I was diagnosed with being on the spectrum a long time ago, but in follow up visits with other professionals, they’re pretty sure I was misdiagnosed. My problem is that I’ve always just been generally afraid of people and that manifests as awkwardness (since I didn’t really socialise during the years when you learn social skills), it’s not that I don’t understand cues. I just found out about avoidant personality disorder and it frankly fits me to a T (I haven’t talked with a professional about it yet but it explains so much). What should I do about it?
(For those who don’t know, to be diagnosed with AVPD you have to have at least four of these symptoms:
- persistent and pervasive feelings of tension and apprehension;
- belief that one is socially inept, personally unappealing, or inferior to others;
- excessive preoccupation with being criticized or rejected in social situations;
- unwillingness to become involved with people unless certain of being liked;
- restrictions in lifestyle because of need to have physical security;
- avoidance of social or occupational activities that involve significant interpersonal contact because of fear of criticism, disapproval, or rejection.)