Hi NAS66141 - I received a diagnosis last month aged 51. With 30 years of treatment for depression (a symptom and not the cause) along with a period of misdiagnosis as bipolar, it was kind of a relief. Last year I went to my GP thinking ADHD may be the underlying cause but she referred me to the local autism services department, something I'd never considered myself. During the process (written questionnaire as well as an assessment and 'informant' testimonials) I came to see the truth. Given the diagnosis the same day, my initial thought was 'what a waste of thirty years', but I quickly turned that around and thought, 'well, at least I know what I'm working with now' and as a result, I hope the future will be less chaotic. Moving forwards I hope that understanding myself better will help me make better decisions. I'm still the same person full of anxiety and social angst with a long history of failed jobs and relationships - but understanding 'why' may allow me to find my fit in the world instead of struggling to stuff a square peg in a round hole. I hope you can come to see your diagnosis as a positive event.
Hi NAS66141 - I received a diagnosis last month aged 51. With 30 years of treatment for depression (a symptom and not the cause) along with a period of misdiagnosis as bipolar, it was kind of a relief. Last year I went to my GP thinking ADHD may be the underlying cause but she referred me to the local autism services department, something I'd never considered myself. During the process (written questionnaire as well as an assessment and 'informant' testimonials) I came to see the truth. Given the diagnosis the same day, my initial thought was 'what a waste of thirty years', but I quickly turned that around and thought, 'well, at least I know what I'm working with now' and as a result, I hope the future will be less chaotic. Moving forwards I hope that understanding myself better will help me make better decisions. I'm still the same person full of anxiety and social angst with a long history of failed jobs and relationships - but understanding 'why' may allow me to find my fit in the world instead of struggling to stuff a square peg in a round hole. I hope you can come to see your diagnosis as a positive event.
