Autism diagnosis

Over a year ago, I was diagnosed by a psychiatrist who told me I'm autistic. He gave me an ebook with some explanations and said I was on the autism spectrum.

I hadn't gone in looking for a diagnosis, I didn't suspect a thing, and it took me by surprise. My sister came with me; she didn't judge and was kind and neutral about it.

I got home and told my mother. She told me I wasn't autistic and that the doctor was wrong. She seemed very worried, and then she said something harsh: "Don't start acting autistic now." I wasn't even saying or doing anything different.

I still didn't know what to think.

I called my best friend, and then another friend I trusted. Both said I wasn't autistic, and both said it was because I have empathy.

Without passing judgment, I told my doctor about this at my next appointment. He said that was part of the spectrum and that he couldn't help me because autism doesn't go away, ​that I needed to go to therapy. I haven't received professional care since then.

I don't use the "autistic" label, nor is it something I talk about with anyone anymore. I figure if I am, who cares more about it than I do?

I decided to check out this subreddit because it popped up on my home page, so I decided to write this, though I've asked other questions here before.

I guess I just wanted to vent. Sometimes it's confusing, but I try not to overthink it and just keep moving forward.