Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi I am Rob and I am 50 and think I am autistic and was wondering about getting a diagnosis. I have booked a GP's appointment to start the process. On the A50 test I got 40 so there is a good prospect of me being diagnosed. I must admit the older I get the more mental issues I come up againt.
I have some very strong indicators, particually perfering things to people and being odsessive about those things. I am an obsessive plane spotter and would rather spend a week doing that than going on holiday with my wife. I didn't have children by choice because I knew I would not cope.Yet some traits I do not have, like I always get jokes and sarcasam.
I have a wife of 15 years and have always had a job. Although god knows how I have been married that long. I now get why my wife says that I say things in a wrong, or upsetting, way, to me I am just saying something, but not in a certian way. I think getting a diagnosis would give me some closure on why I am like I am.
Would be interested to know about your NHS diagnosis experiences
Rob
I started the process about a year back. I also picked up a cancellation, before Christmas. Had my first interview/assessment and felt it went ok. i was really honest about things. Had my second appointment this morning. I do have Aspergers although it is now just ASD for diagnostic purposes. What they aren't sure of is whether I have ADHD too. I have a followup appointment to explore that which should come through in a couple of weeks.
The process was neither hard nor easy. Just be honest with them and think a llot about your childhood prior to the interview. Maybe write down things you remember from it.
I'm not sure how I should feel about the diagnosis. So dont expect getting one to actually offer you anything besides a yes and the ability to get your employer to cut you some slack occasionally.
Thanks for all the encourgament and info. Going to the doctors on Friday so will report back after then.