Autism & Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (DDNOS)

Autism & Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (DDNOS)

Dissociative Disorder not otherwise specified (DDNOS) is a mental health diagnosis for pathological dissociation that matches the DSM-IV criteria for a dissociative disorder, but does not fit the full criteria for any of the specifically identified subtypes, which include depersonalization disorder, dissociative amnesia, dissociative fugue, and dissociative identity disorder.

The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) refers to the diagnosis as Dissociative Disorder Unspecified.

Copyright - ICD 10 & DSM-IV

"...Stalked in the forest, too close to hide

I'll be upon you by the moonlight side..."

"...I smell like I sound, I'm lost and I'm found..."

Lyrics From Duran Duran ~ Hungry Like A Wolf

Personal Perspective

As well as Autism which was diagnosed in 2010 and Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome/Light Sensitivity/Sensory Integration Disorder diagnosed in 2012, during which time I was having flashbacks to a traumatic event it had lead to do research and piece the jigsaw together I had lived with three other "personas" for a very long time since infancy "Belinda" had been very prominent in fighting my corner in times of stress, over-stimulation and anxiety, it caused periods of memory loss, a haze of being "separated from the world". Like a paradox of my own self being guided by others.

In in the mid 90's my Autism wasn't recognised for a very long time. The inconclusive diagnosis given to me in my late childhood was "developmentally underage", the alter "Peter" was passive and evasive saying, acting and portraying like everything was alright he was another way another being dealing with the world and my issues.

Mr G is a child-like/elfin character whom is happy go lucky, cracks silly jokes but mostly laughs a lot and is very much a free bird in his actions. His ways have a child-like purity, harmless and without negative motives, I have no doubt he is representation of what my childhood could have been like. From a reflective stand point he could have also been silent observer when I was non-verbal of how other children where acting but not looking any further than that.

During my mid teenage years I was sexually abused, these were repressed experiences which laid dormant and "locked" for many years. "Belinda's" persistence to get it covered and "Peter's" reluctance to see it ever happened was a way of protecting the "core self" from the issue, it was about late 2011 I was getting horrific flashbacks which fit PSTD regarding incident which led me to pursue recognition of these issues. Through the help of Donna Williams who also has Autism & DID. My dissociative symptoms were recognised in mid 2012 and revised ni 2014. Here is a personal look at how they work.

Donna Williams' DID Blog

Donna Williams' Dissociative Disorders Link

Belinda- The Strong Assertive Persona

This female persona came about and was "born" through the judgement and ignorance of others where I lived, although my verbal skills weren't very good and people where blaming my parents for my behaviour on their behaviour as parents, and the school was very concerned about me.

When my skills persisted and progressed the first word weren't be me, but her she was directive, to the point and would fight for me she was on my side, in world where nobody was on my side nor my parents. I often refer to "Belinda" as the "Guardian Persona " or "The Keeper of the Gates".

She is strong and assertive, she gets things done, she like problems resolved and also likes to help others in need, some of these traits are from the "core self", but the person she is based on is my Mum hence the picture to your left.

Peter- The Passive Introverted Persona

This male persona was based very much on the passivity of both my Grandfather and Father both whom have had issues with dealing and managing issues in a similar ways. It was at this time at CAMHS, this alter was evading and would not be able to accept help with issues and would presume, respond and act like everything was ok.

This alter is shy and retreating doesn’t open up to people easily (as opposed to the confidence and drive "Belinda"), this would cause problems with understanding on both sides during my time at CAMHS in late childhood, they didn't recognise the Autism nor were they recognising that as coping mechanism for the situations that I was dissociating.

The picture on the left is of my Grandfather in late childhood, he is about 10 years old. Many of the personality traits of "Peter" come from him and how he dealt with problems.

Mr. G - The "Child/Elfin” Persona

“Mr G” is a child/elfin persona which was created very early through observations and just looking at my surroundings during the time between early and late childhood.

“Mr G” became very prominent as a coping mechanism for the bullying in the workplace during my first job at the age of 16. He has many traits which are to do with being free and expressive, he likes to copy in an echolalic and echopraxic fashion and enjoys "silly" humour and have fun. He is an expression of many things. The other two personas do have very strong characteristics but perhaps “Mr.G’s” sense of being and why is the most poignant.