Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello,
My name is Kyle and I'm 32 years old. I am not diagnosed with autism or Asperger's, but I believe I have It or possibly something closely connected to it. My biggest problem is socialising, I can write to my hearts content in a message conversation but when it comes to physically being around someone to talk to I hardly say a word, and I'm not a very confident person either so it has taken a lot to even come on here and write this message. I tried getting diagnosed through the NHS, and was told by the nurse it was worth getting diagnosed. but nearly 7 months later there is nothing, I got in contact with her again about 3 months later and said her organisation couldn't help and she would get in contact with a couple of others that could, but once again I never heard anything. I tried contacting her for a third time but I can't get through to her, it's like she's intentionally ignoring me, along with the fact my girlfriend left me yesterday after just over a year. all that combined has left me feeling alone and trapped because I have no friends and no one to talk to. Is there anyone that could spare an hour or two of their day to talk to me through out the week?
Is it worth going for a private diagnosis? I work full time for an agency so I could afford it and because of my situation I'm desperate to just be around people like me. I do have a social group for my area but they are in different places all the time and one is in a pub, and I don't like loud places so I'm very reluctant to go.
Welcome to the forum. You are in the right place to get to connect with other autistic people. Hopefully, you'll find new friends and enjoy your stay here. I am sorry to hear that you are having a difficult time. I had very difficult patches in the past. Your experience is similar to many people on the spectrum.
Have you been referred by your GP formally? I am wondering whether going to your GP with a list of your 'symptoms' for each of the three autism diagnostic criteria, and your recent worries and feelings would help to speed up the diagnosis. The wait could be more than 2 years in some parts of the country, but the GP has a role to play in speeding it up. It wouldn't hurt to relaunch it with the GP even if they already referred you, keep pestering them.
The private dx is worthwhile if you can afford it. It depends how important the certainty and closure are for you, and whether it could help addressing your anxiety. I have a history of depression and knowing my dx helped my to analyse my anxieties and emotional problems with the right 'key'.
On the social side, have browsed the forum? You might find some conversations that could cheer you up :)
Thank you for the welcome. I did get referred by my GP with a list and she didn't really have a clue about where to refer me, it was only because it said where to on the list I gave her. so I'm wondering whether I should try and find a doctor with experience in diagnosing the condition?
I'm sorry to hear about your past, I hope you are better now :)
well I want to use the private as a last resort really, so I want to try everything I can first.
I'll have a look on the forum and see if I feel like chipping in, but that's always been difficult for me. I want to try though.