Age and the practicality of seeking an assessment/diagnosis

I'm really glad I went for my diagnosis, and got it at 56.  It was the validation I needed.  My life made sense to me from that moment.  I knew I was on the spectrum, of course - but I wanted it acknowledged.  I wanted it on paper.  Incontrovertible.  My mental health, always precarious, has improved because of it.  Because no longer do I have to make excuses for not being like everyone else.

I'm really glad I went for my diagnosis, and got it at 56.  It was the validation I needed.  My life made sense to me from that moment.  I knew I was on the spectrum, of course - but I wanted it acknowledged.  I wanted it on paper.  Incontrovertible.  My mental health, always precarious, has improved because of it.  Because no longer do I have to make excuses for not being like everyone else.

I fully believe that I have Autism-even though I am waiting for the doctor to organise a proper diagnosis. 

Everything -to a greater or lesser degree that I have read here about the Autistic life experience fits in with my own

experience. I am 59 and feel that in many ways it is simply too late to work at but I would benefit enormously by having a

confirmation from the professionals, if nothing else, I am constantly attacking myself for my failings and mistakes and the

confirmation that perhaps not Every single screw-up could be laid at my feet because of my own laziness, stupidity or

ineptitude would be a welcome development.