• Replies 7 replies
  • Subscribers 82 subscribers
  • Views 1998 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Unsure If I Have Asperger's or Just Anxiety

NAS62412

Hi all.

I have an appointment with a doctor tomorrow because my situation is causing me great distress. I have problems with anxiety, namely OCD, but I am finding it increasingly difficult to speak to people. Since a young age I have been incredibly quiet and I can often sit silent if there are people there I don't know. I used to do this a lot as a child and a teen but have tried to force myself out of this although it's tiring and extremely difficult, it feels forced.

I have always had very few friends but over the past few years I have none anymore and I am unable to make new friends. I make people feel awkward and I have no idea why, I am unable to make conversation or keep it flowing and if I'm honest, I'd much rather just sit on my own quietly but that isn't acceptable in society it seems. People always tell me how I'm very methodical, analytical and have to keep to structure. I have issues deviating from a schedule or how I perceive something should be followed. I'm extremely anxious all of the time and this is affecting my life incredibly.

I have never approached a doctor about my suspicions relating to Asperger's as I'm not too sure if it actually is Asperger's or possibly just an anxiety issue. 

Can anyone shed any light on this at all? Are there symptoms or traits I should consider before I bring this up to my doctor? My job is extremely social and this is causing me severe concern as it is detrimental to my role.

Thank you.

Parents

  • So I went to the GP and she told me, literally in her words, "you're too old to be diagnosed with Asperger's, people are usually diagnosed when they are six".

    She couldn't even direct me to anyone who could help.

    She said my issues are likely due to anxiety and OCD because of my age. Not really sure where I go from here.

  • in reply to NAS62412

    Your GP sounds ridiculous. Also, she must have been living under a rock if she hasn't heard all the news stories and statistics about undiagnosed adults (particularly women).

    I didn't get help from my GP either (he falsely told me there were no autism services in my area), so I self-referred to my local NHS mental health service (you can usually do this online). I requested a face-to-face appointment with a mental health assessor and he was the one who actually referred me for an autism diagnosis, even though it's not a mental health condition. He got me help with my anxiety and OCD, in addition to building and submitting a case for an autism referral. If you can go down this route, I'd really recommend giving it a try.

Reply
  • in reply to NAS62412

    Your GP sounds ridiculous. Also, she must have been living under a rock if she hasn't heard all the news stories and statistics about undiagnosed adults (particularly women).

    I didn't get help from my GP either (he falsely told me there were no autism services in my area), so I self-referred to my local NHS mental health service (you can usually do this online). I requested a face-to-face appointment with a mental health assessor and he was the one who actually referred me for an autism diagnosis, even though it's not a mental health condition. He got me help with my anxiety and OCD, in addition to building and submitting a case for an autism referral. If you can go down this route, I'd really recommend giving it a try.

Children
No Data