Am I autistic?

I am embarrassed to say that I do not remember my last dentist appointment. I know it was right before I had kids. My children are now ages 10 and 11! My 11 year old loves the dentist and goes faithfully. My younger one Crew, who is autistic, is a whole other story. He is afraid, distrusting and hates every part of going to the dentist. Crew is too smart for the bribing and promises. There isn't a video or game in the world that is worth going to the dentist for. After all the sweating and crying (by all), our family decides Crew needs to have an appointment at a hospital in order to get put to sleep to receive a year's worth of dental work in two hours.

Meanwhile, my husband recently made me an appointment with his lifelong dentist. He is actually thinking he is helping me. Obviously we have different ideas of helping. Doing the laundry, cooking, cleaning…that's helping. Making a dentist appointment is not at the top of my list. This dentist appointment has become a joke with all of my friends. I think they've even wagered on whether I would go to the appointment or not. Trust me, as the day approached, I would have canceled the appointment if my husband had not been driving me. Isn't he sweet?

The morning of the big day, I was on the phone with my girlfriend complaining when I giggled aloud and said to her, “Maybe I am autistic! I am afraid just like Crew.” I started thinking about all of our similarities. I mean I have great eye contact, my language is fine, I do like social settings, but in terms of the real nitty gritty of autism we are similar. Because I feel compelled to be in control of everything, I am afraid of planes, elevators, roller coasters and the like. Sensory wise, I think I am okay. But I would be lying if certain tags and clothing didn't bother me. Could it be that we all have a little autism in us?