretty much lived with no other pets. He used to be in a home full of other animals but from my understanding was bullied (hence why we have him now). He is such a loving cat, pretty quiet but loves to play.

Pippin is a 12 week maine coon kitten. Not much context needed here. He is full of energy and loves playing.

They can both be in the same room with no hissing or growling, and will both even sleep together. They've both groomed each other before (though, the first time one of them hissed, not sure who, but then they backed off)

I am worried that Benji is being a bit rough with Pippin, this has happened a few times but Pippin just keeps coming back for more. Are they playing or is Benji taking it too far/being too aggressive. It concerns me that he doesn't stop when Pippin is making noises like this. Is he being dramatic?? Or am I? Should I keep them apart or leave them to it?

Thanks

Therapist mentioned autism but doesn't believe in diagnosis

playing rough or bullying?!