Getting tested / Just a label

Do you have anything on your medical records about your depression and anxiety? I got referred through my local mental health team, but a friend of mine went to his GP. I prepared for the appointment I had with my RMN by printing out an article about Aspergers and also printing out my results from a couple of online tests. One of the tests you can access online is very similar to the one they use during diagnosis: the AQ - if your score is 32 or more, then the recommendation is that you get properly tested. I was diagnosed at the age of 44 and I found it incredibly helpful in terms of learning to manage my depression and anxiety differently. I've learned so much about my triggers just through having a different lense through which to view my reactions, so I'd definitely encourage you to go back to the GP armed with the above and insist on a referral. You've waited 48 years, so what about waiting list?! You can wait a bit longer, it would be worth it. A good example is that I have a very stressful job. I used to suffer terrible headaches after meetings and assumed it was due to the stressful situation, but once I had the diagnosis and started to notice and take seriously my sensory sensitivities, I noticed that the lights in meeting rooms are usually way too bright for me. I started experimenting with either turning the lights off (when reasonable) or wearing sunglasses to meetings (I just explained that I was light sensitive and would probably get a headache otherwise), I even got some sunglasses cheaply online that are similar to my normal glasses so I didn't feel so silly. Anyway, that's it, result is the complete end to 2 to 3 day severe headaches! Good luck

Do you have anything on your medical records about your depression and anxiety? I got referred through my local mental health team, but a friend of mine went to his GP. I prepared for the appointment I had with my RMN by printing out an article about Aspergers and also printing out my results from a couple of online tests. One of the tests you can access online is very similar to the one they use during diagnosis: the AQ - if your score is 32 or more, then the recommendation is that you get properly tested. I was diagnosed at the age of 44 and I found it incredibly helpful in terms of learning to manage my depression and anxiety differently. I've learned so much about my triggers just through having a different lense through which to view my reactions, so I'd definitely encourage you to go back to the GP armed with the above and insist on a referral. You've waited 48 years, so what about waiting list?! You can wait a bit longer, it would be worth it. A good example is that I have a very stressful job. I used to suffer terrible headaches after meetings and assumed it was due to the stressful situation, but once I had the diagnosis and started to notice and take seriously my sensory sensitivities, I noticed that the lights in meeting rooms are usually way too bright for me. I started experimenting with either turning the lights off (when reasonable) or wearing sunglasses to meetings (I just explained that I was light sensitive and would probably get a headache otherwise), I even got some sunglasses cheaply online that are similar to my normal glasses so I didn't feel so silly. Anyway, that's it, result is the complete end to 2 to 3 day severe headaches! Good luck

The other thing I meant to add is that prior to understanding about the light sensitivity, I assumed the headaches were due to the stress of the job which lead to me feeling shame, embarrassment, low self esteem and anxiety. Once I experimented with asking for lights to be turned off and wearing sunglasses to meetings (I just said I was light sensitive, after the first couple of times no one noticed), taking more breaks when in bright rooms and just leaving early if I felt a headache coming on, I realised that I was competent and could manage the stress of the job perfectly well in fact. It also means that if there are office changes afoot, I can ask for reasonable adjustments to be considered for me which are actually very small and low cost in practise but can make a huge difference. For instance, I cannot cope when there is no natural light so I could ask for an office with windows. I also find it helpful to visit places in advance so I can mentally prepare myself, and positioning in a room is quite important so I don't end up jumping in fright every time  someone comes in (I can't help it, I'm very jumpy and this is part of my difference). It's about having different wiring, and having rights under the Equality Act. Go for it I say