Adult Diagnosis based off psychological report from childhood

Certainly no support at all is possible where I live, so I have to find my own. Using this forum would be an example of that. But I'm also noting that there are quite a few support groups in the UK where people of all ages and experiences seem to enjoy and thrive from each other's company. As for being diagnosed "not autistic", I prepared myself for that prospect with the thought that well if it isn't autism, it's still likely to be something significantly close to deserve a similar approach. My diagnosis could, of course, change in future. Well, perhaps a new diagnosis might actually be more constructive. But I probably would not go out of my way to seek a rediagnosis/new diagnosis, because I obviously do still have a condition that has a very similar life impact to autism. But I would consider something like brain-scanning or DNA testing that might clarify a few things; even if they might change my current status. I would actually like to be a research volunteer, as I would definitely enjoy knowing more about how things work. And I like the idea of sharing experience.  Part of the reason for being somewhat blase about my diagnosis is that I am living totally out of the NHS system, and so do not have to worry at all about GPs and specialists who feel they want to put my medical records straight. So the thought that someone could live with self-identification alone is a completely acceptable one for me. I too debated not bothering with a diagnosis, though don't really regret it, but also know - even now - that I could live without it.

Hi Sarah and welcome. I'm an older woman and I realised I was on the spectrum a few years ago, in my mid 50s. I met my partner when I was in my late teens and he is the only person I've ever felt totally comfortable being with - that feeling of being totally yourself and with no need to chat unless you want to, but knowing someone is there if you need them. I remember him commenting some years back that I behaved differently when we were with other people than when we were alone - I hadn't realised that I was adapting my behaviour to the situation. I also didn't notice until after I found out I was AS that we have conversations with little eye  contact -- maybe that's why we feel comfortable together. He didn't want to do the AQ50 but one day I read the questions out to him and scored his answers, and he got a "likely autistic"  score too, so that would explain our deep connection.

I haven't had a "formal" diagnosis, because a) my GP told me I wouldn't get any support, b) I've read reports of the diagnosis process and found it offputting and c) I was concerned I might get diagnosed as "not autistic"  because I can mask well. I read everything I could find on the internet about Autism, particularly in relation to women, and a few books have helped me too. I realised that nothing would change what I am, and I've used the information to help me cope better with life. I'm sure you will be a successful Aspie, diagnosed or not. 

Diagnosed at 61, 2 years ago, I don't live in the UK anymore. I began to figure it out for myself alone at 59, but couldn't find anyone remotely interested in helping me in the country where I now live. As I have little intention of living again in the UK. I started to look into other countries. I was very gladly offered an assessment by Tony Atwood's clinic in Brisbane, but I eventually elected to get a private diagnosis in the UK, because the NHS no longer has any idea that i exist. Although to be fair, the NHS records office told me where my records could be traced, and helpfully said they could be made accessible on request. But I never got around to that because I decided a rural doctor in the UK in the 50s would probably have very little to say except to mention a near fatal metabolic disorder at about 3. I was born at home, so there probably wouldn't be any record of that either. So I took a look at the clinician's pre-assessment questionnaire and pieced together my own recollections and those of an older relative. That evidence was actually quite strong. I only had to wait a few weeks for an appointment after the initial request. The clinician was impressed with my lengthy answers to the questionnaire, saying this was just what was needed to get the assessment started.  I took several weeks to write it, making notes whenever something apparently relevant came to mind. And it all flowed out, and even continues to flow out to this day; despite the fact that on just about any given day i'm still cycling between scepticism and quite full acceptance. The problem in many ways since has been that still almost no one is really interested, and frankly there isn't a lot they could do anyway. Somewhere along the line I realised that things had gone undetected because I have been adapting whereever I could most of my life. And I continue to adapt, by finding quite practical personal self-help solutions to the co-morbidities. (We really should think of a less morbid term for those! ;-)

One can certainly relate to your feelings of how you are currently with your friends. You will probably find it gets a bit easier, if you get an assessment. At 22, I have a feeling that you will deal with things well. You and your family should be able to provide plenty of good evidence, your medical record will be much more accessible than mine, and will probably be a lot more detailed because you were born at a time when the spectrum was obviously already known about. So it probably won't be too difficult, but you will probably be on a waiting list for some months.

Hi Sarah

I was diagnosed at 42.

It's a double edged sword - it can help you in the workplace for adjustments to make you more able to cope with the environment but it can also be a label that puts people off.    It might unlock social services support for you whick may help if things get rocky for you in the future.

The problem is it can take around 2 years for a diagnosis - unless all your old medical history allows you to fast-track through the NHS system.

The company I worked for had medical insurance that paid for a private diagnosis for me - from it being suggested that I had all the traits to finding the top consultant to getting a referral to a full diagnosis was only a few weeks - but it's expensive.