Adult with possible undiagnosed autism

I am over fifty, just wondering if it is worth pursuing a diagnosis or a waste of time. I have worked in Education for a long time and always suspected that I have traits.

Since childhood, I have always struggled with social situations, avoiding them whenever possible. Always used to be possessive about friends, couldn’t cope with friends from one part of my life meeting friends from another part.

Always been at peace only when alone. Hate changes of routine. Struggle with relationships, find loss of space very difficult. Had a few periods of depression, usually when in long term relationships, even if happy.

Have worked all my life, but found it exceptionaly exhausting, particularly when living with others. When I lived alone and came home from work to complete peace, I coped. Whenever I have lived with a long term partner ( hardlyy ever), I experience stress if don’t get some time alone at home. Recently, with age as well as this, I have had work difficulties and had to leave my long-term career for much less secure employment.

I get totally exhausted if anything changes e.g. if I cannot use my usual routes. Also, if things get moved in the home. On moving house, it has always taken me 4-5 years to settle in. I do have an amazing talent for remembering certain things...faces, car number plates, phone numbers. I can recognise people I haven’t seen since childhood. Also, have recognised strangers from a meal in a restaurant a long time afterwards etc...I can remember all the car number plates from my parents and my cars over the years for no,apparent reason.

I score 37 on an online AQ.

Parents
  • Hi there,

    Well... all I can say is that I was nodding along to just about everything you mentioned there.  I spent many years wondering what on earth was wrong with me for the very reasons you state: relationships, friendships, routines, anxiety, etc. In my early 30s, things caught up with me and I started to add depressions to my list of issues.  I couldn't pinpoint particular reasons for it and spent many years being pushed from pillar to post in mental health services.  I was given medication and put on courses of CBT.  I was told to give up drinking (which I didn't do heavily, anyway).  None of it helped.

    In my early 50s, I had a colossal breakdown as the result of work-related stress and the failure of yet another relationship.  I was suicidal, and was lucky to come through it.  Then started a prolonged period of seeing a therapist, who finally saw what she thought were signs of ASC.  I took the AQ and scored highly, too.  When I read up on ASC, it was like a light-bulb coming on in my head.  I decided then and there to go for diagnosis.  I needed the confirmation.

    Unfortunately, my GP first referred me back to mental health services again.  There, I was met with incredulity.  I was told by a psych that I couldn't be autistic because I didn't flap my hands or rock in my chair!  I was sent away, feeling like a fool.  Fortunately, my therapist persevered and insisted that I be referred directly to specialist autism services.  I was... and just over two years later, aged 56, I had my diagnosis.  I have to say it was worth the wait, and has been very worth having.  I'd recommend it to anyone who seeks the kind of confirmation and validation I sought.  Sure, it can be double-edged.  I makes one reflect on how much differently life might have turned out if it was diagnosed before.  But at least now, I no longer feel like a failure - like someone who is thick, or simply not trying hard enough.  I know the answers to the many questions my life has raised.  I can mention it in the workplace, too, and expect to get reasonable adjustments made to suit me.

    I mention the detail about events prior to my diagnosis just to let you know that if you do decide to go down that route, be prepared that it might not be straightforward.  You may, too, be either rebuffed, or referred to MH services first.  And you may not (although it's not always the case) get anywhere that way.  You need to persevere, though - and to insist on seeing the right people.

    If you want any further info, take a look here:

    All about diagnosis

    Good luck,

    Tom

  • Thanks Tom, it is good to hear from one who has been in the similar situation. Interesting you have the word ‘martian’ in your online name, as I always felt like just that...believing I wasn’t like other people.

  • Yeah.  David Bowie's 'Space Oddity' was an inspiration there.  My middle name is Thomas, and my surname sounds a little like 'Martian'.  I was called 'Martian' a lot at school.  I'm currently writing a book about my experiences of growing up with undiagnosed autism.  Working title: 'A Martian In The Closet'. Slight smile

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  • Yeah.  David Bowie's 'Space Oddity' was an inspiration there.  My middle name is Thomas, and my surname sounds a little like 'Martian'.  I was called 'Martian' a lot at school.  I'm currently writing a book about my experiences of growing up with undiagnosed autism.  Working title: 'A Martian In The Closet'. Slight smile

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